The ongoing debate in Westminster concerning flags has taken an interesting turn, this time focusing on whether Downing Street should fly the county colors of Middlesex. Despite the fact that Middlesex no longer exists as a county, previous Conservative administrations have raised the flag on 16 May, also known as Middlesex Day, to commemorate the historical significance of the county and its role in the Peninsular War against Napoleon. However, the current Labour government has expressed no intention of flying any county flags above the Prime Minister’s official residence, leading to accusations from the Tories that they are disdainful of traditional British customs.
Shadow Paymaster General Richard Holden of the Conservative Party expressed his disappointment with the Labour government’s stance, criticizing them for prioritizing “woke flags” while ignoring the importance of historic county flags. In response, a Downing Street spokesperson highlighted the Prime Minister’s pride in celebrating heritage, citing a recent reception on St George’s Day. Despite this, Cabinet Office minister Abena Oppong-Asare confirmed in a written parliamentary response that there are no current plans to fly county flags above Downing Street.
The tradition of flying the Middlesex flag at No 10 Downing Street began during the tenure of Boris Johnson, whose former constituency of Uxbridge and South Ruislip was situated in what used to be Middlesex. The flag is now being flown in the New Palace Yard in Parliament, with Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle recognizing Middlesex Day by acknowledging its historical significance, particularly its role in the battle of Albuhera in 1811 against Napoleon’s forces. Although Middlesex was incorporated into Greater London in the 1960s, its name still persists in various locations across north London, notably at Middlesex County Cricket Club.
The issue of flag-flying above government buildings has sparked political controversies in recent times, with Reform UK declaring that only the Union Jack and St George’s flag would be raised above council buildings under its control in England. However, following backlash, the party clarified that county flags would also be permitted. Last year, Conservative MP Suella Braverman criticized the display of the Progress Pride flag at the Home Office, expressing her frustration at not being able to remove a flag associated with a political campaign she opposed. Moreover, conflicts have arisen at local councils over the decision to display flags representing Palestine or Israel at town halls. Official guidance stipulates that the Union Jack should be flown daily on buildings with one flagpole, with exceptions made for certain occasions when alternative flags, such as the Commonwealth flag or the Armed Forces Day flag, are allowed
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