Union jack removed from EU parliament building

The union flag has been removed from the esplanade outside the European parliament building, where the flags of all member states are displayed. It was replaced by the EU flag featuring a circle of 12 yellow stars. Britain will become the first country to leave the European Union at 11pm on Friday, after 47 years as a member
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[@apelkowski]

GUARDIAN SZMATLAWIEC LEWACKI

[@remokim5066]

Not the first time The Britishers packed their bags and left.

[@thecommentguy9380]

lol nice one

[@Hectopath2006]

Judging by how you said "Britishers" it's pretty obvious where the salt is coming from.

[@zuhairahmedsyed5853]

@jemielnic what?

[@awddfg]

*_Gotta nuke london just to make sure._*

[@XXXTENTAClON227]

I actually don’t know what you’re referring to. Decolonisation?

[@Mike-my8fb]

Right now, we are living in history

[@20quid]

Yep, we are witnessing the slow decline of a once-great nation.

[@sharvey1418]

@@20quid The EU has never been a nation.

[@gazariley3512]

@@sharvey1418 He wasn't referring to the EU mate.

[@roburtooo7938]

He is referring to Great Britain not the Eu

[@chubby1523]

@@sharvey1418 He means England.

[@RioShimadaKai]

Looks like the flag has just been washed with Lenor and just being folded up with the dad and son

[@anthonydarr2823]

What’s lenor?

[@sophiepoyser4731]

@@anthonydarr2823 Fabric conditioner

[@jandrews666]

Union *Flag* removed from EU parliament building

[@danielreeve1433]

Joe Andrews Union Jack

[@danielreeve1433]

Luke MacInnes Union Jack is when it on a ship

[@ruthl.8069]

@@danielreeve1433 ooh that is interesting. Thanks I never knew that!

[@danielreeve1433]

Ruth Lopez well I believe it is anyway, might be wrong haha

[@declanworden8255]

daniel reeve no you’re right

[@fazbearsgamingbagel9614]

which ones Jack and why is he in charge of the union

[@pauloseara1638]

Last time we've seen this was when UK hand off Hong Kong to China, next chapter will be Scotland?

[@cplcabs]

Nope

[@mranthony_dop]

Paulo Seara what does China want with Scotland?

[@soup8786]

@@cplcabs yep. You better belive it

[@cplcabs]

marx117 x as a Scot myself, definitely not

[@soup8786]

@@cplcabs you can move to toryland

[@alaybozan2634]

I mean no disrespect but that "ceremony" attempt looked really clumsy.

[@ThorKingOfWorld]

Just in case that was not sarcasm, there purposefully was no ceremony.

[@sgchoe4806]

That’s the least respect to treat other country’s national flag

[@harrisonmckenzie4905]

@@sgchoe4806 They don't even respect sovereign nations why would they respect their flags.

[@blackswanreselling]

Yes, surprising considering how very organised the whole process has been so far!

[@ThorKingOfWorld]

@@sgchoe4806 They are not disrepecting the flag. They are just not celebrating a country's departure.

[@pacificoceania5828]

51 % (The Brexiter) are happy and 49 % ( remainer) are sad . British people have been divided .

[@ItzWhiz_]

Pandora Dale No one would win a second English civil war. It would be too bloody to conclude anything. Edit: before any of you get my stance wrong, I’m a British patriot, not a warmonger.

[@aragornthebrave]

Wrong. About half of each side don't care that much.

[@kegal]

Your more looking at 20% are super chuffed while 20%are crying. The other 60% probably don’t mind too much. Don’t look at both extremes look to the middle

[@alexsmallwood1736]

52% 48% :)

[@LegendNinja41]

these figures are probably wrong, how do you know it's still 51% to 49%? that was 3-4 years ago.

[@davependragon1]

IT IS NOT THE UNION JACK, it is only a "JACK" when it is flying on a ship. It is the UNION FLAG

[@user-uw9zn7ob1s]

wow you really got that youtube video....

[@JourneywithSmee]

Although you are correct, I'm more shocked a major newspaper called it incorrectly.

