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DUDLEY Council is coming under pressure to fly the Union Flag on all official buildings all year round after the lifting of restrictions which prevented flag flying on more than 18 special days a year.

Lord Chancellor Jack Straw has announced that following consultation interim changes already made would become permanent, allowing government departments to fly the Union Flag from their buildings whenever they wish.

The move ends a rule which has been in force for more than 80 years, limiting the days on which the patriotic flag could be flown to occasions such as the Queen's birthday.

Dudley North Labour MP Ian Austin, who launched a campaign with The News Group to bring about the rule change two years ago, said he was delighted the Government has backed his call.

He wants to see the flag flown on public buildings all year round as a sign of national confidence and pride and his petition attracted thousands of names.

He said: "I have worked hard to make sure this issue was addressed. I cannot wait to see our flag flying with pride in Dudley."

But Dudley Council leader Councillor David Caunt said if the Union Flag was flown it would only be on the main Council House in Dudley, due to the cost of flags and poles.

He added: "When we get the formal notification and the rules are formally changed then we will certainly consider celebrating our Britishness.

"We do fly the flag whenever we have the opportunity to do so according to the rules."

Cllr Caunt said the council had no jurisdiction over whether educational buildings flew the flag and said it would be up to individual schools to decide for themselves.

Mr Austin said the national flag was a symbol of unity around British values of democracy, liberty for all, responsibility by all, freedom, fairness and tolerance.

"We live in the greatest country on Earth and we should be proud to fly the flag all year round.

"I really hope the council will change its mind and fly the flag on official buildings every day of the year," he added.

10:30am Friday 28th March 2008

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