Post by The Dark Knight on Jan 3, 2024 10:31:48 GMT
Ban on taxis displaying Union Flag set to be dropped despite 'nationalist sentiments' fears
Shropshire Council looks set to drop its ban on taxis displaying the Union Flag – although a report warns the move may put some people off using the vehicles because of concerns about "nationalist and right-wing sentiments".
Last year the council ordered Market Drayton taxi driver, John 'Basil' Brockhurst, to remove a flag of the Cross of St George from his vehicle.
Mr Brockhurst subsequently lost an appeal against the decision.
The military veteran said the cross was of personal significance, having fought for his country in both Northern Ireland and Iraq.
The council faced heavy criticism for the decision, with its own deputy leader, Councillor Ian Nellins, proposing changes.
Now the council has said recommendations to change the rules will be discussed by its strategic licensing committee on January 11.
The committee will be asked to debate whether the 'Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policy 2023-2027 should be changed to permit the display of the Union Flag on taxis (hackney carriages) and private hire vehicles and for the purposes of promoting any private hire operator business or any business offering taxi or private hire vehicle services'.
www.shropshirestar.com/news/local-hubs/north-shropshire/2024/01/02/council-to-consider-dropping-ban-on-taxis-displaying-union-flag/
Shropshire Council looks set to drop its ban on taxis displaying the Union Flag – although a report warns the move may put some people off using the vehicles because of concerns about "nationalist and right-wing sentiments".
Last year the council ordered Market Drayton taxi driver, John 'Basil' Brockhurst, to remove a flag of the Cross of St George from his vehicle.
Mr Brockhurst subsequently lost an appeal against the decision.
The military veteran said the cross was of personal significance, having fought for his country in both Northern Ireland and Iraq.
The council faced heavy criticism for the decision, with its own deputy leader, Councillor Ian Nellins, proposing changes.
Now the council has said recommendations to change the rules will be discussed by its strategic licensing committee on January 11.
The committee will be asked to debate whether the 'Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policy 2023-2027 should be changed to permit the display of the Union Flag on taxis (hackney carriages) and private hire vehicles and for the purposes of promoting any private hire operator business or any business offering taxi or private hire vehicle services'.
www.shropshirestar.com/news/local-hubs/north-shropshire/2024/01/02/council-to-consider-dropping-ban-on-taxis-displaying-union-flag/