What are the rules around flying flags in the UK?

Flags. Troublesome, tribal things that can be used as an assertive statement of ideological, religious, national or ethnic supremacy.

- SEAN O'GRADY

We see that in Northern Ireland with nationalists and loyalists commandeering lamp posts as flag poles and painting the kerbstones green-white-and-orange or red-white-and-blue, with matching folk murals glorifying martyrs and battles. It’s something that seems to be spreading to parts of England, too. But a flag can also be an innocent, joyous emanation of a shared identity and values - as when the Lionesses did England proud.

Vexillology can be a highly vexing matter, as we witnessed when the royal family insisted on protocol after the death of Diana, Prince of Wales and having the royal standard flown at full rather than half mast, later giving in to public pressure. In fact, there are official guidelines to help us navigate this newly popular method of free expression.

What does the government say?

The official guidance is issued by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government and dates back to when Boris Johnson was premier and started making ministers put flags in the background of every public appearance and on any and every public building. It was only a partial attempt to boost confidence in the dismal post-Brexit life of the nation.