Council decides to fly Union Flag every day

Cllr Neil Heritage, the leader of the Yorkshire Coast Independents Alliance, brought the motion to a meeting of the full council today where it gained the support of the members.

Cllr Heritage, himself a former serviceman, was backed in his motion by Cllr Bill Chatt of the Cluster of Independent Members.

In his motion Cllr Heritage, who was elected in 2019 as a UKIP member but later left the party, says the flag should fly above buildings “where appropriate”.

Speaking in today’s meeting Cllr Heritage said the flag was “not a political symbol”.

He said: “The Union Jack represents the colours I salute when I stand at the cenotaph at Oliver’s Mount on a cold, wet November morning at  11 o’clock remembering colleagues, friends, brothers and sisters in arms that are not stood there with me.

“The Union Jack represents those who fought and paid the ultimate sacrifice in two world wars, and all the other walls, so we can enjoy the freedom we have today.

“The Union Jack represents the British and local businesses we all need to support and get behind for our economy to thrive.

“The Union Jack represents being one of the world leaders in top technology innovations, medical research, aerospace technology, education, engineering, artificial intelligence, electronic systems ,music and many other things we as the UK should be proud of.

“Let’s promote this British economy. Let’s buy British products, let’s support British farmers, manufacturers businesses and infrastructure therefore making British jobs and making Britain a prosperous place for our children to grow up in.

“Let’s start this by simply flying our flag on our government buildings.”

Cllr Heritage said the flag would be flown over Scarborough Town Hall and other buildings, including Scarborough Spa, Whitby Pavilion and the Evron Centre in Filey.

The Union Flag would fly on everyday apart from a number of set occasions, such as St George’s Day, Yorkshire Day and Armed Forces Day.