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I write in response to Mr J. Namrah USA when he asks

Perhaps they should include the cross of, St. George, or the cross of St. Andrew, or the cross of St.Patrick. to clarify what part of Britain they are from

I say him and everyone, why should we separate our glorious flag into individual countries,as suggested by Mr Namarh - "As united we stand divided we fall".

Support all our troops.

- Alex Bruce, Glasgow, Scotland

I would be more impressed if the Metropolitan "Police" were to introduce a small cloth badge to be attached alongside or preferably above the word "police" on their standard 'official' uniform.

Given the cowardly unprincipled mental attitudes of so many in the "Met", I will not be holding my breath.

Are these the same 'guys' who routinely illegally assault and even kill protesters and bystanders in London ? I thought so.

Do OUR troops actually wish to be associated with these creatures ?

The Met has shown by its very first instinctive "BAN" that they remain unreformed , belligerent imbeciles, unworthy of the title and appointment of 'Constable' !

God bless our troops and keep them safe from harm !

"Unus miles instar omnium est !"

(One soldier is worth the whole lot of them !)

- Pavo Absolutus, Chichester - ENGLAND

I am disgusted at those "people" I use the term very loosly, that object to OUR police supporting OUR troops.
I object to those individuals being able to live in this country and I shall be going out to find one of these badges tomorrow.
Well done the met.

- Dean, bath

Labours entire plan is social engineering and cleansing. To have any kind of resentment from the foeces would be a thorn they do not need right now. They have almost complete thier plan to destroy all that is "English"..and they need the state police to stop freedom of speech and the right to demonstrate....section 44 of the terrorism act!

- Al, sudbury ENGLAND

I heard about this story yesterday and have bought two badges today. After 9/11 the Americans produced a badge of crossed Stars and Stripes and the Union Jack in appreciation of the help and heart felt sympathy's the Brits gave to them. I wonder if Iraq and Afghanistan will do the same for bringing their countries into this century with hopes of a better life. Well done Met Officers you have started the debate to bring back Britianess, I hope all our public services will now fit the union flag on their uniforms.

- Andy, Southampton

Had to laugh at Basils comment though... He is probably more 'British' than most Brits...LOL

- Craig, Norway

Dress code is dress code and as far as I am aware the old bill are not allowed to have badges on their uniform so it is wrong.. Regardless of what the individuals personal and political views are... Strange that the Met backed down though.. Feel more sorry for the soldiers actually.. fighting wars they should never of been involved in in the first place.. I mean who knows what go's on behind all those closed doors.. Ah well as long as the majority of Brits let Johnny Foreigner tread on them this is what they have to expect.. As Britain is a democracy why dont they put it to the vote for the coppers to decide for themselves ?

- Craig, Norway

You are missing the point, its not the wearing of the flag that is offensive but the slogan that goes with it. Don't get me wrong I agree with both the slogan and the badge wearing. I myself am proud to wear both my veterans badge and my Union flag and I think the police force should also wear a Union on their uniform, but the police have to be impartial as stated earlier and therefore maybe not wear the slogan. If the flag does offend please feel free to use your rights and leave the country.

- Mark, Wiltshire

You know there folk in this country who aren't worth a drop of my son and his fellow soldiers blood. Our boys and girls do a fantastic job under crushing circumstances, to those that complain- what are your 18 year olds doing? Mine was getting shot at, pulling his pals body minus legs out of blown up Vikings, raiding the QM stores to get warm jackets for freezing Afghan kids? Freedom has been hard won by the likes of Harry Patch, but woolly weak minded liberalism goes too far, this is Britain, we have the right to wear our national flag and support our troops whether we believe in the governments policy or not. ANyone who doesn't like it should go back where they came from, because at the end of the day if they had expressed those opinions there they would be dead by now. Send assylum seekers and refugees home and spend the money on equiping our kids, and whilst your at it sack half the MP's and give their wages to our kids in compensation then we might have some more faith in this mess of a country

- Auntylol, Borders, Scotland

I'm not British but flag being offensive to someone is sick that guy is mental I'm supporting any soldier who fights for something that is right I will wear small badge as well because I love it All policeman's should wear it . I need to say also that some people told me that Britain is a BAN country and thanks to political correctness and have pussy government and people are getting offended by almost anything ( I know that one guy says other guy that was offensive when he ask him what he was eating during lunch and its truth I'm not lying ),and that needs someone that has that good bits of Margaret Thatcher sorry to say that but there's more than that .

