Union flag to appear on driving licences as celebration of ‘one nation Britain’

The UK Government has introduced the union flag to all photocard driving licences in an attempt to ‘bring the country together’, it has been announced.

From today all cards issued issued in England, Scotland and Wales will carry the Union Jack alongside the existing EU flag.

The changes do not apply to motorists in Northern Ireland as driver licensing is devolved to Stormont.

Transport Minister Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon said: “Our flag is recognised and respected around the world and is something which British people take pride in. I am delighted to see it featured on driving licences.

“We are bringing the country together. Adding our national flag to British driving licences is a true celebration of one nation Britain.”

When the move was announced earlier in the year SNP MSP Joan McAlpine said the UK Government had been quite explicit in saying it was a political decision.

“It just seems petty and political and not really part of the respect agenda going forward,” she said.

Existing licences in circulation remain valid and will not be recalled