Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Minister of State, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, what his Department's policy is on the flying of the Union flag at UK embassies and consulates.

The FCDO's flag flying policy is that all our buildings at home and overseas should fly the Union, Diplomatic, or Consular flag, as appropriate, throughout the year on working days during office hours. The Union flag is flown in the UK and at our Missions and Residences in Commonwealth countries with the Diplomatic flag being flown at Sovereign Posts in other countries. The Consular flag is flown at subordinate Posts in non-Commonwealth countries. Heads of Mission have discretion to fly their flag 24/7 where this is acceptable locally, saves resources and does not pose a security risk.