- Andrew, London

Interesting choice of comments in line with the newspaper's stance. Pride in one's country, even nationalism, can be 'positive', but this goes further by advocating support for the aggressive, militaristic and imperialist arm of that. That might be of only minor concern. But when that adornment is insisted upon by the various uniformed services in authority, who have legal power over those likely to have opposite views, that is entirely innapropriate. Imagine a British person dealing with a badge-wearing policeman, but who has just lost their Afghan family to US/UK operations. That would be outrageous. It is self-righteous right-wing symbol-shaking that is slightly moving in the direction of swastika armbands (no apology intended). The police should operate according to law without leeway to emblazon themselves with slogans that might admittedly be acceptable in their circles, but not necessarily in those they professionally deal with. Presumably a patriotic police officer who disagreed with the war would not be allowed to wear an anti-war badge? So not free expression but pandering to the required mind-set. Those paid from the public purse who have immense presence and authority over individuals can not be allowed to flaunt and make overt the views they have, which may not simply be pride in one's job duty and country, but something far darker that can not be displayed without perhaps inviting confrontation or grossly offending, and always compromising their professionalism

- Gary Moyle, Stevenage

FAO: Steve Porter, London, SE3.
You are obviously very sympathetic to dictatorship in Afghanistan & Iraq. May i suggest that you go stand on your soap box in Sniper Alley in either country to WOW your audience, and see how willing they are to listen to your most brilliant words of choice.

Why should we be so ashamed of our national identity; of course people from oppressed countries may seek salvation in OUR country, but surely there should be quid pro quot.

Good on the MET. If the wearing of national flag is overturned then disbanding Gay Pride and all other multicultural events. Is this really what things are coming to? Why can't we support our brothers and sisters in arms with pride; whether it be police, fire, NHS, Navy, Army, RAF.

Lets us all live in peace for the good work that others do.

- Joe Smith, Bury St Edmunds

This would not even be an issue in any other country but Britain. Thanks god I got out years ago!!

- M. John Namrah, San Diego, USA

Perhaps they should include the cross of, St. George, or the cross of St. Andrew, or the cross of St.Patrick. to clarify what part of Britain they are from

- M Lovell, kent uk

More disgraceful behavior from the Met.

- Alice, ealing

In the U.S every police officer has an American flag on their uniform, I suggest we follow suit.

- Dirk Diggler, Soho, London

Well Done our Police Officers, wear our flag with pride.

- Vince, London, West London

who is this idiot who complained to the police in the first place ?

- Neil, london , backing our armed forces to the hilt

What is offensive is that the UK's largest police force even entertains the idea of preventing its officers from wearing the national flag in support of our soldiers, sailors and airman serving in action.

No doubt the jobsworth who approved the ludicrous instruction will now leave "by mutual agreement" with a huge pay off!

- John C, Leatherhead, UK

Command and control! But who commands and who controls.

- Alan, carlisle uk

I think it is incredible firstly that someone should complain that GB's national flag is offensive and secondly that somebody(fool) in the police force should accept that it is offensive. It is about time the PoliCe paid attention to doing their proper job

- Les, Murcia Spain

Do the police need a badge to show that they support her majesty's forces ? Surely they also swear an oath to the same sovereign, her heirs and successors. Badges on civilian clothes please; their loyalty is not in question.

- Peter Haldane, London

Who ever complained about the badge should be arrested for wasting police time and it's high time political correction be dumped forever as it serves no purpose but resentment to all walks of life on this planet.

- Joe, Swanley Kent

I think it should be compulsory for police and armed forces to wear tha flag.I am sick and tired of foreigners being offended by our British traditions and values!

- Meldroo, Oldham, England

Yes I was thinking the same, the uniform should include a union jack as standard.

- Stephen, London

The personnel director of the Met continues to bring the Met into disrepute with these stupid decisions. In many ways, these decisions incite racial hatred in this country and create discord and disharmony between the peoples of this country.

