Taxi Driver Online

Daily Star

July 27, 2006 Thursday

HEADLINE: YOUR DAILY STAR WINS BIG FLAG BATTLE

BYLINE: by TOM SAVAGE

YOU can keep flying the flag folks - thanks to a massive victory by your patriotic Daily Star.

We led a campaign to overturn laws that meant people could be fined for putting up the Cross of St George.

But the Government has caved in and started the process of scrapping the legislation. Under current laws, it is illegal to fly a flag from anything other than a vertical flagpole without planning permission.

It means millions of England fans who dangled the flag out of windows during the World Cup could have been prosecuted. Announcing the proposed changes, Housing and Planning Minister Yvette Cooper admitted the laws were "woefully out-ofdate and bureaucratic".

She added: "It is ridiculous that someone could be prosecuted for displaying their national flag." The new laws are likely to come into force by April next year. Robin Tilbrook, chairman of the English Democrats, last night welcomed the changes.

He said: "We're very happy that people will be able to fly the flag." Proud Paul Fidler, 28, from Warrington, Cheshire, who flew a flag during the World Cup, added: "Full marks to the Star for fighting to get it changed." Where it was banned Royal Ascot bosses banned spectators from bringing flags into the grounds. Sandhurst bosses at the military academy attended by Prince William said flying the flag would lower standards.

Taxi drivers across England - including in Blackpool, Lancs and Cheltenham, Glos - were banned from having the flag in their vehicles in case it offended the non-English.

Barking Council banned firefighters from hoisting the flag at their station.
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