Latest news with #flagpolicy
CTV News
28-07-2025
- Politics
- CTV News
Windsor city council passes new flag policy
Windsor city council has passed a revised flag policy for the ceremonial pole outside City Hall. The new rules defer largely to federal and provincial recognition. Going forward, flag-raising requests will only be approved if they are either tied to a recognized national or provincial day of awareness — or if the organization has a direct partnership or funding relationship with the City of Windsor. Staff say the changes are meant to provide clarity and consistency, while reducing the administrative burden of reviewing individual requests. Councillors Kieran McKenzie, Fred Francis, and Angelo Marignani voted against the policy. More to come.
BBC News
18-07-2025
- Politics
- BBC News
Opposition attacks Reform-led Lancashire council's new flag policy
A council has voted through changes that mean a number of flags, including the Pride flag, will no longer be flown over Lancashire County Council voted to restrict those flown to national, county, royal, military and commonwealth flags only in a debate at County Hall in Preston. The ruling Reform UK group told a meeting on Thursday that flags are a way of promoting shared identity and "individual political causes should not take precedence".But Independent county councillor Michael Lavalette accused the party of "trying to divide our community". Reform UK took charge of the council in 2025, and cabinet member for education and skills Matthew Salter said the flag policy was a matter of promoting "shared identity".He said: "We are all Lancastrians – whatever our particular characteristics, whatever someone's sexuality, ethnic background, religion – whatever else is true of us as individuals."We can all come together to celebrate Lancashire and to celebrate the flags of our nation." 'Posture politics' Reform councillor Joshua Roberts, who put the motion forward, said: "Inclusivity isn't measured by the number of flags flown, it's reflected in our policies, services and engagement. "The flag policy is about civic neutrality and unity – not exclusion."Currently the flag of England, the St. George's Cross, the Commonwealth flag, Armed Forces flag and Merchant Navy red ensign all fly over council buildings on or around the individual national days dedicated to those places and Pride flag is flown on the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia on 17 Lavalette said the leading Reform group was "engaging in posture politics".He said: "You're talking to an audience out there that you think want to hear about flags and the range of flags that people fly when actually they don't."Leader of the opposition group, Independent councillor Azhar Ali, said "the list goes on and on" when considering other issues the authority should be looking at, including "the financial position, treasury management, SEND, adult social care, working with the ICB, potholes"."The first opportunity for Reform to put forward some motions, and it's flags," he said. "You shame yourself and you shame this county and you haven't even got the guts to say 'I don't believe in that flag'," Liberal Democrat councillor, John Potter, told the meeting."You're supposed to be the free speech warriors talking truth to power, yet you try this nonsense."Roberts said the council "continues to support diverse communities through funding, outreach and representation"."This policy simply ensures that public buildings reflect shared civic identity, celebrating our local and national identity and acknowledging the important role…our armed forces play in the safety of our country," he final decision will be taken by cabinet at a later date after the motion was passed by a majority, with all opposition groups voting against it. Listen to the best of BBC Radio Lancashire on Sounds and follow BBC Lancashire on Facebook, X and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.
BBC News
27-06-2025
- Politics
- BBC News
West Northamptonshire Council votes through new flag protocol
A council has approved a "divisive" policy change which will mean it no longer fly an LGBTQ+ rainbow flag from any of its newly elected Reform UK administration on West Northamptonshire Council made changes to the local authority's flag protocol after coming to power last month, and it was formally passed on leader Mark Arnull said its "revised approach ensures consistent and respectful use of public buildings."But Conservative councillor David Smith called on the authority to "think again" on the protocol, which dictates that only the union jack, St George's flag and council flag will be flown outside its buildings. The administration previously said it remained "committed to supporting community-led events and activities", including Pride, despite the change of Thursday's full council meeting at the Guildhall in Northampton, 40 ward councillors voted in favour of the new policy and 26 against it, while one councillor the new flag protocol, the council said additional flags would be flown on specified dates for royal or national is flying flags this week to mark Armed Forces Day, but no flag has been flown to reflect this month's international Pride month, as has been the case in previous years. Speaking before the vote, Arnull said: "The administration maintains our support for community-led events and inclusive engagement across West Northamptonshire, and I state for the record this administration supports all community groups everywhere."However, the move was heavily criticised by opposition parties on the councillor Smith said the Reform administration had "no manifesto" and "no strategic vision". He added: "Your only notable initiative is a divisive flag policy that sidelines symbols of inclusion and unity. [It] is shameful you doing this, you should think again. Understand the community you now represent, and do the right thing and actually vote against this."Labour councillor Zoe Smith, who attended the meeting in a rainbow-themed dress, said: "Our community, my community, will not be erased by a flag protocol, but it does diminish dignity and civic responsibility of this council and the way we represent all our people to remove respect for the LGBT community and others." 