- Anthony, London

Good luck all you Met-Coppers; don’t let them grind you down, carry on like that and you will soon be favourites with the British People again, you have kissed the backsides of other for far to long; get up and fight back, Law and order in the UK today needs men, not wimps.

- Mickinlondon, london.

John T, we're living in a bigger country now -- the E.U. Do people in Florida go around wearing the Florida flag? Sadly, the U.K. is no longer a country. A country by definition is a self-governing territory, whereas 80% of the laws coming out of London are rubber-stamping of E.U. laws (called Directives) from offshore. The BBC and other pro-E.U. media are still using the word 'country' so as not to alert the public to just what is going on, but you'll certainly see the word phased out in coming years. One provision in the Lisbon Treaty changes the word 'country' to 'Member State' in one of the earlier E.E.C treaties that are brought under the Lisbon Treaty. What is a Member State? The word 'state' was chosen specifically for its ambiguity -- Florida, Ohio, etc., are 'states', but countries are also called 'nation states'. 'Member States' in the E.U. are the equivalent of provinces in existing federal states such as Canada, Australia, the U.S., Switzerland. A federal state is a country with a central government passing laws for everyone in the country, and with provincial governments passing laws only applicable within the particular province. Don't you think that fits the U.K. of 2009? We British have lost our country, without having any say in the matter!

- Phil Jones, London UK

I believe Sir Paul Stephenson has made a big mistake. This matter has nothing to do with whether the wearing of the Union Flag is offensive, non-offensive, patriotic or anything else. The job of the police is to enforce law and order and to protect the public, not to show their allegiance to causes (of any kind) whilst on duty. Much as they, as private citizens, may support our troops, when they are on duty they should remain non-partisan. The wearing of the Union Flag by individual police officers in the supposed context of supporting the troops could show the police as an organisation being politically involved in supporting the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, even if this is not the intention. Sir Paul has set a worrying precedent by giving in to junior officers.

- Pam, East Kent UK

Have I missed something here? The government sent our soldiers to war; the police wish to show their support for the soldiers fighting that war so why are the authorities banning the Union Jack badges?

Whatever next? My guess is that they will soon be banning the police from wearing Poppies on Remembrance Sunday.

- Martin Fielding, London, England

The Union Jack is NOT part of the police uniform, so it's interesting to see how many posters here support the Met wearing it.

- Charlie, Soho, London

I returned to what I thought was the UK seven years ago,but seem to of landed at the wrong Heathrow.Could someone please help be find the UK,its were all forms of freedom of speech are allowed.not just politically correct speech,its were being British and being proud of it is allowed,its were border control is enforce and not an open door,its where the health system is one of the best in the world,and not a third world establishment,its were the same laws apply to all citezens and celebs dont get away with breaking the law,its were London transport runs smoothly without signal failures and broken down buses and its were our elected MPs are honest and hard working instead of thieving and lazy.Please help find the real UK.

- Dave, london

This is not just any badge. This is our national flag. We need to a newspaper campaign to get everybody wearing this badge to support our fantastic troops and to show that the politically correct idiots aren’t going to win this time.

- Xtremely Worried, Britain (No Longer Great)

THIS MAKES MY BOOL BOIL! HOW ON EARTH IN THE FLAG OF OUR NATION OFFENSIVE? IT ANYTHING IN OUR COUNTRY OFFENDS YOU, LEAVE!

- Dirk Diggler, Soho, London

I suggest that all of us who think it offensive to ban wearing a badge of our national flag should lodge our own complaints with the Met. By this logic they should also ban poppies for Remembrance Day!!!

- Simon, London

I dare bet none of you fly the union jack from your house/flat, car etc. Other countries fly their colours with pride. Before you all rush out and buy one, make sure you fly it the right way up (not upside down).

- Lee, middlesex

I think some people are misssing the broader point here.

No-one is suggesting that officers should start coming across as girl guides adorned with all sorts of badges in knitting or squirell deflowering, or declaring their political allegiances. We are talking about a small badge, of the nation's flag being worn for a particular reason.

Charitable considerations aside, the story has left me wondering why they are not issued with Union Flag badges as part of their uniform in the first place.

