COUNCILLOR Adrian Gregson has said the Government's decision to fly the union flag everyday on UK government buildings could 'undermine the monarchy'.

Following new guidance from the culture department, all UK Government buildings in England, Wales and Scotland will fly the union flag everyday.

The flag currently only has to be flown on specific days.

Following the announcement, deputy leader of the city council, Labour councillor Adrian Gregson, said: "My concern is the reason a lot of other countries fly their flag in this way or wrap themselves in it in conferences such as in the US, Italy, Germany or Spain, is, as Boris Johnson has pointed out, because that is all they have.

"They are a republic constitution and the flag is what they cling on to.

"One of the reasons we need permission to fly the union flag is because it’s a symbol which is about the UK.

"I think that perhaps accidentally what Boris Johnson is doing is undermining our belief in the monarchy as a result of this, and trying to turn us into a republic which focuses on the flag rather than a monarch, and that’s a bit puzzling to me."

Conservative councillor Marc Bayliss, leader of the city council, said: "Personally I think the union flag should fly from Government buildings, and from councils.

"I'm very proud to be a citizen of this country, and having the opportunity to fly the flag and I'm proud to do so.

"We fly other flags as well over the course of the year; we fly the flag of St George and other symbols throughout the year and I'm sure we'll continue to do that as well.

"I think it's probably come from negativity about people sneering about people having flags in the background, but the Americans are always very proud of the stars and stripes, why shouldn’t we be proud of the union flag ourselves?"

Councillor Lynn Denham, who represents the city's Cathedral ward, said:

"I think we can all have pride in our country but I think for it to be mandated is slightly odd.

"There are occasions where it's very appropriate but you also want to fly an alternative flag at times to retain that ability to reflect our diverse communities."

Conservative councillor Chris Mitchell added:"I don't understand why any council would be opposed to it, as long as it's practical. I'd be fully supportive of it."