'A victory for common sense': Fire chiefs back down in Black Country flag row
The Black Country flag will fly again at fire stations across the region after bosses backtracked on a controversial decision to ban it.
Fire chiefs caused uproar after banning the famous flag on Black Country Day, claiming the chains on its design could have a link to the slave trade.
A joint statement from West Midlands Fire Service and the region's fire authority said that after giving "detailed consideration" to the issues raised, they will "support the continued use of the flag throughout celebrations of the Black Country’s rich heritage".
The decision to block stations from displaying the flag prompted fury among rank-and-file firefighters, who are understood to have voted overwhelmingly against the move in an internal poll.
The fire service change of heart has today been welcomed by Black Country MPs, who had urged fire chiefs to reconsider the ban.
Dudley South MP Mike Wood, said: "This is a victory for common sense. Gracie Sheppard's Black Country flag is a great flag which represents our region well and is a really important focal point for our community identity and cohesion."
Stuart Anderson, the MP for Wolverhampton South West, said: "This should never have been an issue in the first place. We are so proud of the flag across the Black Country and it is great to see that fire stations will now be able to fly it with pride."
Dudley North MP Marco Longhi said: "I am delighted the fire service has reversed its decision. The Black Country flag should never have been withdrawn from fire stations.
“I had recently received correspondence from the fire service following my objections, and while it didn’t confirm a position it was positive – reading between the lines.
“There are important lessons to be learned from this episode but what I do know is that rank and file fire officers and Black Country people will feel very happy with this decision. The flag flies!”
The full statement, from WMFS chief fire officer Phil Loach, and Councillor Greg Brackenridge, chair of West Midlands Fire and Rescue Authority (WMFRA), reads:
"Last week, WMFS asked staff not to fly the Black Country flag at our sites but, instead, to find alternative ways of marking Black Country Day.
"In our statements to media outlets we explained that we were seeking to form a fully rounded view of the flag’s chain imagery and questions it raises in the context of slavery.
"It has never been in question that the flag’s design – created by Gracie Sheppard when she was a schoolgirl – was honestly conceived as a celebration of all that is positive about the Black Country’s heritage. Many people, predominantly from the area, have clear pride in the emblem.
"However, for some people, the flag’s chain imagery is a reminder of links between Black Country industry and slavery.
"This is all the more relevant for our service, given the support of WMFS and WMFRA for the global Black Lives Matter movement, which resonates directly and personally with many of our staff.
"Our association with Black Country Day has involved various activities over many years. It is an important association, not least because of the employment we provide in the area and services which make the Black Country and the entire West Midlands safer, stronger and healthier.
"We have now given detailed consideration to the issues raised, gathering views and information from within the service and a range of external sources.
"WMFS and WMFRA will 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."
