Debate contribution: Display of Flags and Emblems Bill: Second Stage
Debate contribution by Mr Andrew McMurray on .
- MLA
- Mr Andrew McMurray
- Party at the time
- Alliance 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 5670883
Read the official Assembly record
Text
I welcome the new Chair of the Infrastructure Committee. I hope that he got the memos from the previous Chair about the collegiate nature of that Committee. I am sure that he will put that into action. I also thank Ms Bradshaw for bringing the Bill forward, and for the work that has gone on. The Chair was not in post when Ms Bradshaw presented the Bill to the Committee before the summer recess. It was a detailed and well-received presentation. I speak as a member of the Infrastructure Committee and as an Alliance MLA, but also as someone who, like many here, has borne witness to flags and the painting of kerbstones to denote territory. I have listened to the contributions, and I look forward to getting into some of the more detailed clauses at Committee Stage. That is the right thing to do. Scrutiny at this stage is welcome, but it is at Committee Stage that we will get into the further detail. It is disappointing that some Members have already voiced their opposition and stated that they are determined that the Bill will not proceed. Flags and emblems cause consternation across every community in Northern Ireland. We know that. We are constantly contacted about them, be that on the street, on social media or by email. Some Members on the Benches opposite have asked why we need the legislation. Why? A blind man on a galloping horse can see that there is a problem in this country with the display of flags, placards and banners, as well as with the legislation surrounding their erection, enforcement and removal. I am not convinced that local arrangements are the solution, as has been said before, because I am not convinced that they will work. Such arrangements seem to be loose, and as someone who is used to such things not being put in place, I feel that it is important that we have legislation. I am not sure whether Mr Buckley is indicating that he wants to come in, or if he is just being polite.
346 words. Text as published by the Northern Ireland Assembly.
Assessment
Awaiting analysis
This record has not been analysed yet. It is not counted in any total until it has been assessed.
Disagree with this assessment?
Classifications can be challenged. A person reviews every challenge, and any change is recorded publicly above with its reason.