Sunderland Council chiefs to fly England flag during World Cup

Leader of Sunderland City Council, Coun Graeme Miller, confirmed the authority would be flying the flag after Prime Minister Theresa May promised to do the same from 10 Downing Street.

Coun Miller said: “I’m pleased to hear how the Prime Minister has announced that the England flag will be flying from Number 10 Downing Street.

“I’m also very pleased that she’s encouraging other public buildings in England to do the same.

“I can now announce that, following the PM’s lead, the England flag is being raised at the Civic Centre for England’s World Cup fixtures.

“As I said very recently, the council receives guidance on national flag flying protocols from Central Government and none had been received until this announcement from the PM.

“On behalf of people across our city, I’d like to wish England the very best for this game and for the rest of the tournament.”

Liberal Democrats had previously called on Sunderland City Council to follow the lead of the Prime Minister and fly the flag outside the Civic Centre.

Councillor Stephen O’Brien said: “Now that the Prime Minister has confirmed the flag will be raised above 10 Downing Street on match days it is only right that Sunderland City Council does the right thing and flies our flag at the Civic Centre too.”