A FREEDOM of information request has revealed that the Cabinet Office’s spending on Union flags has increased significantly over the last five years.
From 2016-2018, during Theresa May’s leadership, there is no record of the department spending cash on the flags. However, from 2018, hundreds of pounds started to be spent on them annually.
Boris Johnson became Tory leader in 2019, while Michael Gove became Cabinet Office minister in February 2020.
In the period from 2018-2019, the Cabinet Office spent £582.45 on Union flags. From 2019-2020 that figure was down to £455.37.
However the data shows a huge jump between 2020 and 2021, when the department suddenly spent £1999.47 on Union flags.
It was reported last month that since the start of the year UK Government departments have splurged more than £2600 on Union flags.
A total of 13 flags – for indoor and outdoor use – were bought across six UK departments in the period from January to May. The SNP have been contacted for comment.
Political commentators and members of the public have noticed Downing Street’s heavily increased use of the flag, with ministers often appearing in front of them in the media.
READ MORE: Boris Johnson Covid conferences criticised by Lords over Union Jackery
And from the summer the Tories are demanding the flag be flown on all government buildings, all year round.
Commenting, SNP MP Mhairi Black said: "It speaks volumes that the Tories think an overload of Union Jacks flags is the answer to promoting the strength of the Union.
“Flags won't undo the poverty and hardship the Tories have created over the last decade through their decade of austerity and hard Brexit, nor will it make up for impending cuts to Universal Credit and prematurely ending the furlough scheme. The Tory government’s obsession over Union Jack flags only highlights how thin the case for the Union is.
"While the Tories quadruple their spending on arbitrary flags and symbols, the SNP Scottish Government will continue to invest money in those most in need and focus on bringing the country safely through the pandemic.”
Johnson was recently criticised for using the Union flag as a backdrop for Downing Street Covid briefings which only focused on restrictions in England – with a Lords Committee arguing its use caused “unacceptable and unnecessary” confusion about the rules.
The Tory leader came under fire from the constitution committee, who said he had failed to make clear that the announcements were solely for those living in England.
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In their report, the lords pointed to Johnson’s announcement of a third national lockdown for England.
“This was announced on a BBC news segment broadcast throughout the UK, featuring the prime minister standing in front of a Union Jack.
“This may have created the impression that the legal changes applied throughout the UK when they extended only to England.”
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