# The Flags (Northern Ireland) (Amendment) Regulations 2023

Draft 2023, ISBN 9780348246810

The Flags Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2000 (S.R. 2000/347) (“the Flags Regulations”) make provision as to the flying of flags at government buildings in Northern Ireland, in particular by specifying in Part 1 of the Schedule the buildings at which flags must be flown on the days listed in Part 2 of the Schedule. Section 67(2) of the Justice (Northern Ireland) Act 2002 (c. 26) provides for the Flags Regulations to apply to court houses as they apply to the government buildings specified in Part 1 of the Schedule to the Flags Regulations.

Made under: The Flags (Northern Ireland) Order 2000 (Article 3)

PDFs: Printed copy https://openlegislation.uk/draft-flags-northern-ireland-amendment-regulations-2023/pdf/ukdsi_9780348246810_en.pdf; UK Draft Explanatory Memorandum https://openlegislation.uk/draft-flags-northern-ireland-amendment-regulations-2023/pdf/ukdsiem_9780348246810_en.pdf

## Introductory text

This draft Statutory Instrument supersedes the draft of the same title which was laid before Parliament on 6th March 2023 and published on 6th March 2023 (ISBN 978-0-348-24562-2). It is being issued free of charge to all known recipients of that draft Statutory Instrument.
Draft Regulations laid before Parliament under article 4(5) of the Flags (Northern Ireland) Order 2000, for approval by resolution of each House of Parliament.
Armorial Bearings, Ensigns And Flags
Northern Ireland
Made ***
Coming into force ***
The Secretary of State makes these Regulations in exercise of the powers conferred by article 3(1) of the Flags (Northern Ireland) Order 2000 (“the 2000 Order”).
In accordance with article 4(1) of the 2000 Order, on 17th February 2023 the Secretary of State referred a draft of the proposed Regulations to the Northern Ireland Assembly (“the Assembly”).
In respect of article 4(2), (3) and (6) of the 2000 Order, within the period specified by the Secretary of State, the Assembly has not reported to the Secretary of State any views expressed in the Assembly on the proposed Regulations.
In accordance with article 4(4) of the 2000 Order, the Secretary of State has, in exercising the powers under article 3 of that Order, had regard to the Belfast Agreement.
In accordance with article 4(5) of the 2000 Order, a draft of these Regulations was laid before and approved by resolution of each House of Parliament.

## 1 Citation, commencement, extent and interpretation

(1) These Regulations may be cited as the Flags (Northern Ireland) (Amendment) Regulations 2023.
(2) They come into force on the day after the day on which they are made.
(3) They extend to Northern Ireland only.
(4) The Interpretation Act (Northern Ireland) 1954 applies to these Regulations as it applies to an Act of the Assembly.

## 2 Amendment of the Flags Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2000

(1) The Flags Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2000 are amended as follows.
(2) In Part 2 of the Schedule (days on which the Union flag is to be flown at full mast)—
(a) in the entry for the birthday of the Prince of Wales, for “14th November” substitute “21st June”;
(b) omit the following entries—
6th February
Her Majesty’s Accession
21st April
Birthday of Her Majesty The Queen
1st June 2002
Official Celebration of Her Majesty’s Golden Jubilee
2nd June
Coronation Day
3rd June 2002
Official Celebration of Her Majesty’s Golden Jubilee
4th June 2002
Official Celebration of Her Majesty’s Golden Jubilee”; and
(c) insert the following entries—
9th April
His Majesty’s Wedding Day
6th May
Coronation Day
17th July
Birthday of the Queen Consort
8th September
His Majesty’s Accession
14th November
Birthday of His Majesty The King

## Signature

Name
Minister of State
Northern Ireland Office
Date

## Explanatory note

(This note is not part of the Regulations)
The Flags Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2000 (S.R. 2000/347) (“the Flags Regulations”) make provision as to the flying of flags at government buildings in Northern Ireland, in particular by specifying in Part 1 of the Schedule the buildings at which flags must be flown on the days listed in Part 2 of the Schedule. Section 67(2) of the Justice (Northern Ireland) Act 2002 (c. 26) provides for the Flags Regulations to apply to court houses as they apply to the government buildings specified in Part 1 of the Schedule to the Flags Regulations.
These Regulations amend Part 2 of the Schedule (days on which the Union flag is to be flown at full mast) to add several entries related to King Charles III, add an entry for the birthday of the Queen Consort, and update the date of the entry for the birthday of the Prince of Wales.
The Regulations also remove from the list in Part 2 of the Schedule redundant entries related to Her Late Majesty The Queen.
A full impact assessment has not been produced for this instrument as no, or no significant, impact on the private, voluntary or public sectors is foreseen.

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Source: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukdsi/2023/9780348246810 (the official version)
Page: https://openlegislation.uk/draft-flags-northern-ireland-amendment-regulations-2023
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Source: legislation.gov.uk, The National Archives.