'Heartbroken' The enforcement of the policy means that no flag will be flown for a number of events, as in previous Cole, the co-founder of the Northampton Windrush Generation organisation, said his group was "heartbroken" by the policy added: "This decision is not only unjust but strikes at the heart of our values. As a society that celebrates diversity, inclusion and the rich tapestry of cultures that define us. "The Windrush generation has long stood as a symbol of resilience, unity, multi-culturalism, the very essence of British identity. Raising global flags is more than a symbolic act. "It is a statement of solidarity recognition and respect for the communities that have contributed to the vibrancy of this nation." Follow Northamptonshire news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
BBC News
25-06-2025
- Politics
- BBC News
Reform council told to reconsider 'grey areas' in flag policy
Reform has been told to reconsider "grey areas" in a decision to scrap Leicestershire County Council's flag flying party discontinued a previously agreed schedule of flags due to be displayed outside County Hall in Glenfield in its first cabinet meeting on 12 June, which included those to mark LGBTQ+ Pride Month, Windrush Day and matter has now been referred back to the cabinet after the council's scrutiny commission said the council should specify which flags will be flown on the fourth pole in the matter will be discussed again by the council's cabinet within 10 working days. Under the rules previously approved by the cabinet, the Union flag and the county council's own flag would fly permanently on two of the three flagpoles outside County Hall, the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) said. The St George's flag would fly from the third pole, unless it was replaced with the Lord Lieutenant's flag when they were in the building.A fourth flagpole in County Hall's quadrangle could be used to mark events such as Armed Forces Day, Commonwealth Day and Armistice Day, the LDRS added. Decisions on flying all other flags would be delegated to council chief executive John Sinnott after discussion with council leader Dan Harrison, under the policy. In a meeting on Tuesday, chair of the scrutiny commission, Conservative councillor Deborah Taylor, said the agreed protocol gives "much too grey an area" and should specify which flags will be flown on the fourth pole in the quadrangle."It needs to be really, really clear, so there are no grey areas," Taylor added. Taylor said decisions in relation to requests to fly other flags should only be delegated to the leader and chief executive in "in exceptional circumstances". At the meeting, deputy leader of the Reform group, Joseph Boam, said the Union flag is the "most inclusive flag".Boam added: "We are inclusive, which is why we will fly the Union flag, which represents everyone in this county and country regardless of sexuality, gender or race. I feel it's that simple."The decision has come after 102 social workers at the council signed a letter to the new Reform UK cabinet stating they felt flying community flags was a "vitally-important" symbol from the council that it was "supportive of marginalised groups".The letter continued: "Removing these flags promotes exclusion and marginalisation – it implies people represented by those flags are not told the scrutiny commission he "had not had the chance" to meet with social workers to discuss the flag policy following the added: "I will make the effort to reach out after this."
BBC News
18-06-2025
- Politics
- BBC News
Row over Reform council's new 'British values' flag rules
Reform's decision to scrap Leicestershire County Council's flag flying policy has been formally challenged by opposition party approved the move during its first cabinet meeting on 12 June, discontinuing a previously agreed schedule of flags to be displayed outside County Hall in Glenfield, including those to mark LGBTQ+ Pride Month, Windrush Day and Reform council leader Dan Harrison said the changes to the protocol were "to celebrate British values that unite us all".However, opposition leaders have called the decision in for further scrutiny, saying they did not believe it had been "thought through properly". Under the new rules, Harrison said the union jack flag and the county council's own flag would fly permanently on two of the three flagpoles outside County St George's flag would fly from the third pole, he said, unless it was replaced with the Lord Lieutenant's flag when they were in the building.A fourth flagpole in County Hall's quadrangle could be used to mark events such as Armed Forces Day, Commonwealth Day and Armistice on flying all other flags are to be delegated to council chief executive John Sinnott after discussion with Harrison. The decision prompted a joint letter from representatives of LGBTQ+, disabled and BAME staff who said they had not been properly consulted on the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) said the decision will be subject to further debate on Tuesday.A call-in announcement, signed by Conservative Deborah Taylor, Liberal Democrat Michael Mullaney, Labour's Jewel Miah and Naomi Bottomley for the Green Party, said the decision was "not clear".According to the LDRS, it states: "It cannot be left to a weekly decision. Neither can the staff be left without any clear direction."This decision was weakened by the current positive position of our approved flag flying policy."Harrison previously told the LDRS that staff were "protected by law" and said they "could always" fly flags at home."I will meet with their groups and assure them that their health, their safety, the [working] environment will be safe," he added."Nobody would ever disrespect anybody because there's a law to protect them, and we as a county council will guide the way to protect these people."
