Debate contribution: Display of Flags and Emblems Bill: Second Stage
Debate contribution by Mr Trevor Clarke on .
- MLA
- Mr Trevor Clarke
- Party at the time
- Democratic Unionist Party
- Date
- 22 September 2026
- Type
- Debate contribution
- Business
- Private Members' Business
- Heading
- Display of Flags and Emblems Bill: Second Stage
- Assembly identifier
- Official Report component 5740406
Read the official Assembly record
Text
Surely the Member can agree with the rest of us about what constitutes good community conduct or opinions? It is clear from the Bill that most if not all of those in the Alliance Party are offended by the Union flag. There is no exception for the Union flag in the Bill. As you said in your introduction, we all have the same view about proscribed organisations. However, there is no protection for the Union flag, and the intention at the heart of the Alliance Party's proposal is clear from the Bill. Of course, as, I am sure, they have been reminded, they have form: they were involved in the removal of the Union flag from City Hall, and look at the disorder that that caused at the time. Clearly, the Alliance Party is intent on doing the same, albeit across the Province.
I can hear someone chuntering from a sedentary position, and I am not sure what they are saying. Of course, if they ask for an intervention, the Member may give way; I cannot. It is the Member who has described herself as a "geek" when it comes to legislation. She may also understand that, when a Member has intervened, they cannot give way because it is up to the person who is actually speaking. The Member may give way to her.
Further to that point of order, Mr Speaker. Following on from my colleague from Upper Bann, the sponsor said that she would address all the issues in the Committee. However, this party and this side of the House have limited numbers on that Committee to hear those responses, so it is clear that Alliance does not want to hear what we have to say and does not even want our Members to hear what she has to say.
302 words. Text as published by the Northern Ireland Assembly.
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