§ Lord Tebbitasked Her Majesty's Government:
Further to the Written Answer by Baroness Scotland of Asthal on 22 February (WA 13), whether the failure to fly the Union flag over British embassies in Belgium is because this could pose a security risk or whether it is because of the need to avoid offending local sensitivities. [HL1467]
§ Baroness Scotland of AsthalNeither. The Embassy's flagstaff is being moved from its position on the roof and re-positioned over the main entrance. The diplomatic flag (Union flag with FCO crest) is flying on every working day during office hours. Our two other missions in Brussels are not Embassies. However, the UK Permanent Representation to the EU will continue to fly the flag daily in the lobby of their offices until a new external flagstaff is installed. The UK Delegation to NATO is located within the NATO HQ building. The Union flag flies outside the NATO HQ building daily.