Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Neville-Rolfe on 26 April 2016 (HL7727), whether there have been any further discussions with the Lord Chamberlain’s office regarding the addition of flying the Red Ensign on Merchant Navy Day to the list of officially recognised flag days.

There are currently 21 designated days for flying the Union Flag on Government Buildings. These days have been set to mark special occasions by command of Her Majesty the Queen and on the advice of Government. As you suggest, any changes or additions are discussed with the Lord Chamberlain's Office.

All other flag flying is deregulated and any organisation may fly any flag at any time, so long as they have the necessary planning permission. Therefore, organisations and individuals may fly the Red Ensign on Merchant Navy day if they wish.