[@rising593]

Dave Tomkings i feel like the name Union Flag is very vague. Time people start calling it the Union Jack regardless of where its placed. Everyone I know in the UK calls it the Union Jack anyway.

[@Bluehawk2008]

Wouldn't expect the Guardian to know anything about their own country, now would you.

[@stephenmurray2851]

@@JourneywithSmee the guardian is not a major newspaper. 10th best selling? Come on

[@jameswalker3652]

It is only the Union Jack when on a ship, in every other situation it is the Union Flag.

[@TAmrman]

Just in time for the January transfer deadline too. Lucky

[@marksimpson3372]

It's the Union Flag not Union Jack it is only called Union Jack when displayed on a naval vessel.

[@JP-sm4cs]

Should've rolled it up and ate it like the Simpsons Australia episode

[@jesuschrist5035]

i was looking for this comment XD

[@nines3048]

everyone's bullshitting about how they're being clumsy or whatever, y'all ever try to take down a flag? those things have a mind on their own even when its completely clear, and it looks more than a bit windy there.

[@itsaulgoodmaan7893]

this is so sad i sleep now

[@hansgruber788]

ItSaulGoodMaan there there, taste the freedom!

[@teganpilling]

Ikr why did they do it do late

[@johnrhodes3350]

@@teganpilling because that was the time when we came out. I'm guessing it was 11:00pm. Greenwich Mean Time

[@itsaulgoodmaan7893]

Hans Gruber I don’t feel free :(

[@Not_available284]

They couldn't wait 11.00 p.m ?

[@rodgeyd6728]

Berlin time 🤔

[@JonsTunes]

Someone didn't want to pay overtime rates.

[@jeffkardosjr.3825]

Why wait?

[@krashd]

It was 11pm there.

[@JonsTunes]

@@krashd It was about 9:20 there when the flag came down.

[@Cracklin]

Just when the rich kid, formerly known as Prince Harry, is leaving the country.

[@TheComedyColosseum]

“I would like to take this chance, to apologise, TO ABSOLUTELY NOBODY! The PM PM does what he fookin wants!” The Notorious Boris Johnson.

[@josephbarca4615]

Old Gregg hahahahaha you’ll never beat the fookin PM

[@MrMountain707]

I'm surprised they didn't just leave it on the ground.

[@roland20002000]

Then spit on it

[@jasonkingshott2971]

Considering the post vindictive, childish mentality of this organisation from a democratic vote, it wouldn't surprise anyone.

[@rhyfelwrDuw]

When I lived in Brussels (in the early 90s), there was a Welsh Dragon flying outside a branch of Lloyd bank - I presume it will still be there if LB is still in that city?

[@Iazzaboyce]

You have one vote. Demanding a new referendum is undemocratic and a new referendum would not bring a different result. The UK voted to end its membership of the EU and is no longer a member of the EU; each day will make that more so. Just accept reality, stop whinging and start building a better UK. If you really don't want to be part of an independent, democratic UK, then take your red passport and go live in the EU while you still can.

[@johnball4983]

The flag hangs from the Jack Staff onboard a ship... I believe?

[@unscentednapalm8547]

That's a relatively new idea. The admiralty have called it a Union Jack in all situations.

[@EliteLucarioRS]

They should eat it

[@Confused_Collared]

Gonna be petty and point out since it isn't at sea its technically the Union Flag not Union Jack

[@MyAquilo]

"So long and thanks for all the fish." - The EU, probably.

[@sleepyjessie]

😂

[@guntermertens6875]

Fish belongs to the sea not to the UK.

[@MyAquilo]

@@guntermertens6875 The sea belongs to the UK... or at least the sea within 200 miles of our coast.

[@scythal]

@@MyAquilo **Rule Britannia plays in the background**

[@guntermertens6875]

@@MyAquilo Indeed only your coast, like other countries in Europe don't have a coast! You're still bound to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea of 10 December 1982

[@rhyfelwrDuw]

Who gets the flag?

