Question to the Northern Ireland Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, if he will make it his policy to establish a new official local flag for Northern Ireland in addition to the Union flag.

The Union Flag is the only official flag of Northern Ireland. The regulatory framework for official flag flying in Northern Ireland is determined by the Flags Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2000 and The Flags (Northern Ireland) Order 2000. There are no current plans to further review or amend how this legislation operates in recognising specific flags in Northern Ireland.

Flag flying remains a sensitive and divisive issue for people in Northern Ireland. The UK Government respects the sensitivities and unique circumstances of Northern Ireland, and balances this with recognition of its integral place in our United Kingdom.