Debate contribution: Display of Flags and Emblems Bill: Second Stage

Debate contribution by Mr John Stewart on 7 September 2026.

MLA: Mr John Stewart
Party at the time: Ulster Unionist Party
Date: 7 September 2026
Type: Debate contribution
Business: Private Members' Business
Heading: Display of Flags and Emblems Bill: Second Stage
Assembly identifier: Official Report component 5670486

Text

I thank the Bill sponsor for giving way. It is interesting to tease out clause 3, which refers to a voluntary process. Does she agree that those most likely to engage in a voluntary process about which flags they intend to put up, where and for how long are those most likely to engage in localised agreements and protocols that may already be in place and that those most unlikely to engage in a voluntary process are the ones putting up sinister flags late at night and not giving their name and details? That may create an imbalance between those who are putting up flags for the right reason, who will take them down, and those who will do it incorrectly.

121 words. Text as published by the Northern Ireland Assembly.

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