SNP should be proud to fly Union flag

Dec 24 2008 West Lothian Courier

AS a proud Scot, can I say from the outset that Mr Johnston's reply to Mr Tommy Davidson's letter of the previous week seems exceptionally personal and, for a leader of a council, very unprofessional.

Mr Johnstone wins no plaudits for his bullyboy tactics, which will not win him or his party many votes in any election.

I don't think he actually responded to the salient points raised by Mr Davidson. If anything, he ranted and threw his toys out of the pram.

The fact is that Mr Johnston – supported by his SNP/Tory/ St John’s Hospital councillors – did make the decision to refuse a Labour request to fly the Union flag, alongside the Saltire, every day of the year.

Mr Davidson has his opinions and like Mr Johnston is entitled to express these through freedom of speech. At least Mr Davidson stands for what he believes, unlike the opportunistic Mr Johnston who attempts to turn the tables whenever this suits him.

I have no doubt there are thousands of people across West Lothian who are appalled at this disgraceful SNP decision.

This will not be forgotten nor is it acceptable. Each councillor who voted not to fly the national flag of Britain will live with this guilt.

It is shameful when many gave their lives to defend our British way of life that the SNP have chosen to disrespect them with their actions.

If only Scotland and the UK could take a leaf from a town called Ypres in Belgium 90 where they remember 90 years ago every single day with a ceremony.

While HM Forces abroad are killed in the defence of our country whether that's now or in the past, they should be recognised through the flying the flag of the United Kingdom here in Scotland/NI/Wales and England.

As far as Government guidelines go, these are not definitive and are only guidelines.

Be honest Mr Johnston, it suits the SNP agenda to hide the Union flag all year round to further dilute our British identity. There are thousands upon thousands that are proud of Scotland and proud to be part of the United Kingdom.

Mr Johnston mentioned the "new SNP-led council". Is it not the fact that he gave Tory Tom Kerr the very well paid Provost post and the St John’s Hospital councillors other paid positions within West Lothian Council, which gave him the majority needed to take control.

His spin would have people think that it's all plain sailing for the SNP.

With the amount of errors, cuts to services, unnecessary trips to Texas, empty/broken promises, spin and propaganda he will be lucky to have any votes at the next election.

My final word is that I am confident Labour would make the decision, if asked, to fly the Union flag 365 days a year, which represents all faiths, all cultures and all traditions.

It brings us all together, unlike the SNP policy whose goal is to divide us all.

Instead of the personal attacks on Mr Davidson, why don't you, Mr Johnston, correct your error and stop offending the majority, get the flag back to its rightful place 365 days a year and stop playing silly politics with thousands who are opposed to your goal of an Independent Scotland.

The people of West Lothian need to contact their local councillor today to reverse the decision made by these so-called public servants.

They forget we pay their wages, we should have a say before Johnston and Co do more damage.

Keith Orr

Vice-Chair

Pumpherston Community Council