Lord West of Spithead – 2016 Parliamentary Question to the Department for Culture, Media and Sport

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Lord West of Spithead on 2016-04-18.

To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether the flying of the Red Ensign on Merchant Navy Day on 3 September will be added to the list of mandatory days for flag flying in the UK.

Baroness Neville-Rolfe

The designated days for flying the Union Flag on Government buildings have been specifically set to mark special occasions by command of Her Majesty the Queen and on the advice of Government. Any additions or changes must be discussed with the Lord Chamberlain’s Office. There are currently no plans to change the list.

However, as flag flying is deregulated, any organisation may fly any flag at any time, so long as they have the necessary planning permission, therefore anyone may fly the Red Ensign on this day if they wish.