- Escobar A-Lop-Lop, Mad as hell and not taking it anymore...

I think every British policeman should where the Union jack badge in protest. They cant fire or charge all of them or can they! The stupid higher ups might just do that. What a laugh.

- Jon Vickers, S.C.USA

The police are wearing an official uniform. The whole point of uniform is that it's all the same, and therefore ALL unofficial badges are banned. Uniform is not a personal choice but the employer's public image, and so anything attached to it will be interpreted as reflecting the employer's choice and attitude, not the employee's.

Policemen and other people who wear uniform at work are free to wear Union Flag badges (or any other legal sort of badge) on their off-duty clothing. That's where all such personal statements should stay.

- Nigel, London

If it isn't offensive to support a Government sanctioned initiative, then let's have the police wearing badges advocating the minimum wage and the smoking ban.

ALL badges are banned on police uniform - the ones that support the troops and the ones that don't. That includes poppies in November...

What they support in private should not be displayed in public - not because it is right or wrong - but because it is provocative and hinders them from doing their jobs properly.

- Tony, Bangor

One flag I do find offensive is the European flag particularly when flown as a higher priority than the Union Jack

- Stuart, London

I'll be buying a badge now and a matching tee-shirt.

- Sue, Orpington, Kent

To be fair, these badges will probably come in very useful for covering up an officer's identification number when hitting someone with a truncheon on a demo.

- Jo, London

British soldiers have been involved in the torture and abuse of prisoners in Iraq and Afghanistan. If I were an Afghan or Iraqui and my relatives had been blown apart by misdirected US or UK ordnance, I would take an extremely dim view of the supposedly impartial forces of law and order expressing support for an occupying force in my country.

- Steve Porter, London SE3

To Nj- who cares if it is 'partisan' for members of Her Majesty's Constabulary to show support for Her Majesty's Armed Forces? It's not about some vacuous 'equality' message- H.M. Armed Forces are fighting against a vicious enemy who would destroy this country if it had the chance. The brave men fighting out in Afghanistan and Iraq need our support, and if that's 'partisan', so be it. I for one am not going to flinch in saying I fully support the British troops in their fight against the scum of the earth, and neither should H.M. Constabulary. If they're allowed to go on a gay pride parade, they should certainly be allowed to show support to those soldiers fighting for freedom and peace.

- Richard, London

I find banning the wearing of the British Flag, by British people, while in Britain, to be offensive.

This has nothing to do with colour or religion, the flag is the symbol of our national identity - anyone who finds it offensive shouldn't be here, whether to live or even to visit.

I can think of not ONE other country in the world where the national flag is deemed offensive by it's own public authorities.

While not normally in favour of revolt, I genuinely hope in this case that more officers do and so start wearing the badges.

- John T, London

"Scotland Yard said: “The Metropolitan Police has a dress code policy. The dress code states only the approved corporate badging may be used.”

Cowards.

Just heard on the radio though (@12:35), that they have relented. Remains to be seen though.

- Escobar A-Lop-Lop, Mad as hell and not taking it anymore...

Anger at what seems like political correctness gone mad in not allowing police officers to wear Union Flag badges in support of our troops is misguided and very worrying. Other incidents, such as removing their identification numbers in breach of police rules, the wearing of Gay Pride ribbons, the flying of the “rainbow” flag, with police officers openly and defiantly ignoring directives from above, all raise very serious concerns about police discipline and leadership (or the lack thereof), resulting in officers behaving as if above the law and making up their own rules as they go along. All of this is only the thin end of the wedge and should be regarded as extremely dangerous. Generally speaking, the public has lost respect for and confidence in the police today. In order for them to regain the necessary trust, it is important to have a disciplined, professional and well-directed police force, in the same way that our troops are disciplined and professional service personnel. The wearing of the Union Flag badge when it is against strict police uniform rules might seem like another, separate issue, but it is just another example of individual police officers doing as they please as a result of weak leadership and guidance and knowing they can get away with just about anything.