[@davidbarlow350]

CerddWEN iI think it will be given to Verhofstadt as a comfort blanket.

[@joerawlins100]

Surely a reputable news source should know that the union flag is only called the union jack when flown at sea?

[@myindigoblues5796]

Wow, this gave me chills. So significant (minus the guys fumbling with the flag at the end 😄). Big changes

[@aib0160]

When are they going to send our star back?

[@drey8]

The stars don't represent countries they are just a ring of stars symbolising harmony and 12 is an even number like the 12 points on a clock.

[@aib0160]

@erati - Thanks, I had thought it was devised when 12 nations made up the union. Given its no longer so harmonious perhaps a rethink is in order?

[@notthepopularview6622]

You will get the star back when you pay the agreed withdrawl amount!.

[@ye_oldsilversurfer]

Can somebody let the cat out and also put out the empties before they all leave!..., showing my age as many of you will ask “what empties?”

[@YourStoryTeam]

Gets some beefeaters to fold that jack into an English taco next exit

[@lowksliana2884]

Wait why is it being removed

[@ohno4262]

UK left the EU.

[@sherleengibb9454]

About bloody time

[@lukeschofield574]

I think it's only called the union flag when it's on a boat, otherwise it's union flag

[@lukeschofield574]

@@sierraromeoromeo2444 oh my bad, it's called the union jack when on a boat. Not trying to look clever, just let some people know if they don't already. Enjoy licking your windows

[@lukeschofield574]

@@sierraromeoromeo2444 You're right I do care

[@Brian-rx9sp]

"Aight Im boutta head out" - United Kingdom.

[@jasonkingshott2971]

Fantastic, the UK never voted for it to be there in the first place.

[@martintaylor9962]

What did they do next burn it?

[@TheEuroCoin]

The have put the British Flag inside a Museum. Its a part of EU History so they have kept it there. It was Brits who were burning EU flags outside British Parliament when UK left the EU that night. :/

[@shaun7244]

Keep Scottish flag up

[@joshuayodog]

the Scottish flag is not flown as it is represented by the union flag

[@Mythee]

bruh

[@jameslavery4968]

It's the Union flag! It isn't at sea!

[@hookprobe]

Thames will flood London in 2020

[@jellydee123]

Lul

[@lil_nut2232]

noobenstein edgy

[@johnathansmall1899]

Pandora Dale immigrants are half the reason we have a very strong economy. It encourages the growth of global hubs, allows low skilled workers and high skilled workers to strengthen the work force, TNCs can prosper more, we have a stronger soft power, we have a closer relationship with countries allowing access to new opportunities, the list is endless really

[@hookprobe]

@@johnathansmall1899 Sure, but britons don't want what you say. They want nationalist britain non-globalization and division between non-british nationality. Fed up seeing all imigrants as their neighbours. I know how people feel. I have many friends in UK. They don't want multi-nationalities. They want to be themselves.

[@johnathansmall1899]

Andrei Toma Id understand if you felt like the minority but British people still aren’t and I feel like the immigrant ideas are really exaggerated.

[@GuyWilson706]

The military should of taken the flag down in a ceremonious fashion

[@MBen-qf7mc]

I am really sad. Together stronger! Greetings from Czech Republic!

[@jamestoni]

it will be down to france and Germany to keep yous afloat now.

[@scythal]

@Enoch's Ghost I wouldn't be surprised that Austria and Hungary wouldn't want to let Turkey in.... you know, remember the old times?

[@jasonkingshott2971]

The German-Franco project sorry, the EU had many opportunities to change their ways, they didn't/wouldn't and we all know what happened next.

[@leonardo9463]

As someone who wanted to remain, this is painful to watch

[@wafflemangaming282]

me too

[@RackHasAttacked]

I'm happy to watch it go down

[@darcymurdoch6619]

Grow up 😂

[@adrianconnolly3162]

Leonardo I feel the same way too. Very sad day.

