In the House of Commons today, Andrew demanded answers from Under-Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, Tracey Crouch, regarding the lack of flags in Parliament Square for the State Opening of Parliament.
A transcript of Andrew's question, and Ms Crouch's reply, are below; and you can watch a video of the exchange here.
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Andrew Rosindell, 10:01, 4th June
Oral Question to the Under-Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, Tracey Crouch, M.P.:
What is her policy on the flying of the Union flag in Parliament Square for the state opening of Parliament?
Tracey Crouch
Mr Speaker, as you and, indeed, my hon. Friend will be aware, the state opening of Parliament is a designated day for flying the Union flag on Government buildings, but not Parliament Square. The ceremonial arrangements for the state opening of Parliament are a matter for the Palace of Westminster and the Earl Marshal, and any changes cannot be made without their approval.
Andrew Rosindell
I thank the Minister for her reply, but will she assure the House that never again will we have the shameful spectacle of empty flagpoles in Parliament Square for the state opening of Parliament on the arrival of Her Majesty the Queen? Will she agree to meet me and representatives of the Flag Institute to ensure that we get the flying of flags in Whitehall and in Parliament Square right for the future?
Tracey Crouch
I know that my hon. Friend is a great expert on these matters, and the Secretary of State and I have some sympathy with his views on the state opening of Parliament. I have therefore asked my officials to raise this issue with the Earl Marshal to look into the possibility of flying the Union flag on the square for future state openings and to establish what the associated costs would be. In the meantime, I would be very happy to meet him and the president of the Flag Institute to discuss it further.