Petition
Make it a Criminal Offence to desecrate the Union Flag and UK National Flags
Rejected
21 signatures
What the petition asks
The Union Flag and the national flags of England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland are powerful symbols of our shared history, values, and identity. They represent the sacrifices of past generations and the unity of our communities today.
We call on the Government to introduce legislation making it a criminal offence to burn, deface, or otherwise desecrate the Union Flag or the national flags of England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
This law would send a clear signal that our flags deserve dignity and respect. It would not prevent legitimate protest or free speech but would ensure that our national symbols cannot be wilfully disrespected in ways that divide communities and dishonour those who have served under them.
This law would send a clear signal that our flags deserve dignity and respect. It would not prevent legitimate protest or free speech but would ensure that our national symbols cannot be wilfully disrespected in ways that divide communities and dishonour those who have served under them.
Why it was rejected
There was already a petition about this issue. Duplicates are rejected so signatures collect in one place.
The following petition calls for a similar action:
Make destroying or vandalising the Union Flag a criminal offence
Make destroying or vandalising the Union Flag a criminal offence
Make destroying or vandalising the Union Flag a criminal offence
Make destroying or vandalising the Union Flag a criminal offence
Timeline
| 27 Aug 2025 | Petition opened for signatures |
| 5 Sep 2025 | Rejected by the Petitions Committee |
Key facts
Signatures
21
Status
Rejected
Rejected
5 Sep 2025
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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 27 Jul 2026.