Petition · past parliament
Make desecrating the Union Flag and other UK national flags a criminal offence.
Rejected
18 signatures
What the petition asks
Many people in Britain feel very offended when our national flags are burnt or desecrated by protesters. It must not be tolerated.
They are national symbols, representing our country, heritage and our way of life.
Certain people believe they can do this and there will be no consequences.
They are national symbols, representing our country, heritage and our way of life.
Certain people believe they can do this and there will be no consequences.
In 2006, 17 MPs signed a House of Commons motion calling for legislation against this which was overturned by government.
The proposal followed growing anxiety within Scotland Yard that police are being hamstrung in attempts to deal with extremists.
In the 10 years since 2006, incidence of Flag desecration have increased and the police, powerless to act have to stand by and watch as our national flags are intentionally destroyed, damaged or mutilated in public by protesters and extremists.
The proposal followed growing anxiety within Scotland Yard that police are being hamstrung in attempts to deal with extremists.
In the 10 years since 2006, incidence of Flag desecration have increased and the police, powerless to act have to stand by and watch as our national flags are intentionally destroyed, damaged or mutilated in public by protesters and extremists.
Why it was rejected
There was already a petition about this issue. Duplicates are rejected so signatures collect in one place.
Timeline
| 6 Dec 2016 | Petition opened for signatures |
| 16 Dec 2016 | Rejected by the Petitions Committee |
Key facts
Signatures
18
Status
Rejected
Rejected
16 Dec 2016
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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 15 Jul 2026.