- Pam, East Kent UK

Its really not about whats on the badge,the police uniform is a uniform of a professional police force,and to adorn it with badges or any other symbol is against the policy of the met and quiet rightly so,to allow a badge to be worn by serving police officers would set a president,i wonder if those posting on this subject would be so keen to see police officers wearing a badge denoting there membership of the Tory party or the bnp or a religious badge or save the rain forests etc! The issue here is not patriotism or the flag or indeed the alleged offensiveness of the flag,the issue is the wearing of badges on a professional uniform!Now get a grip middle England,your starting to look plainly silly.

- Kev, London-UK

It's about time the police were PROUD to offend people. Since they became a branch of social services crime has rocketted. More Gene Hunt, less Ian Blair desperately needed.

WEAR THE BADGES WITH PRIDE.

- Ged, Blackheath, London

I find it offensive that they are not allowed to wear the badge. Does that mean my offence over-rules the previous offence taken?!

- Oh Dear, Herts

Glad that someone,is proud to show our flag! To those that find the Union Jack offensive, my message is simple "LEAVE"
Frank

- Frank Overland, Romford England

how do I order a badge? I'm proud to be British (even working overseas) and I don't see why it should be offensive to anyone in (once Great) Britain!

- Marianne, SW France/London

If someone finds a flag offensive that means they find what that flag represents offensive. So they find the Uk and all Uk citizens offensive.
Further this attitude and discussion are perfect fodder to aid unbalanced political groups to gain greater support.

- Edward Gillibrand, Winchester England

Offensive to whom? Look at our cousins in the USA - even the president wears a small US flag lapel pin! Why are we so stupidly politically correct here! Just drives me mad!

- Mark, London

Unfortunately our flag is not welcome in some other countries (sumatra/indonesia for example) however in our own country...this is worrying.

- Wallytrader, London

The banning of wearing the Union flag (for a good cause in this case) by police officer is as ridiculous. The same could be said of the typical knee-jerk 'PC gone mad' comments on here by people claiming to be British but cannot spell or write a sentence in English. Whoever complained about the badge should realise where they are and be ashamed of themselves.

While in the US, many of the police officers I saw were wearing a small 'Old Glory' (US flag) badge on their shirts. It is normal to see the US President doing the same.

I see no problem with our officers wearing the Union flag as they are British officers in Britain. I would not object to officers wearing an England, Scotland or Wales badge either if they chose to.

If the Prime Minister can wear the Union flag on his suit, our officers should be able to wear it on their uniforms.

- Mrmugambo, London, England

Look, it's really simple: this badge breaks the rules that ban ALL badges on the police uniform. There really is no argument about it, as their spokesman said, "These orders are legal and must be obeyed".

HOWEVER, all the MPF have to do to gain your support is suggest that a "member of the public" complained and it gets you lot foaming at the mouth about national flags and muslims. It's as easy as that! Predictable or what?

- Nolan, Londonist

The political revolt will come from the 'bottom' the grassroots, our 'leaders' are totally spineless, but who are they afraid of, I suspect it is the grassroots are what they fear above all else. They should be.

- Dave Morris, Sunderland UK

Where can I buy one of these badges, I will wear it with pride. Who complained, obviously some left-wing do-gooder with nothing better to do.
Nolan, gay police were allowed to wear thier gay pride ribbons so please tell me what's the difference!!!

- Sue, Orpington, Kent

The Police are supposed to be non-partisan so it seems sensible that all badges are banned from their uniform, I for one don’t want them doing patrols looking like girl guides covered in badges. Stories like this only tell one side of the story and are designed to elicit a predicable response from the “political correctness gone mad” brigade, usually those incapable of seeing the bigger picture who unquestioningly believe everything they read in the papers.

- Nj, London

I hereby publicly complain that Sir Alan Stephenson has now grossly offended me.

Will someone now please remove him from office!?

- Dave, Cumbria

The national flag is offensive? Who says so? A traitor? An enemy of the state? Or perhaps, er, that's it!!!

- W R Stevenson, London SE26

The order is believed to have come after a member of the public complained. I wonder what country the person who complained is from ? there certainly not British.

- Mr Noel Monk, FLEETWOOD GREAT BRITAIN.

Since when did the Union Jack become offensive,I am in agreement with the officers on this,how is a tiny lapel badge so offensive.We should openly support the troops,political correctness has gone to far now and imposing these pathetic rules where a British person cannot wear a small badge to show pride in his country and in support of the troops is a diabolical liberty.

