So Scotland is thinking of coming out of the union. A referendum is planned for some time next year and it will be up to the people to decide if their fate lies with London or Edinburgh or even Brussels. Who knows which way it will swing, probably each way over the months ahead with each camp claiming to be making headway. Many arguments are already raging over the likes of whether or not Scotland will remain in the European Union or NATO or whether or not they will have to apply for membership afresh. Irrespective of the outcome, the lawyers will be happily counting their winnings.
But never mind all of that, what about the real issues? What will happen to the flag? No, not the Scottish white saltire on a blue background, that one’s ready to be run up the flagpole. No, the union flag, what will happen to that?
The (current) union flag is made up of the red cross of Saint George (England) on a white background, superimposed on the red saltire of St Patrick (Ireland) and superimposed on the saltire of Saint Andrew (Scotland). The amalgam of these three flags gives the familiar red white and blue design. If Scotland chose to leave the union then the flag would be left with no blue at all, just a red cross on a red saltire on a white background. By a trick of history however, Wales has never been represented in the union flag and so perhaps this is a great opportunity to right the wrongs and include their colours. The cross of Saint David however is yellow upon a black background and the combination would not look too great. Alternatively the green, white and red dragon flag could be used to represent the principality but this would then lead to a colour combination akin to the flag of the Basques.
Whatever way you look at it, the combination of red, white, yellow, black and green gives plenty of opportunity to be inventive, especially if the dragon is included but think of all the change this would entail. Not only would town halls look different but so would football matches with the flags draped over the stands. And what about all of that merchandise? It would all have to be changed: cushion covers; umbrellas; cigarette lighters; tee shirts; plastic bowler hats; mugs; and oven mitts to name but a tiny fraction of the things which the flag has been put to. Oh, and of course, Austin Powers would need to repaint his e-type Jag and Geri Halliwell would be in need of a new dress.
If Scotland leaves the union then there will be a noticeable difference across all of the remaining countries.
Ha-ha, after all that, I’ve come across Sam’s Flags blog which gives some interesting alternatives, though they still include Scotland http://samsflags.blogspot.co.uk/2012/06/welsh-union-flag.html
Thoughts from a Guerrilla Worker 