[@Mark-qw4tu]

@@wafflemangaming282 happy days are here again la la laaa la laa

[@laurenceseale]

Main thing is their flag is removed from all government buildings in the UK.

[@Chirpingcherub]

Gruntfuttock Scotland are still flying it in Edinburgh

[@joshuayodog]

@@Chirpingcherub it will probably be removed by 11pm

[@stephenmurray2851]

@UCYJUHnYjaCfojTLcfZO5TjQ No it's not "rightfully" at all. It's a disgrace. We voted to leave yet the SNP are behaving like babies as always. They are always so malicious and immature. The fact is that Scotland is a region in Britain and Britain voted to leave, therefore by default, Scotland voted to leave. Why are they flying a foreign flag over our Parliament? Disgraceful

[@Dave7heRave]

@@stephenmurray2851 As long as that child from the SNP has her way that flag will still be flying until theres another indy ref....

[@davidbarlow350]

Gruntfuttock Plus get that bloody flag removed from car registration plates.

[@hello7490]

Worst game of capture the flag

[@ChoctawNawtic4]

Will this effect the immigration policy? Was that anything to do w/their decision?

[@scottjohnson3389]

Yes it was a big part mass migration and terrorism we want our coutry back and now we have and we can make our own laws again etc death sentence for terrorists cant wait

[@beckynelson6786]

It's an embarrassment after the performance by Farage and friends last week so just as well it's coming down.The Union Jack should stand for unity but the country is split and already the Economy is shrinking.

[@gefparx6442]

The remaining flags are there to remind member countries of who they used to be .

[@Luladasilva217]

From "brexit" to "bregret" now i suppose

[@Britannia7]

I genuinely haven't met any Brexiteer that regrets brexit, you can't tell us we regret brexit it doesn't work that way

[@gundamfan2020]

.The Union flag is only ever a JACK when on a war ship.

[@giraffeshavelongnecks3774]

I hate you

[@chrisharries2463]

On the Bow of the ship.

[@jeffkardosjr.3825]

It is getting off a sinking ship.

[@onlylettersand0to9]

@Pandora Dale 1) It's 100% wrong. Even Parliament itself wrote that “the Union Jack should be regarded as the National flag” back in 1908. 2) Shouldn't you know how to spell "cry"?

[@franzbauer1367]

The union jack becomes a white ensign when on a war ship

[@TanixKington]

Bye bye, no one is going to miss the leoliberal island inhabitants..

[@apelkowski]

Bravo UK bravo MR Farage. Next Polexit

[@honsiu5875]

Człowieku co ty gadasz, wiesz jakie będą skutki gospodarcze dla Polski? Brytyjczycy wyszli bo mają dobra gospodarkę jedna z najlepszych na świecie i mogli sobie na to pozwolić.

[@jackf1841]

Backward Poland should join Russia.

[@godsavethequeen7614]

@@jackf1841 😂😂😂😂😂 I'm surprised you havent caused ww3 with this comment I know so much polish who hate Russians 😂

[@peternicholson2504]

A very moving ceremony.

[@jasonkingshott2971]

A very joyous ceremony for the UK democrats.

[@robgw]

Union Flag! It's only the Jack when flown from a boat! Get your facts right.

[@christianamary1540]

Abolished United Kingdom abolished monarchy abolished Commonwealth realm

[@Britannia7]

No thanks we like the monarchy 🇦🇺

[@nightstepgaming493]

In the words of a wise rock man "The revolution has begun"

[@CRenggi]

Last time a British flag came down on foreign land that drew the worlds attention was in 1997,the end of the British Empire

[@hobanagerik]

The flags get damaged over time, quite quickly if it’s windy all the time, so no doubt that flag is just one of many to have come down since ‘73.

[@aragornthebrave]

Look up the word 'symbolism.'

