Helen asks for rule change after Basil’s Taxi loses flag appeal

North Shropshire MP Helen Morgan has written to Shropshire Councillors asking them to change rules which ban the display of national flags – including the St George’s Cross and Union flag – in taxis across the county.

This comes after the MP intervened in a dispute involving Basil Brockhurst, a taxi driver from near Market Drayton who was told to remove an English flag, Union Jack, and regimental logo from his taxi by the local authority.

Shropshire Council have since rejected the case made by Basil, a 40-year veteran, in his appeal against the decision.

Helen Morgan MP has written to Shropshire Councillors:

Dear Councillor,

Call to change flag-flying policy re: Basil’s Taxis, Market Drayton

I am writing about Shropshire Councils’ flag flying policy which has impacted constituent and veteran, John ‘Basil’ Brockhurst, who runs 'Basil's Taxi' in Market Drayton.

Basil prided himself on displaying the St George's Cross and the Union Flag on his taxi to pay tribute to the regiment and country he served for 40 years. He also used the flags to mark out his taxi among others, so that customers could spot him easily.

Unfortunately, under the latest policy for carriage and private hire vehicles, the council have contacted John to ask him to remove the flags because they no longer comply with the policy which now prevents drivers from displaying any advertisements which include political symbols, flags, or emblems.

I have recently been informed that Basil has lost his appeal with Shropshire Council.

I am sure that you will agree that a Union Jack and regimental flag cannot be considered political statements, not least because Shropshire Council itself rightly flies the Union Jack in front of all council buildings. The council’s own flag-flying policy rules that the Union Jack should be “flown on a daily basis unless otherwise directed” on these buildings.

I am writing today because I strongly feel that this policy should be changed and this wrong put right. As members of Shropshire Council it is within your power to ensure that this happens.

Kind regards,

Helen

Helen Morgan
MP for North Shropshire