The positive component of Brown's legacy

J H Holloway

Funny. Was driving around there on Sunday evening (while the wife watched Top Gear) and had exactly the same thoughts.

It would look bare if they were hauled down again.

There again, if Scotland splits, will we have to design a new flag?

Wadi Amin

"I doubt that any government will reverse this move—there’s too much risk of negative publicity"

You assume that all future governments will give much of a toss about negative publicity.

Tom Willis

So we have become more like America? Probably good for us. I haved always wondered, though, what makes a nation keen to fly its flag gratuitously? Lack of confidence in its unity? Lack of belief that people know where they are?

And in 2012, will it still be the Union Jack flying in Whitehall, or something with the Saltire ripped out of it?

Nicholas

Bit ironic though that the leader of a party that has done so much to undermine the Union should be so keen to fly its flag.

Pete

How long before it is the European flag?

Clive

And in Scotland?

molesworth 1

So Brown's lasting legacy will be one solely of image & not substance. Welcome to the era of post-spin government. Or not.

David

To be fair, he only did it as part of his 'I'm British, honest' phase. It's a good idea brought about by a manipulative intention.

Chuck Unsworth

You really do need to take a closer look at those flags in Whitehall. Most of those flown on Government Departments will be upside-down - the sign that they are in deep trouble...

TrevorH

Go to Edinburgh and you will see endless Saltires.

Thats why Brown is mad keen on the Union Flag. To make England forget its governed by Scots.

He would not be so keen to see London covered in the Cross of St George.

So quite frankly your admiration is wildly misplaced

Nick Kaplan

James; I think you mean Union Flag (not Jack), unless Whitehall is secretly a very cleverly disguised fleet of ships.

alastair

Nick,

Incorrect I'm afraid:
"It is often stated that the Union Flag should only be described as the Union Jack when flown in the bows of a warship, but this is a relatively recent idea. From early in its life the Admiralty itself frequently referred to the flag as the Union Jack, whatever its use, and in 1902 an Admiralty Circular announced that Their Lordships had decided that either name could be used officially. Such use was given parliamentary approval in 1908 when it was stated that 'the Union Jack should be regarded as the National flag'."

source:
http://www.flaginstitute.org/index.php?location=7

Perry, pure as they come, Bruv,

Yes, agree with something there. In a desperate bid to try to gain, cling to, or seize on something worthwhile, this wretch grabs attention for flying the . . . . . . . British Union National Flag! (Sincere apols to purists if I have the wrong descriptor there.)

The half-wit is noted for causing to fly, the flag that should NEVER have ceased to fly anyway.

What a trashcan this ghastly Lothario is (Lothario as in seducer of the fair chaste minds of the GB public).

Scott

Last time i walked around my home town in Scotland (today) it was blustering with Saltires. Never felt better. The demise of butcher's apron in Scotland has been very satisfying over the last couple of years. Viva Schotlandia.

Jason Green

Wrong flag. The Cross of St George should fly in England.

The union is doomed.

English taxes for England.
English law for England.
Home rule for England.

Paul B

London is a visually stunning city, it looks wonderful in every aspect. The flying of the flags is the gilding on the lily.

All together now, "Maybe its because Im a Londoner...."

Charles

"Above the portico a flag-staff, bearing the Union Jack,....."

Thus begins Kipling's "The English Flag" - always a good read.

Craig Strachan

Scott says "Viva Schotlandia"?

Very continental and positively communitaire.

I expect you have bruschetta with your Lorne sausage?