Humza Yousaf has demanded that the European flag be flown from Scottish Government buildings on a daily basis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
With this request, Scotland’s First Minister is following in the footsteps of his predecessor, Nicola Sturgeon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Humza Yousaf – like his predecessor – clearly wants to play petty politics on the issue of flags,” said Alexander Stewart MSP, Scottish Conservative deputy spokesman for the constitution, external affairs and culture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt is hardly surprising that he wants to distract from his scandal-ridden party and his government\u2019s incompetence on a whole host of issues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cDuring a global cost-of-living crisis, Scots want the SNP focused on their real priorities, rather than spending time and money on these sort of gestures.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
According to official guidelines issued on Monday, “the First Minister has directed that the European flag be flown from [Scottish Government] buildings daily, except on specific flag flying dates.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Union flag will be flown only once a year on Remembrance Day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For the duration of the war, all major structures with four poles will fly the Saltire and European flags, in addition to those specified in a schedule, as well as the Ukrainian flag wherever possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Commonwealth Flag, the Armed Forces Day Flag, and the Red Ensign on Merchant Navy Day will also be flown alongside the Saltire on specific days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mr Yousaf and the Protocol and Honours Team must approve any requests to fly flags in advance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Following the Hamas atrocities, the Scottish Parliament refused to fly Israel’s flag in solidarity with the country, sparking a debate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Following a request from Alex Salmond several years ago, Scottish Government buildings now fly the Royal Banner on Royal birthdays and celebrations.<\/p>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Humza Yousaf has demanded that the European flag be flown from Scottish Government buildings on a daily basis. With this request, Scotland’s First Minister is following in the footsteps of … <\/p>\n