We are a union of communities

Also my appreciation of the support shown by 33 councillors whose support ensured the motion was passed.

Cllr Dean’s passionate speech was based on his own experience of his grandfather being one of the first Indian settlers in Bolton, but still considered himself to be a proud British citizen.

His family story is similar to mine, my parents were first generation migrants from India, and I am very much a British product as my birth was in this country and I have grown up in Bolton.

I understand where Cllr Dean is coming from as I consider myself to be a British-Indian (ethnicity), note I am British first and Indian second.

I am sure that the majority of UK-born people from an ethnic background would consider themselves as British and patriotic. So let’s show it by ‘flying the flag’.

Present day Bolton is an eclectic mix of diverse communities living peacefully alongside each other.

We could say that we are a ‘union of communities’ just as the Union flag is a union of lands.

It couldn’t be more poignant. The Union flag is a symbol that is universally accepted as representing Britishness.

Flying the flag in school grounds would over time have the effect of young people identifying with the flag as their symbol.

It will then truly represent who they really are, British young people. So I ask the councillors who abstained, and the four councillors who voted against it, what are your reservations?

Also the live blog provided by The Bolton News revealed that Cllr Peel had one of his rants! To him I say ‘Calm down dear its only a flag’.

I understand that Cllr Dean’s motion was more than just flying the flag, rather than resisting it let’s unite (pardon the pun) and encourage patriotism.

I’m sure these doubting councillors are proud to be British and patriotic, so let the rest of us rally round and help them shed their shyness and welcome them to join us in flying the flag.

Jay Patel Morris Green