- Jim Ex Pat,Islington N1, thailand

Good for the officers wearing this badge. The member of the public who complained and the officers who are telling them to take off the badge should be ashamed of themselves. I would have thought that most people would support this countrys officers wearing this countrys national flag, supporting this countrys troops. I hope the rest of the officers join the revolt as it shows just how bad things have come to when you cannot even wear your national flag.

- S-M Hearmon, London, UK

Those who find the British flag offensive should not be in Britain.

- Tom, United Kingdom

Great Britain must be the only country in the world where it could be deemed offensive to wear the national flag.

- Anna, London

A member of public complained, who was this person and on what grounds did he/she complain about?......lets have some naming and shaming for a change. Anyway its what the public have come to expect from the Met anyway, too many chiefs and not enough red Indians.
I salute the Officers who have ignored the ban....just hope the MPF takes the case to court then we can see what the complaint is about.

- Lloyd, Glan Conwy UK.

Only in Britain would the national flag be considered by the capital's police force as "offensive".

Would never happen in France...

- Steve, London

Finally someone somewhere has remembered what country this is.

'.. after a member of public complained that the symbol was "offensive".'

Let me guess, someone pertaining to be from the religion of peace no doubt.

How ironic, when the Avon and Somerset police force are forcing their female officers to wear head scarves when entering Mosques.

Indigenous Christian females are being subjugated and forced to abide by a foreign religion in their own society. Absolutely disgusting.

The BNP's votes will continue to simply role in, they do not have to do a thing.

- Frank, Home Counties, England.

We are in England, our flag isn't offensive. If you find it offensive, then I suggest you move abroad.

- Cat, essex

Does this mean that they will also ban the wearing of poppy's on Rememberence Sunday?

- H, London, UK

some mistake surely? After all, this quote is from the Met regarding Muslim uniform dress codes: Metropolitan Police's scheme on PCW uniform
Since 2002 the Metropolitan Police Service has amended its dress code to allow female Muslim officers to wear the hijab. The Head of the Met's Human Resources, Bernard Hogan-Howe, has said: "It is only right that the Met ensures that its uniform is appropriate for all its staff."
Notice the 'appropriate for all its staff' -but not for white british officers apparantly - one law for one group - another law for the rest! What hypocracy.

- Gary, amersham

I think Peter Smyth should have taken a deep breath before making a mountain out of a molehill. Just remember the furore about flying flags showing support for transgender day and then the Gay Police Association. There is a dress code for the police. It is called a uniform but some officers are determined to use it to advertise their support for anything from Aids Awareness, Breast cancer, Gay Police association, Black Police Association etc. If you ban one you must ban all - which, as it is a uniform I think is fair enough, This nonsense about respect and showing support must stop too. Just look smart and be respectful and get on with the job, that's all anyone wants, be they a returning service person or other citizen. Wear all the badges, wristbands and ribbons you like - when you go off duty. I would have thought the Federation had more important things to deal with, police pay and pensions and the constant attacks on the everday rights and responsibilities of federation members by ACPO, the rest of the legal community and the government.

- Ranter, Maidstone, uk

This is not about whether this badge is appropriate or not. This badge is not allowed because ALL badges are not allowed on police uniforms. End of story.

- Nolan, Londonist

Wearing a British flag in Great Britain to support British troops is offensive?

Political correctness gone too far! Where is common sense these days?

This might be an "illegal" war but tell me a place where it is offensive to show its own flag?

- David G, London

How is offensive to support someone doing their goverment sanctioned job? That's utterly insane.

- Bob, Cheam

Can the Met Chiefs tell us exactly how these badges are causing offence to the public and which section of the public. If they are, then surely it must following that he believes that the war is offensive to the public. How dare he treat people who are supporting our troops in a very difficult and dangerous war like this. Is it now offensive to be patriotic of one's country? If he believes this he should resign as he cannot uphold law and order with that mind set.

- Patricia, LONDON

"The order is believed to have come after a member of public complained that the symbol was “offensive”. "
I'd like to meet this "member of the public"! What an idiot!

- Andy, London

who,s country is it british or ?

- Basil, bussiere poitevine 87320 france

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