Sajid Javid refuses to fly the Union Jack at all border posts after Britain leaves the EU,

• Sajid Javid was asked to make the flag mandatory at ports and airports
• Janice Atkinson, an independent MEP for the South East, wrote a letter to him
• In it she said it would 'provide a warm and welcome sign of national embrace '

The Home Secretary was asked to make it mandatory for the Union Jack to be displayed at ports and airports. (Stock photo)

Sajid Javid has refused a request to have the Union Jack flown at all border posts as people leave and arrive in Britain.

The Home Secretary was asked to make it mandatory for the flag to be displayed at ports and airports, demonstrating national pride as the country leaves the EU.

Janice Atkinson, an independent MEP for the South East, said it would 'provide a warm and welcome sign of national embrace for returning and departing UK citizens and act as a reminder that they belong to a patriotic, decent and proud country'. 

In a letter to Mr Javid, she wrote that the UK should follow other countries that fly their national flags at ports of entry as a matter of routine.

She said: 'As we embark on the new and exciting Brexit chapter in our history, I would like to see our Union Flag flown high at our ports of entry, starting at embarkation and continuing into the customs hall… 

'There is nothing jingoistic about welcoming home travellers or sending them off on their travels with a metaphoric hug or wave from the country of which they are citizens.' The Home Office rejected the idea. 

In a letter of response, an official wrote: 'Whilst your suggestion has been noted, we consider it to be for port operators to determine if flags are flown at ports of entry to the UK.'

The Home Secretary rejected the idea. In a letter of response, an official wrote: 'Whilst your suggestion has been noted, we consider it to be for port operators to determine if flags are flown at ports of entry to the UK.' (Stock photo)