Back in 2021, the Town Council received several requests from residents that we should fly the Ukraine flag in support of the innocent people of that country, following the attacks from Russia. And the flag has been flown since, alongside our town flag, only being removed for events such as the King’s birthday, ArmedForces Day, the month of Pride, and recently the D-Day 80 Commemorative Flag.

At the Full Council meeting on Thursday 23rd May 2024, a motion was proposed by Cllr Steve Bucknell and unanimously supported by the Town Council to amend the existing flag schedule, and fly the nationalflag of England, the St George’s Cross, as our default flag in the High Street. Other flags may be flown at certain times of the year.

This is no way diminishes our support for the Ukraine, as we all know these attacks continue, and the thoughts and prayers for those innocent people in the Ukraine have continued from the people of Royal Wootton Bassett ever since. The council also agreed to make a meaningful statement by flying the Ukraine flag on the anniversary of the current conflict, 24th February.

We hope that residents and visitors of Royal Wootton Bassett will be proud to see our national flag flying inour High Street from the start of July, a flag to include all of society, and to represent what England represents for many people: tolerance and diversity.