Unionists 'disappointed' with Mid Ulster Council not flying Union flag at half-mast in Cookstown and Magherafelt

Unionist councillors on Mid Ulster District Council say they are "disappointed" that the Union flag will not be flown at half-mast in Cookstown or Magherafelt following the death of Queen Elizabeth II.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Councillors had asked for the council's flags policy to be relaxed to enable Union flags to be flown at the local authorities offices in the three main towns.

However, following discussions, it was agreed a Union flag would only be flown at the Dungannon office during the period of mourning.

In a joint statement the Ulster Unionist Party and DUP councillors said: "Her Majesty The Queen’s status throughout the world was unrivalled. The outpouring of sympathy and grief stands as testament to the esteem in which she was held across all communities.

Mid Ulster Council offices in Dungannon where the Union flag will be flown at half mast.Mid Ulster Council offices in Dungannon where the Union flag will be flown at half mast.
Mid Ulster Council offices in Dungannon where the Union flag will be flown at half mast.

"The unionist family in Mid Ulster District Council requested that there be a relaxing of the current Council policy on flags, to enable the Union Flag to be flown at half-mast on Council properties in the three main towns as a mark of respect on the passing of Queen Elizabeth ll. This would be in line with UK government guidance and official protocol.

"Following discussions, Councillors have agreed that the Union Flag will fly at half-mast on the Council’s office in Dungannon. We are disappointed that it will not fly in Cookstown or Magherafelt.

"Mid Ulster constituents share in this great loss but are also saddened that parties within the Council whilst calling for a shared future, at the same time are blocking others from expressing their respect in the same way as local authorities throughout the rest of the United Kingdom by flying the Union Flag at half-mast for ten days."

A spokesperson for Mid Ulster Council said: "While the Council has a no flags policy, as a mark of respect in this exceptional circumstance, party leaders have agreed that a flag will fly during the mourning period outside the main civic offices in Dungannon."