Friday, October 14, 2005

Removing the EU flag ...

A while ago I follwed Neil Herron's lead and contacted Telford & Wrekin Council to request they remove the EU fl rag from their buildings on account of them being there illegally.

The result of the polite but protracted conversation was the folloiwng email from the Chief Executive of Telford & Wrekin Council ...


Dear Mr Parr

Further to your email to one of my staff, Katrina Baker, let me conclude this correspondence by setting out the Council's policy position.

This was informed by a survey of the Community Panel, a representative sample of 1000 people from all parts of the Borough and all sections of the community. The European Union is part of the institutional structure of government in this country. Representative government operates at three levels, European, National and Local. This is represented by the three flags flown on Civic Offices. This also represents the three principal sources of funding of projects and services in Telford and Wrekin. The Borough has benefited greatly from the Council's success, working closely with partner agencies, in securing significant funds from Europe over very many years.

Just because some people (I presume including yourself) disagree with the fact that the EU exists and that Britain is a member does not make it political in the sense that it falls foul of the publicity guidelines. If that were a sufficient test the same argument could apply equally to matters relating to central and local government, and on that basis we would have to remove all flags.

I trust I have made the Council's position clear and would advise you that I now regard this correspondence as closed.

Yours sincerely


Michael Frater
Chief Executive

Neil Herron emailed me this morning to say that he would take this on if I got a fob off by the council. I couldn't resist a parting shot before Neil works his magic though ...

Mr Frater,

Thank you for your correspondence.

You are questioning my motivation, I will clarify this for you. I am not anti-European, I am an English nationalist. In contrast to the majority of my English nationalist friends I am in favour of the EU. I happen to believe, however, that an English local authority should fly the English flag and the British flag.

The EU flag should not take presedence over our national flag.

I am aware of the survery for the Community Panel, I have seen the results. This does not alter the legality of the situation.

In my previous emails I have set out why T&WC flying the EU flag is illegal, whether you choose to voluntarily remove it or whether you are compelled to do so is down to you.

I would like to point out a contradiction in your email. You state that the EU is part of representitive government but then go on to say it is not political. Which is it?

Whatever you decide, please be advised that Neil Herron of the Metric Martyrs/The People's No Campaign will be taking this matter forward. Please take this email as authority to release any relevant information/correspondence to him on request.

Regards,

Stuart