West Midlands Fire Service reverses its ban on Black Country flag

West Midlands Fire Service has reversed its decision to ban the use of the Black Country flag.

It follows a letter sent by the service on 16 July to all staff banning them from flying it as part of celebrations for Black Country Day.

Today it said that after detailed consideration it will now 'support the continued use of the flag throughout celebrations of the Black Country’s rich heritage, in which many of staff and our communities have a clear and unquestionable pride'.

The service said it had gathered views and information from within the service and a range of external sources before making the decision.

Today in a joint statement Phil Loach, the Chief Fire Officer for West Midlands Fire Service and Councillor Greg Brackenridge, Chair of the West Midlands Fire and Rescue Authority said they had wanted to form a fully rounded view of the flag’s chain imagery and questions it raised in the context of slavery.

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