Decision details

1.That the Commonwealth Flag will be flown on 10 March 2025 for a period of one week, as identified within the council’s existing flag protocol;

2.That the Ukrainian flag will continue to be flown on the anniversary of the invasion and for Ukrainian Independence Day, and on any other days as the council considers appropriate;

3.That the council will not fly the Trafalgar Flag on 21 October but will continue to fly the Merchant Navy flag on 3 September each year as set out within the flag protocol;

4.That the council will not fly the Saltire on 1 May.

Commonwealth Flag
The council has received a request from the Minister of State for Local Government and English Devolution to fly the Commonwealth flag for a period of one week from 10 March 2025 to acknowledge and celebrate Commonwealth Day, the annual celebration of the Commonwealth of Nations.

The council’s flag flying protocol already makes provision for the flying of the Commonwealth flag on Commonwealth Day, however this decision notes that it will remain in situ for a period of one week.

Ukrainian Flag
As per the recent communication with the Ukrainian Ambassador the council has agreed to continue to fly the Ukrainian flag on the anniversary of the invasion and for Ukrainian Independence Day. The council retains discretion to fly the flag on any other days as it feels appropriate.

Trafalgar Day
The council received a request to fly the Royal Navy White Ensign on Trafalgar Day (21 October).

Having reviewed the request, the council notes that whilst some local authorities do celebrate Trafalgar Day these are generally places with a material connection to the Royal Navy, Horatio Nelson and/or the battle itself and are often coastal.

Taking the above into consideration the council has decided not to fly the naval ensign on Trafalgar Day.

It is noted that the council does fly the Merchant Navy Ensign for Merchant Navy Day in September.

Saltire
The council received a request to fly the Saltire on 1 May.
Having reviewed the request and noting that this is not a flag held by the council the council has decided not to fly the Saltire on 1 May.

https://www.cheltenham.gov.uk/info/4/about_the_council/1827/flag_flying_protocol

None.