ENGLISH FLAG to fly over No 10

[olddutch]

David Cameron has said he will fly the flag of St George over No 10 during the football World Cup in South Africa.

The prime minister told MPs that the move would not cost anything and he hoped would help unite the nation behind the English team. No matter what part of the UK they represented, he said he hoped all MPs would be shouting "come on England".

As prime minister of the United Kingdom, the Union Flag is normally flown above their Downing Street residence. But at his second weekly session of prime minister's questions, Mr Cameron was asked by Conservative MP Nadhim Zahawi whether he would hoist the English flag instead during the tournament, for which none of the other home nations qualified.

"There was some question that this was going to have a cost impact but I have managed to cut through that and I can say, at no additional cost to the taxpayer, the flag of St George will fly above Downing Street during the World Cup," the prime minister replied.

Is it now finally politically correct to fly the “English” Flag ?

[Dris]

Its not even April the 1st either !!

[R1Geezer]

great that should upset all the sweaties, see above!

[jno]

it's becoming a footballing emblem. I suspect that means it will actually have less value outside a footballing context. Good thing or bad?

[B00]

I'm a bit puzzled why anyone would think putting a flag up would cost anything?

(well, after you've legged it down to JB Sports to buy it in the 1st place I guess)

[jno]

Is it going to come out of the pensions budget, B00, that's what I want to know.

[craft1948]

Why do I have a vision of Call Me Dave buying it out of his own pocket, and him hoicking Samantha up the flagpole with it......

[Awkward]

Wonder if anyone will ask why we have an English Prime Minister!

[craft1948]

(hoicking is not rude)

[B00]

We can only hope jno- if it comes out the eccles cake budget, that'll do me.

[Dris]

Doesnt bother me in the slighest R I Geezer -the more patriotic you are the better;)

[OrcadianOil]

Of course, as everyone knows, it will only fly there for the first couple of weeks of the tournament until Engerland are as usual humbled and sent homewards tae think again!
Then, some menial functionary at Downing St will have the onerous task of hauling it down again(probably at dead of night to avoid further embarrassment?).

[mightyWBA]

Well Mr Cameron is from a Scottish family and I can't see what harm it will do.
I'm sure if any of the other home nations had qualified he would be encouraging us to support each other.
All this bitching gets me down.
I remember a time when I considered myself British and in 1978, when I was 12, actually wore a Scotland shirt (mainly because of Willie Johnston was playing for WBA) during the World Cup.
Never had any stick for it from my mates at all.
Now I consider myself English,it's all very sad how the UK has turned into a divided Kingdom.
Bloody Labour.

[Dris]

Ive said all along mighty that I hope England do well.
Its the Media hype which builds you up for what potentially may be a fall.Seriously -theres no hype nor nastiness up here in Scotland-everyone I know are looking forward to the World Cup as a whole.Its there to be enjoyed by everyone.

[joeluke]

Yes, but why can't he fly 2 Cross of St. Georges flags on the side windows of his official car too?

[ummmm]

Because he doesn't want to look like a chav :-)

[joeluke]

Lets not start that one again!

[jednbutter]

FLY THE FLAG OF OUR ENGLAND, AND BE PROUD TO BE ENGLISH...

[modeller]

If they have to purchase the flag there is a procedure to go through :
1. Make a purchase request .
2. Selection of companies for estimate submission.
3. Estimate request.
4. Submission request
5.Negotiation.
6. Contract conclusion.
7. Delievery and Inspection.
8. Payment.

When BA recently wanted a door hinge bolt value 50p it cost £6k
So on that basis a £3 flag will cost £36k plus the cost of a registered flag raiser and the necessary equipment to conform to health and safety requirements .

[Garmard]

Are they all wearing baseball caps and rapping to Dizzy Rascal at No 10 now then?