Welsh dragon on the Union Flag? Labour to consider radical overhaul

 

By SIMON CABLE - More by this author » Last updated at 15:34pm on 28th November 2007 Comments (9)

It has stood as one of the greatest symbols of the nation for over 200 years.

But it seems that ministers feel the Union flag is in need of a bit of a make-over.

 

Welsh MPs now say the current flag does not represent Wales "true place in the union" and want the country's emblematic dragon included in a new design.

 

Two flags: Welsh MPs want to integrate the two designs

 

 

When challenged in a Commons debate on Monday night, Culture Minister Margaret Hodge appeared to support calls for the radical overhaul of the famous red, white and blue, which would consign hundreds of years of history to the bin.

 

Mrs Hodge told MPs: "The Welsh dragon was not included on the union flag, as the principality of Wales was already united with England by 1606 when the first union flag was created.

 

"I can assure all MPs that the issue of the design of the union flag will be considered. As the current flag is formed by merging three heraldic crosses representing the three kingdoms of the UK, the original design was a challenge.

 

Ian Lucas, MP for Wrexham, wants to see Wales represented on the union jack

 

 

"Thinking of a new design that would meet everyone's aspiration would be an even greater challenge."

 

Her comments come after Wrexham's Labour MP Ian Lucas called for change saying the union Jack should "now to reflect the four nations of the United Kingdom".

 

He added: "Changing an iconic image such as the Union Flag may appear to be more difficult to achieve than 200 years ago, but nonetheless I believe the change is right.

 

"So let the debate begin, let the rest of the world know that the iconic symbol of the United Kingdom may change and that the reason that it will change is that we have a new constitutional settlement that affords Wales its true place in the Union."

 

He came under fire from Tory MPs who accused him of wanting to rip up the Union Flag and accused him of "constitutional vandalism".

 

But Mrs Hodge replied: "I do acknowledge the comments on the Union Flag and the need for Wales to be represented - I think a valid point has been raised.

 

"The redesigning of the Union Flag was not part of the consultation that we are currently considering, however I am aware that this is a point that has been raised by a number of respondents."

 

A spokesman for the Department for Culture, Media and Sport last night admitted Mrs Hodge made the comments, but said that there were currently no serious plans to re-design the flag.

I think a better idea would be to build a giant wall on the Welsh/English border.

i should.

 

i asked that in school years ago when we learned about the union jack why wales' flag wasn't included. my geography teacher didnt know either.

 

 

 

theres no point in changing it now though.

I think a better idea would be to build a giant wall on the Welsh/English border.

 

Hasn't that been tried before??:rolleyes:

Well lets try it again, a bit harder this time! :D

What's the point unless it's going to be used at the state flag when the EU turns into a full United States of Europe.

Well lets try it again, a bit harder this time! :D

 

Is that because you want to keep Charlotte Church away??:P

That looks weird. :confused: For better or worse, I really like the union jack the way it is.

 

I may be very wrong on this, but I thought the blue background had something to do with Wales anyway?

 

Though I have to admit, I always wondered why England and Scotland had their crosses on it, but not Wales. (or Northern Ireland?)

You need to build a wall to keep out MPs with freaky eyes. That guy looks freaky. :uhoh2: