Local councils will be asked to fly the union flag every day from their buildings under new guidance from the government.

Swindon Borough Council already flies the union flag from the top of the Civic Offices in Euclid Street and has done so for many years.

Buildings used by civil servants have been able to fly the union flag everyday day since Gordon Brown – the prime minister at the time – scrapped a rule in 2008 which said they were only allowed to do so on certain days. Until now, there has been no requirement to fly the red, white and blue standard.

Local government secretary Robert Jenrick said: “Our nation’s flag is a symbol of liberty, unity and freedom that creates a shared sense of civic pride. People rightly expect to see the union flag flying high on civic and government buildings up and down the country, as a sign of our local and national identity.

"That’s why I am calling on all local councils to fly the union flag on their buildings – and today’s guidance will enable them to do that. We’ve also cut red tape, allowing councils to also fly their county flag at the same time.”

The rules have been relaxed to allow council buildings with one flagpole to fly both the UK flag and a county or municipal flag as well.

A spokesman for Swindon Borough Council said: "We already fly the union flag every day, so this will be no change for us.”

But the government's announcement on Wednesday received a mixed response from Adver readers.

A small majority thought it was a good thing.

Gary Selby said: “Great idea, nothing more important than instilling some patriotism back into this once-great country.

And Andrew Nelson added: “I think this is a small thing that has significant national benefit.

"Since Brexit we have lost our identity, too influenced by US social issues and some holding onto the past of the EU.

"As a nation we need to take pride again in our flag, it will not take much effort or distract from other issues but identity is key at this time.”

David Oakley thought it was a perfectly reasonable request, adding: “Is it a problem? I doubt it will involve much effort. So why not fly the country’s flag? Most countries do it.”

Others didn’t necessarily object, but weren’t so keen on it being mandated for all national government buildings.

Marilyn Beale said: “It doesn't make me feel any more patriotic and I feel it makes the government a bit weedy and a bit stupid – who are they trying to kid or impress?

“Embarrassed now to fly ours on important occasions. I have not lost my British identity since Brexit and I don't know anyone who has been that troubled. "

Sam Taylor saw it as an unwelcome step, saying: “Let's just continue the descent into pointless jingoism.”

Andrew Brotherston took a satirical view and said: “Only the one flag per building? My gran didn’t fight in the war for just one flag you know.”

Neil Gutteridge did likewise, commenting: “Too right too. This has often kept me awake at night.”

The new rules for government buildings will come in in summer.