The Island’s MP Andrew Turner this week has co-sponsored a Bill in support of the Union Flag, commonly known as the Union Jack.
The Bill aims to make it easier for public buildings, businesses and even private residences to fly the Union flag in order to help foster a real sense of nationhood across the UK.

Mr Turner said:

“One of the reasons for this Bill is to reclaim the Union flag from those who would use it for narrow extreme political ends, and from those who ridicule our flag on grounds of political correctness or for their own nationalist ambitions. The Government talks about fostering a sense of citizenship. Well what better way to do it than by encouraging the use of our national flag.”

The first Union flag was adopted by royal proclamation by King James on 12 April 1606. It combined the flag of the cross of St. Andrew for Scotland, and the flag of the cross of St. George for England. It was principally for use at sea. After the Acts of Union 1707, the flag gained a regularised status, as "the ensign armorial” of the Kingdom of Great Britain. The Union with Ireland in 1801 brought the cross of St. Patrick into the flag. The result was the modern Union flag established by royal proclamation by King George III on 1 January 1801.

END Contact : Andrew Turner’s office 01983 530808