[@hobanagerik]

aragornthebrave I know, but it wasn’t very symbolic as the EU were concerned, given how it was so unceremoniously brought down. Like a couple of caretakers turned up. 😔

[@haradream7394]

Well this is the last one

[@NoName-hg6cc]

​@@hobanagerikunceremoniously, fitting for the brexit shitshow

[@Billboss900]

How much do you think that flag costs

[@mahboobahmed95]

Our sanity lol

[@mike.B.1]

Now I am waiting for Scottish independence

[@Shuyin781]

Considering that a lot have happened since 2014, it could happen sooner than we think

[@Shuyin781]

@Enoch's Ghost you mean the same way UK have to refund EU for brexit ?

[@itsme-sn5gi]

After this they replaced it with an EU flag LOL

[@Victory..I]

I'll drink to this.. Cheers..

[@ThisUpdateSucks]

2020 sucks...

[@cherryistrash4080]

That is the sloppiest handling of a flag I have ever seen. US would have 6 soldiers, 2 folding the flag, 2 to trifold it, 1 to carry it, and 1 to guard the guy carrying it. Trash.

[@notthepopularview6622]

That's ok, looks like the US will be doing all the flag handling in the future for the UK anyway.

[@Brian-rx9sp]

I know right? If they're gonna disown us, at least try to be prim and proper about it. Tossing it on the floor would've been more dignified.

[@Vespasian91]

So we leave that pole for Scotland, I suppose?

[@nolimitmaios]

Just don't .

[@jayamber4448]

Freude, Schöne, Götterfunken, Tochter aus Elysium

[@gazza2933]

Quick to get rid of it now but okay to fly it when they were liberated in 1944!!

[@user-hp5fz3qs1u]

I want to make a complaint this EU is deceased it no longer exists it is dead it is no more R.I.P

[@notthepopularview6622]

Check you keyboard the E and K are mixed up.

[@chittur101]

Who is next to leave the cartel?

[@donaldsinden934]

It will not be Greece, they just take out of the whole corrupt system, then in all fairness I fail to see why they are there in the first place.

[@LyndaCoulson64]

I believe it will be France or Germany. Maybe they would call it Franexit and Germexit!

[@garyrea2320]

Scotland said no, the UK said out and America voted trump, we are on a roll whats next? I'm so happy right now.

[@notthepopularview6622]

Everything rolls back.

[@alexsmallwood1736]

Union Flag* It's not on a ship

[@unscentednapalm8547]

Myth. It's a relatively new idea that it's only a 'Jack' when on a ship.

[@alexsmallwood1736]

@@unscentednapalm8547 The only time the Union Flag is officially called the Union Jack is when it is being flown at sea. The “jack” part comes from a jack being another name for a national maritime flag flown at the head of a ship.

[@Freedom-gn2ch]

That's right that's what we've been waiting for over 3 years freedom

[@Mark_Hafer]

Now there is a one year transition period in which we will still be paying money to the EU and following eu rules...

[@tribefenatic]

is this like somebody just died? news to me

[@kevinthebest6268]

The NHS is getting 350 millions pounds every week now!!! More doctors more nurses!

[@lilsisgay]

would love to see your proof that would actually happen

[@jimbax1]

IDon't think so! In the requested first phase of the withdrawal negotiation, the UK must pay a "divorce bill", initially estimated as amounting up to £52bn and then, after additional financial demands from Germany, France, and Poland, amounting to £92bn.

[@krashd]

@Pandora Dale I wouldn't be smart if I were you, we have to pay our dues or else we'll be shunned by the international community. A nation can't just reneg on it's agreements or it becomes a pariah like North Korea. So like it or not the divorce bill will be paid.

[@kevinthebest6268]

@@lilsisgay I was sarcastic!

[@kletniak]

@@kevinthebest6268 More Covidians!

[@oliviastone8887]

Anyone else forget this was happening today? 😂

[@BillyS3459]

This👏🏻Makes👏🏻Me👏🏻Want👏🏻To👏🏻Cry

[@jimbax1]

@@chrisf1600 Funny it makes Me want to spew up! In the requested first phase of the withdrawal negotiation, the UK must pay a "divorce bill", initially estimated as amounting up to £52bn and then, after additional financial demands from Germany, France, and Poland, amounting to £92bn.

