Conservatives are calling on the Labour government to reinstate the tradition of flying the Middlesex flag over Downing Street. They argue that No 10 should fly Middlesex flag as a way to represent regional heritage. The push comes amid growing political tensions over how Britain marks its local and historical identities.
The Middlesex flag was traditionally flown on 16 May—Middlesex Day—to honour the former county and its military history. The day marks the Battle of Albuhera in 1811, when the Middlesex Regiment fought alongside Spanish and Portuguese troops against Napoleon.
Although Middlesex was abolished in the 1960s and absorbed into Greater London, its legacy remains. The name continues to appear across north London, especially at institutions like the Middlesex County Cricket Club.
Under Conservative governments, particularly during Boris Johnson’s tenure, the flag was raised to recognise that history. Johnson’s former constituency of Uxbridge and South Ruislip falls within the old Middlesex borders.
This year, Labour chose not to fly the flag. The decision has sparked criticism from Conservatives, who accuse the government of abandoning national traditions. Shadow Paymaster General Richard Holden said the government “hates anything traditional about Britain.”
He added that Labour prefers to “fly whatever woke flag comes off their production line” instead of honouring historic counties.
Labour responded by saying there are “currently no plans” to fly county flags above Downing Street. Cabinet Office minister Abena Oppong-Asare confirmed the government’s position in a written parliamentary answer.
Despite the decision, the Middlesex flag was raised in New Palace Yard in Parliament. Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle celebrated the occasion with a post noting that Middlesex has appeared in over 290 Commons debate titles.
Flag rows have become a regular feature of British political culture. Reform UK recently proposed flying only the Union Jack and St George’s flag over council buildings. Following backlash, it agreed to include county flags as well.
Last year, Suella Braverman criticised the flying of the Progress Pride flag at the Home Office. She called it a “political campaign flag” and expressed frustration over not being able to remove it.
Similar rows have emerged over local councils choosing to raise Palestinian or Israeli flags, prompting wider debates over neutrality and symbolism.
Government guidance recommends the Union Jack be flown daily where a building has one flagpole. If multiple poles exist, the Union Jack should occupy the most prominent position.
As the No 10 should fly Middlesex flag debate continues, questions remain over how Britain balances heritage with modern identity.
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