Sunderland Council killjoys should fly flag for Lionesses

Lib Dem councillors in Sunderland are calling on council chiefs to fly the England flag for the Women’s World Cup.

The call comes as no England flag was flying today for the Lionesses’ 1-0 victory over Haiti in their first match of the tournament.

In previous tournaments, Lib Dem councillors have forced Council bosses into U-turns to make sure the St George’s flag is flown at City Hall, and formerly at the Civic Centre, for the duration of the World Cup or Euros – or on England match days.

Speaking after today’s England-Haiti game, Lib Dem councillor for Millfield and Thornholme Julia Potts said: "Every time there’s a World Cup we have to drag killjoy Sunderland Council bosses kicking and screaming just to get them to do the right thing, show some pride in our national team and fly the England Flag from City Hall.

“It looks particularly bad that the Council flew the England flag for the men’s World Cup last year but isn’t doing so for the Women’s World Cup this summer. Local people are paying through the nose for the Council to rent these swanky new offices – the least they can do is fly our country’s flag during this summer’s Women’s World Cup to show that our city is behind the Lionesses.”