The Department for Communities and Local Government shows its support for the England football team by flying the Three Lions flag as the World Cup kicks off in Brazil.
Ministers raised the England football flag today outside the department’s headquarters in Westminster, pinning their hopes alongside the nation’s that Wayne Rooney, Steven Gerrard and the rest of the team come back from Brazil victorious.
The England team has worn the Three Lions emblem of the Football Association on its kit ever since its first international match in 1872. But the Three Lions can be traced back to the 12th Century when King of England, Richard the Lionheart, adopted them as a symbol of the Royal Throne.
Eric Pickles, Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, said:
I’m delighted for my department to support the England football team by flying the Three Lions flag in Whitehall. Great sporting events, such as the World Cup, are occasions that bring our society closer together regardless of our colour or creed.
Whether it’s on the parks, playing fields or pitches across the land, this beautiful game is very much part of the country’s DNA.
This government is championing local communities continuing to cherish and celebrate such traditional ties and community spirit. Ministers have previously changed the law to make it easier to fly flags without a permit from the council - these new freedoms include flying the Three Lions flag.
Further information
The England football flag is being flown alongside the United Kingdom’s Union flag, outside the Department for Communities and Local Government in Westminster, London. It was purchased at no cost to the taxpayer.
The government has amended the law to make it easier to fly local and traditional flags without a permit from the council.
In line with flag flying protocol, the United Kingdom Union flag is flown in a superior position at all times.