London Mayor, Sadiq Khan, has been left with egg on his face after his “great idea” to fly the European Union flag from City Hall in the UK capital on June 23, the seventh anniversary of the Brexit referendum, fell foul of local planning regulations.
The office of the Europhile Labour mayor was informed that what some saw as a vanity project could lead to criminal prosecution if it went ahead.
The seemingly publicity-hungry Khan was told if he hoisted the EU’s blue banner adorned with 12 stars, in a proposed show of solidarity with the capital’s EU residents, there could be unpleasant consequences.
In an apparent defence of the mayor, a City Hall source told Brussels Signal: “Flying a flag is a way of showing solidarity, expressing our values, and showing pride in the identities we share.
“Europeans contribute hugely to our social and economic life, and all we wanted to do was show our gratitude with a small gesture for one day of the year.”
Bowing to pressure, Khan will instead illuminate City Hall tonight in the European colours of blue and yellow.
On his weekly radio slot, Khan told listeners: “Often we fly a flag outside City Hall to show solidarity and support. We thought it would be a great idea today, on the seventh anniversary [of the Brexit vote], to fly the European Union flag.
“And, lo and behold, we discovered that the law was changed the year before last. [It now] specifically outlaws, prohibits, the flying of the EU flag on a public building unless you go through a laborious, lengthy, burdensome, expensive process to get specific permission from the government.”
The EU banner was removed from a UK Government list of flags that could be flown on government buildings without planning regulations in July 2021. Those that remain exempt include the national flag of any country, United Nations and Commonwealth flags and those of the English regions of the Black Country, Wessex and East Anglia. Consent from a local planning authority is required to fly any flag not on that list.
While thwarted in his flagging effort, Khan issued an open letter to European Londoners on his official website in which he said: “Seven years ago today our country voted to leave the European Union. It was a heart-breaking day for me, and I know it was for many of you, too.
“Despite the appalling uncertainty over settled status, despite being used as bargaining chips in the negotiations and despite the anti-migrant rhetoric coming from this government, you kept the faith and continued to make London your home,” he said.
“For that, I am immensely grateful,” he added.
