Dudley Council passes plans to encourage schools to fly Union Flag and sing national anthem
Plans to encourage schools in Dudley to fly the Union Flag and get youngsters singing the national anthem have been passed with cross-party support.
However, the proposals - put forward by UKIP Councillor Paul Brothwood - were labelled 'an example of playground politics' and 'pointless' during a debate at Dudley Council tonight.
Council leader Councillor Pete Lowe said the authority would not be able to tell schools what they can and cannot do.
Conservative group leader Councillor Patrick Harley also took issue with the idea, criticising its 'populist' nature.
He said: "It's pointless and we've got better things to do."
The motion was unanimously agreed and Councillor Brothwood welcomed the decision afterwards.
"As a group we felt it was important to put this forward and it's great we've got cross-party support.
"Hopefully we'll see a few more Union Jacks flying around the borough now."
