General Chat

Back to the drawing board. If you had to design a new flag for the UK (or Eng, Scot, Wales, N Ire etc), what colours and shapes would it use. How do you represent this diverse country with a flag? Any ideas?

If it aint broke, don't fix it, what's wrong with the Union Jack ?

I would suggest not to change it. It stands out from every other European flag I've seen. I always get confused with French and Dutch flags, much to the annoyance of my husband! One is red, white and blue vertical stripes and the other horizontal. Even as I write this I can't tell you which is which, and this is after living in the Netherlands for 35 years. I'll always admit to my misgivings and this is one!! Sylvia

I like the Union Flag too. I was thinking how the South African flag changed a while ago and the Canadian one before that. Wondered if our flag ever did change, what it might be like!!

The Frence flag, the tricolore is vertical stripes. Doesnt the dutch one have orange in it ?!?!

Never mind the flag, let's have a new National Anthem - any suggestions?

Paul, it depends if you're talking about the "Dutch Flag" which does have orange or the modern Netherlands one that doesn't. Have a look at: www.flags-by-swi(.)com/fotw/flags/nl-histo.html

Land of hope and glory Trish :)

I think the Union Flag is fine and should be left as it is. I agree that Land of Hope and Glory would make a better National Anthem but would "THEY" allow it? After all "THEY" hate the thought of our country being independent and would merge us into one big European state if "THEY" had their way. Sue

It would have to be a flag with all the pictures of things that are deemed not politicly correct, with a great big cross through it. The words can be inscribed " Not Allowed To Do S*d All " Only joking! I love our union Flag, It IS Our country ! Elaine x

No, the Dutch flag doesn't have orange in it. We do have an additional orange addition, an orange penant, which is only to be flown with the Dutch flag on certain occasions. Forgotten when, will ask my husband when he has had his forty-winks after dinner. Otherwise you are forbidden to fly the orange penant.

Hear Hear Elaine. Sandra

Land of Hope and Glory - guaranteed to inspire and move all who hear and sing it - not like our current dreary dirge! Maz. XX

Stick with the Union Flag, but change the anthem to: Land of Hope and Glory. Barry

One thing that is wrong with the Union Flag is that it does not include Wales and for that reason alone it should be adapted, if not changed altogether.

I don't think a leek would look very nice on the Union Jack. A thistle or shamrock yes, but a leek. How on earth did the Welsh have this to represent their country? I've never heard why, so maybe tonight I'll learn.

Yes Michael I think a 'Dragon' would look quite nice on it

Yes Sheila, it is a dragon, but not an old one though. M.

Keep the flag, stuff the anthem! If you ever visit Gettysberg in the USA, the Union Jack outside the battlefield visitors' centre looks a bit odd - until you realise that it doesn't include St Patrick's cross. Must have been an older flag of the colonial era. The Americans love it, something to do with their relative lack of history, perhaps? (Sorry, buddies across the pond, couldn't resist that one!) Like all the others, let's ditch the present royal dirge. Not bothered too much about the replacement, provided it's got a swing to it!

Each UK country has two anthems. Land of Hope and Glory is the English national anthem. God Save the Queen is the British anthem. Imagine if LOHAG became the British one - how long would it take the Scots, Welsh and Northern Irish to complain?