AT A DEBATE in the House of Commons earlier this week, Wrexham MP Ian Lucas called on the Government to consider a radical change to the Union Flag to afford Welsh representation for the first time.

The proposed change would incorporate a recognisable symbol of Wales – either the Welsh Dragon or the cross of St. David – into the current Union flag.

Mr Lucas told the Commons the change would reflect the changing status of Wales in the United Kingdom and that he believed it could 'increase the recognition of Wales not just across the United Kingdom but across the world'.

He said: "This is not just a dry constitutional issue – indeed, I am aware that the politics of flags can stir some strong emotions.

"I am also keenly aware that there is a school of thought in Wales which means people do not feel the Union Flag represents them."

Speaking to the Evening Leader, Mr Lucas said: "There's been a lot of interest in this debate, not just from Wales, which is exactly what we need.

"It would be a big change but changes have happened before as I pointed out in the Commons.

"Designs can be altered quite easily, the question is 'should we do it?'

"I think there is a very strong case in favour of a change – whether it is to include the Welsh dragon or the cross of St. David is less relevant – what is important is that Wales is represented alongside the other three countries in the Union.

"What we need to do is talk about it and consult on it and I have already received arguments both for and against my idea.

"There was a constitutional change when the flag changed last time and we have a new constitutional settlement in Wales so I think the time is right."

The Evening Leader spoke to people on the streets of Wrexham and Mold to see what they thought of the proposal and of Mr Lucas' design.

Brenda Renton, of Gwersyllt, said: "I think it's a good idea, it's only fair that Wales is represented along with the other three countries.
"I also think that the design works quite well."

Frank Delapuente, 45, of Leeswood said: "It is descriptive. I'm not offended by it. I think its a good idea. It would put Wales on the international map."

Howard Thomas of Nannerch said: "I think it is unique and colourful. It reflects the growing confidence in Wales as a nation and I hope it receives good support by people in and outside Wales.

"I'm sure it would go down well when Wales are playing England at Cardiff Arms Park."

Grace Pooley, 17, of Shotton said: "I think it is a good idea. Wales should be represented on the British flag. It looks good."

Jane Bernard, 52, of Mold said: "Where is the Scottish representation? I think it is beautiful but I still think it needs Scottish and Irish symbols on there."

And Alan Dobbins, of Wrexham, agreed: "I think they should include the Welsh Dragon because Wales gets left out of everything.

"The design is brilliant with Wales in the centre – it's about time we had some recognition."

Tony Roberts, of Little Acton, said: "I agree - why isn't Wales represented and why should the English cross be the most dominant?

"Wales should definitely be represented in a flag which represents a Union of four nations."

Darren Kearn, of Wrexham, said: "This design looks ridiculous – the Welsh Dragon is too dominant. If they did something a bit more subtle then yes, perhaps."

Natalie Davies, of Wrexham, said: "I think that they should do something but also I think that the Union flag has been like that for too long to change it. I wouldn't have thought that many people will be bothered."

Paul Barnett, of Hightown, said: "I'm English but I agree that the Welsh flag should be incorporated.

"I think the design should be quite subtle but all four nations should be included."

Ann Hughes, of Acton, said: "I'm English but I think that it should be included – we have four nations in the Union so the flag should represent them all."

Luke Commins, of Wrexham, said: "I think it should incorporate some element of the Welsh flag but the dragon in the centre gives too much impact."

But despite the widespread support in north East Wales Evening Leader reader Sern Hughes of Bradley Road, Wrexham, is completely against the idea.

She said: "Every year some crank writes to the papers demanding that the Welsh dragon is put on the Union Jack to right some historic wrong.

"Unfortunately, the latest crank to do this also appens to be a Labour MP. Does Ian Lucas have a Union Jack obsession?

"He can barely ask a question in the House of Commons without making the point that he's a 'Unionist' and this latest stunt smacks of a man who is completely out of touch with the people of Wales.

"Lucas may want the Welsh dragon on the Union Jack but few of his constituents do. They're proud to fly the Welsh flag – something Lucas must hate because he keeps harping on about the Union.

"If this is what he does with precious time in the House of Commons, perhaps we could do with saving our money and having fewer MPs."

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