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2. The Union Flag

2.1 In line with national custom, Gloucestershire County Council will fly the Union Flag from Shire Hall every day.  The Union Flag must always be flown in accordance with guidance notes from the Flag Institute 

The Union Flag will be flown to mark the following occasions (a sub list of the guidance from the DCMS):

  • Second Monday in March: Commonwealth Day
  • 23 April: St George’s Day (in England) (Alongside The Cross of St George Flag, where there are two poles)
  • 6 May: Coronation Day
  • 15 June: Official Birthday of His Majesty the King
  • 17 July: Birthday of Her Majesty the Queen
  • Second Sunday in November: Remembrance Day
  • 14 November: Birthday of His Majesty the King

Any changes to the advice from DCMS should be reflected in GCC’s approach.

2.2 The Union Flag shall normally be flown at half-mast for a period to be agreed by the Chief Executive in consultation with the Leader on council buildings to mark the following occasions:

  • On the death of a serving or former Local Member of Parliament
  • On the death of a serving or former Gloucestershire County Council Councillor
  • On the death of a serving Gloucestershire County Council employee
  • On the death / funeral of the Sovereign
  • On the death / funeral of another member of the Royal Family
  • On the death / funeral the Prime Minister (or ex-Prime Minister)
  • On Holocaust Day on 27 January
  • The death / funeral of any other dignitary as advised by the DCMS.
  • At the discretion of those identified in 1.5 or after guidance from DCMS, the Union Flag may also be flown at half-mast at times of national mourning due to a major incident where British lives are lost (for instance, a terrorist attack or a major incident on British soil or abroad).
  • At the discretion of those identified in 1.5 or after guidance from DCMS, the Union Flag may be flown at half-mast in order to show respect and support to other nations who are in periods of national mourning. Also see 1.7.

2.3 When flying the Union Flag at half-mast it will be flown two-thirds of the way up the flagpole with at least the height of the flag between the top of the flag and the top of the flagpole.

2.4 When a flag is to be flown at half-mast, it should first be raised all the way to the top of the mast, allowed to remain there for a second and then be lowered. When it is being lowered from half-mast, it should again be raised to the top of the mast for a second before being fully lowered.

2.5 When the Union Flag is at half-mast, other flags will also be at half-mast or should not be flown at all. Flags of foreign nations will not be flown, unless their country is also observing mourning.

2.6 When the Union Flag is flown on designated days which coincide with days for flying at half-mast the Union flag will be flown at full mast all day although a member of the Royal Family, or a near relative of the Royal Family, may be lying dead, unless special commands are issued by HM the King to the contrary.