Elation for Trafalgar Court residents after permission granted to fly White Ensign flag

A dispute broke out between residents at Trafalgar Court, many of whom are Armed Forces veterans, and Commander Patrick Keefe, chief executive of the Church of England Soldiers’, Sailors’ and Airmen’s Housing Association (Cessa).

Many of the veterans at the Southsea accommodation had been left angry that Mr Keefe had removed the flag which they said had been raised as a mark of respect and to show their pride of having served in the Navy.

Speaking at the time, former Royal Navy radio operator, Joe Ince, 76, said: ‘When we found the flag had been taken down the residents were very angry – we feel it’s very disrespectful to the Armed Forces.’

However, Mr Keefe had said the flag could only be used onshore at civilian buildings which are ‘exceptionally authorised’ and doesn’t include Trafalgar Court.

After contacting the Royal Navy, Mr Keefe has now accepted there is no statutory law which prohibits the flying of the White Ensign on land.

In a letter to residents he stated: ‘The response from the Navy stated it was not possible for them to authorise the use of the White Ensign ashore by anyone or entity that is not part of the Royal Navy. It goes on to restate the known legal position, which there is no statute that limits the use of the White Ensign on land.

‘Accordingly, I am willing to grant permission for the White Ensign, RAF and Army flags to be flown.’

After reading the letter, Joe said: ‘I am absolutely elated with the news.’

However, with not all residents behind the flying of the flag, Mr Keefe said the final decision will now go before a vote.

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Mr Keefe stated: ‘A written proposal will need to be presented to the scheme manager, making clear which flag is to be flown when and for how long.’

Once formalised, the proposal will then be put before a ‘majority vote open to all Trafalgar Court tenants’.

Joe added: ‘I’m more than confident it will go through.’

The News contacted the Royal Navy about the dispute.

A spokeswoman said: ‘There is no UK statute which limits the use of the White Ensign on land, or indeed any of the national flags, and accordingly, no ‘permission’ is required to use one.’

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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