[@jimbax1]

@Pandora Dale I'm moving to Spain! soon as! fed up with potholes ,Foodbanks, BBC licence fee, hospital waiting times .Boris Johnson lies, druggies, petrol prices,, Nicola Sturgeon's moanings, rain, ect.

[@jasonkingshott2971]

The German-Franco project sorry, the EU had many opportunities to change their ways, they didn't/wouldn't and we all know what happened next.

[@carladrianblancaflor5380]

We Honor to Protect!

[@waddewel]

Remove the parliament building all together.

[@notthepopularview6622]

Don't do that London wouldn't be the same without it.

[@jimbax1]

Am I the only One that thinks, were going to get shafted big time, by the EU? replies to James from ( little Britain )

[@YourStoryTeam]

Apologies to Gundam Fan

[@keithspencer4404]

The UK Cow has left the EU field. Thank funk for that, Wankres.

[@Lunarfacia]

This has made me feel really sad.

[@cplcabs]

Why?

[@Lunarfacia]

@@cplcabs because i think we're stronger together.

[@Osteoja]

@@Lunarfacia HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA like your sarcasm

[@Osteoja]

It never happens kid, corruption always take place, everyone strives for power, it's what humans are (what happened to the USSR). If you think otherwise you're are lying to yourself. You could be a joker, the joker lied to himself so many times he went crazy.

[@Lunarfacia]

@@Osteoja no sarcasm at all. Genuinely sad to see the UK leave.

[@leeoslayer3190]

🇬🇧🇬🇧😀the EU house of cards is starting to fall.🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿✌️✌️✌️😁😄😃🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🇬🇧🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🇬🇧🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🇬🇧

[@KR-us9pj]

Free at last....

[@karlrobottom9973]

We are in blood Stepped in so far that should we wade no more. Returning were as tedious as go o'er."

[@davidpierce2690]

Brilliant

[@SirSnails417]

As an American, you man handle my flag like that in ceremony... You might want to sleep with one eye open.

[@davemurphy2020]

Snails damn right. But the EU has no respect for Nationhood or patriotism, just another box ticked off today's to do list.

[@lloydfrancis9149]

So when do I take the European Union Stamp of my British Passport then? Does that mean I can never live in Italy, France or Spain? I like Europe

[@notthepopularview6622]

You will lose the right to live and work in the EU and also the right to free medical care and social welfare in the EU. You can continue to visit the EU for short holiday visits but you may require a visa or some other travel papers to do so.

[@dh1380]

How is this actually news as opposed to an inevitability

[@SpanishDio]

Next Step, Scotland.

[@sputnikalgrim]

This does bring a smile to my face

[@lechainbird]

u still smiling?

[@jasonkingshott2971]

...and it does to the UK democrats.

[@mmaman6931]

That's one effort-filled step for nigel, one giant leap for the UK

[@TheBlackfall234]

but is the leap forward or backward ? Dont know yet.

[@pionieresvizzero2224]

One step in the wrong direction.

[@Lorem_the_Ipsum]

Based in recent news, it was a large step toward poverty for millions

[@carladrianblancaflor5380]

Don't Leave the Brussels! we are the U.K. of the Europe!

[@bushlun8443]

It's embarrassing that all of our politically engaged press don't even know the name of our country's flag. Your fact checking let that one slip through! I see it's been corrected in the description box...

[@crystalxo5038]

lol this is so dramatic lmfaooo

[@plasticsurgerybd4253]

They should rather take turkey as a member. It will serve their interest.

[@arronbyron619]

alright brexit is happening... how bad will it be

[@willrussell8368]

Bad.

[@arronbyron619]

@@willrussell8368 yeah but What will happen

[@darcymurdoch6619]

@@willrussell8368 not really

[@bonk3746]

We’re literally still paying a lot and loosing all the benefits of being in the eu

[@krashd]

@@martynblackburn1977 Mrs Brown's Boys will be renewed for another series.

[@OsvaldoRichelli]

A great victory .... for Europe 😂