![Mike Weatherley, MP](https://i0.wp.com/www.gscene.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/WEB.600.31.jpg?resize=600%2C292)
Mike Weatherley, the Conservative MP for Hove and Portslade, has received backing from the Government after he called for publicly-funded buildings to fly the Union Flag.
Mike wrote to his colleague the Rt Hon Eric Pickles MP, Secretary of State for Communities & Local Government, to ask that plans are drawn up to have the Union Flag flown on public buildings right across the country.
In his letter, Mike wrote:
“Britain should seize upon the national mood that we proudly saw earlier this year with both Her Majesty’s Diamond Jubilee and the Olympic Games. I believe that schools, in particular, that receive public funding should be compelled to prominently display the Union Flag, with the Government introducing legislation if necessary.”
Commenting, he said:
“Receiving the Government’s support is fantastic news for flag-lovers across the country. This idea is cheap, straightforward and will boost national pride, so it is great that Eric Pickles is on board. I look forward to seeing more Union Flags around Brighton & Hove and in other towns and cities in Britain.”
In his response, Eric Pickles, wrote:
“The Union Flag is a powerful symbol of our national identity and I believe we should be proud to display it in public. I am therefore in favour of public and civic buildings displaying it and will encourage local government, including fire and rescue authorities, to do so.”