"Flags on Primary Schools an Irrelevance" say the Lib Dems.

12.07.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Mon 9th Oct 2006

Liberal Democrat County Councillors have called the Conservative proposals to fly the Union Flag at primary schools an irrelevance.

The Conservative County Council Cabinet voted to seek sponsors in order to implement the flying of the union flag at primary schools. Councillor Richard Church, Leader of the County Council Liberal Democrats: "Although the Conservatives say this will not cost anything because the costs will be found by finding sponsors, at a time when the County Conservatives are slashing care services to the most vulnerable people in Northamptonshire to save money, they will incur costs by employing officers to spend time finding sponsors and schools who are willing to take part in the scheme."

"It is a known fact that now schools receive their funding allocation from government, many schools have significant funds in reserves, and if they are so inclined to fly a flag, then they can use their own reserves to do so without interference from the County Council."

Cllr. Church has asked if the proposed scheme goes ahead, would schools be allowed to fly the flag of St. George, the European flag, or any other flag, for special occasions?