EU flag to continue flying at Renfrewshire Council past Brexit day

The European Union flag will continue to be flown at Renfrewshire Council’s headquarters after Brexit day…because councillors cannot decide whether to stop flying it until at least the end of next month.

On Friday, the UK will officially leave the EU after 46 years, with the European Parliament expected to approve the Withdrawal Agreement on Wednesday.

But Renfrewshire Council has said it cannot determine whether to stop flying the flag of the bloc until elected members vote on it at a full council meeting.

The first opportunity for debate on the matter will be at the next full council meeting on February 27, but no documents for this have yet been released.

The flag will continue to be flown alongside the Union flag and the Saltire outside the Paisley HQ until an official decision is made as to whether to make changes.

It has been suggested by some elected members that, if the flag were to be taken down, it should be replaced with the Renfrewshire coat of arms or different emblems of the towns making up the area.

Councillor Kenny MacLaren, SNP member for Paisley Northwest, said: “There seems to be some confusion over the EU flag and whether the council can keep it up or remove it without a decision of the full council.

“This means we’re in a crazy position of being out of the EU on January 31, but unable to make a decision on removing the EU flag until the next full council meeting in February.

“Personally I’m not too bothered with it. I suppose those who are strong remainers might want to keep it as a symbol of wanting back into the EU or highlighting Scotland voted to remain within the EU, but I’d equally be happy if we flew a local flag such as the emblem for Renfrewshire, or even rotated the burgh flags or emblems for places like Paisley, Renfrew and Johnstone.

“We could look on this as an opportunity to promote Renfrewshire.”

Bishopton, Bridge of Weir and Langbank councillor James MacLaren, who heads up the council’s Conservative and Unionist group, echoed the suggestion a flag representing the local area should be flown.

He said: “It’s a shame the council cannot make a decision on this. But I understand we don’t just want to have a special meeting for a flag.

“Perhaps the leaders of all the political groups could have a meeting and come to an agreement.

“There’s not much point in flying the EU flag when we are not part of it anymore.

“I’m sure there will be some sort of report produced as to what should go in its place. Perhaps the Renfrewshire coat of arms is a good idea.”

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