Lord Bruce of Bennachie (LD):...Let us also
remember, in case of misunderstanding, the design of the flag. As I
said, it pre-dated the creation of the European Economic Community.
People seem to think that the 12 stars represent the member
states—which would be an odd choice because there were originally
six—but the 12 stars have nothing to do with the number of member
states. They are supposed to be a symbol of perfection. They
commemorate the 12 tribes of Israel, the 12 apostles, the 12
labours of Hercules and the 12 months of the year. They are
supposed to be a symbol of universal perfection and the flag is
supposed to be a symbol of peace in Europe. I find it extremely
disturbing that the Government are taking time to pass a law saying
that we should no longer fly a flag that marks peace in Europe and
Britain’s continuing commitment to the people of Europe. For that
reason, I believe that we should not accept the spirit behind this
statutory instrument...
(Lab):...They would of course be mistaken, because flags
are a hugely sensitive issue in Northern Ireland. The unfortunate
author of the Explanatory Memorandum, which says that this is a
“minor, technical change”, would have to listen to only the last
hour in this Chamber to realise that it is a lot more than that.
I recall thinking about a quarter of a century ago, when I first
started going to Northern Ireland as a shadow Minister, that only
the union flag and the Irish tricolour were flags of general
interest and controversy in Northern Ireland. That was until I
happened to see on one occasion the Israeli flag and the
Palestinian flag also flying in parts of Belfast. I had no idea
what the relationship was, but apparently unionist or loyalist
areas would fly the Israeli flag and nationalist or republican
areas would fly the Palestinian flag...
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