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Polling Stations: Flags

Asked by Paul HolmesConservativeSpeaker's Committee on the Electoral CommissionTabled Answered 9 June 2026UIN 5414

The question

To ask the Right hon. Member for Kenilworth and Southam, representing the Speaker's Committee on the Electoral Commission, with reference to the answer of 29 April 2026, to Question 125723, on Polling station: flags, whether the Electoral Commission has given any guidance on the issue of (a) British or (b) foreign flags in and around polling stations on polling day.

Answered by Sir Jeremy Wright

The Electoral Commission published advice to Returning Officers (ROs) ahead of elections in May 2026 on the presence of flags at polling stations. It set out the legal responsibilities of the RO and the steps they could take to manage concerns about flags at polling stations on polling day.

It also advised each RO to consider any flags within the particular context of campaigning in their area and whether they were intended to influence voters.

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