IN America, it is an offence to display or use the national flag in any way that brings it into disrepute or dishonour.

In this country, Loyalist thugs in Northern Ireland are allowed to parade with impurity England's emblem at what can only be considered criminal activities and, indeed, in olden times would have been treasonable actions.

It is time the law was changed to make insulting the British flag in this manner an offence against the realm.

I have never been a rampant flag-waver, but to see a flag that inspired so many in their fight for freedom in two world wars being used by people denying children the right to use the Queen's highway sickens me.

L LAWES, Bold Street, Accrington.