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What is the law on burning Union Flags?

Burning a Union Flag in England and Wales is not illegal, but could constitute an offence that incites violence depending on the context.

There was a plan among some MPs in 2006 to criminalise flag burning, but it has so far been successfully opposed by human rights groups.

The Flag Institute, a London-based documentation centre for flags and flag information, advises people on the 'proper disposal of flags'.

It says: 'When a flag becomes tattered or faded and is no longer in a suitable condition for use, it should be destroyed in a dignified way, for example by burning, tearing or cutting into strips that no longer resemble the original flag.'

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