Florian Philippot, an MEP and founder of The Patriots party, welcomed the move and urged France to show “the same national pride”. Under the new guidance, the Union flag is to be flown on UK Government buildings every day in a bid to unite the nation. Ministers said the changes would be a “proud reminder of our history and the ties that bind us”.
Mr Philippot said: “The British flag will now fly permanently on all official buildings in the country!
“The country comes back to life with Brexit while we fade away with the EU.
“Let’s show the same national pride! Frexit quickly!”
Housing, Communities and Local Government Secretary Robert Jenrick has written to all councils in England in a bid to encourage them to fly the flag on their buildings.
The move will also allow dual flagging – where two flags can be flown on one pole.
It will not affect buildings in Northern Ireland, where Union flag flying is covered by separate legislation.
Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said: “The Union flag unites us as a nation and people rightly expect it to be flown above UK Government buildings.
“This guidance will ensure that happens every day, unless another flag is being flown, as a proud reminder of our history and the ties that bind us.”
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Mr Jenrick said: “Our nation’s flag is a symbol of liberty, unity and freedom that creates a shared sense of civic pride.
“People rightly expect to see the Union flag flying high on civic and Government buildings up and down the country, as a sign of our local and national identity.
“That’s why I am calling on all local councils to fly the Union flag on their buildings – and today’s guidance will enable them to do that. “
Asked if the Union flag should be more prominent around Wales, Welsh Secretary Simon Hart said: “I think the Union flag is an iconic brand.
“I don’t think we should ever use it for political purposes, though.
“I think that would be a strange thing to do, sort of try and make a political point out of it.
“It is the flag in the UK. I think it’s recognised across the world as such and respected across the world as such, just as the Welsh flag is probably as prominent and as a relevant brand in itself.
“I’ve never thought of flags being part of political weaponry, I don’t think they should be. My view about the union is it isn’t a political party, and we shouldn’t politicise the union.”
