Ulster Banner decision reversed as Minister issues ‘clear and unequivocal’ guidance

Commonwealth Games Northern Ireland (CGNI) has confirmed that the Ulster Banner will continue to be used as the flag representing Northern Ireland athletes at the Commonwealth Games, following formal guidance from the Minister for Communities.

The decision brings to an end days of intense political scrutiny and public debate after proposals emerged suggesting the traditional flag could be replaced with a corporate-style logo.

In a statement issued on Tuesday (13 January 2026), CGNI said its Board and member sports were “representative of the wider Northern Ireland community” and reiterated its commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion, in line with its motto One Community, One Team.

CGNI revealed it had been seeking clarity from the Northern Ireland Executive for more than five years.

“Since November 2020, Commonwealth Games Northern Ireland has been asking the Northern Ireland government for guidance regarding which flag should be flown at the Commonwealth Games,” the statement said.

That guidance was provided on Monday 12 January 2026 by Communities Minister Gordon Lyons MLA, who holds responsibility for sport. According to CGNI, the Minister offered “clear and unequivocal guidance”, stating:

“For the avoidance of doubt, and to reiterate on the guidance which you have sought, the Ulster Banner should be used as the flag for Northern Ireland athletes at the Commonwealth Games.”

CGNI added: “We note this guidance which will be implemented.”

Political reaction and legal challenge

The clarification was warmly welcomed by Traditional Unionist Voice (TUV) leader Jim Allister MP, who said the confirmation should never have been necessary.

“I warmly welcome tonight’s statement confirming that the Ulster Banner will continue to be used as Northern Ireland’s flag at the Commonwealth Games,” he said.

“That confirmation brings to an end an unnecessary and deeply divisive episode which should never have arisen.”

Mr Allister said he had pressed CGNI on what legal authority existed to abandon the Ulster Banner, arguing that no such mandate had ever been demonstrated.

“Rather than pointing to any provision in its Articles of Association, or to any rule of the Commonwealth Games Federation permitting such a change, CGNI relied on a claim that, as a private company, it could act as its Board saw fit. That was never a lawful or adequate justification. Organisations may only exercise the powers actually conferred upon them.”

He added that the Ulster Banner had represented Northern Ireland internationally for decades and warned against unelected bodies straying into political or constitutional decisions.

“This episode should serve as a reminder that unelected bodies must remain within their lawful remit and must not seek to smuggle political change through administrative decisions.”

‘You can’t replace a flag with a logo’

Ulster Unionist MLA for North Antrim Jon Burrows also welcomed CGNI’s confirmation, saying the controversy had revealed deeper concerns around identity rather than inclusion.

“You can’t replace a flag with a logo,” he said.

“A flag is worn in victory, waved in pride, and unites people. A logo sells a brand or a product. It inspires no one.”

Mr Burrows stressed that sport in Northern Ireland has historically crossed community boundaries, pointing to figures admired across traditions.

“We all cheered Dennis Taylor and Alex Higgins alike. Our great football teams had heroes from everywhere – Newry’s Pat Jennings was my own favourite from the great teams of the 1980s. Sport here has never belonged to one tradition alone.”

He also highlighted the views of younger generations, many of whom identify proudly as Northern Irish.

“This is their home and this is their team,” he said, adding that tolerance must include personal choice.

“No athlete should ever be forced to drape a flag around their shoulders if they don’t want to – and no one here would ever demand that. That is genuine tolerance. But stripping everyone of their flag is not inclusion – it is exclusion.”

Mr Burrows said the Ulster Banner remained Northern Ireland’s sporting flag, grounded in tradition and shared achievement.

“It cannot be wiped away by a committee. Athletes deserve a flag that is familiar and meaningful, and that is something the proposed logo simply did not provide.”

While welcoming the reversal, he cautioned against reopening sensitive debates immediately before major competitions.

“This decision was wrong, and I am glad it has been corrected. The focus now should be on supporting our athletes as they prepare to compete, united under a flag that means something to them and to the people cheering them on.”

Ulster Unionist Party response

The Ulster Unionist Party also welcomed the decision, with Party Chair and Peer Lord Elliott of Ballinamallard describing it as long overdue.

“The Ulster Unionist Party welcomes the decision by Commonwealth Games Northern Ireland to continue using the Ulster Banner for the upcoming Commonwealth Games. This is the right decision, and it should never have been an issue or up for debate.”

He added:

“We look forward to seeing Northern Ireland athletes proudly draped in the Ulster Banner as they celebrate victories and bring home silverware for our wee country.”

However, Lord Elliott questioned how the situation had been allowed to develop in the first place.

“This saga raises serious questions: why was the original decision taken without clear guidance, and why did the Communities Minister allow it to unfold unchecked? This lack of leadership caused unnecessary division and distraction when unity should have been the priority.”

Focus returns to athletes

With the matter now settled, political representatives across unionism have called for attention to return to the athletes themselves, many of whom are in the final stages of preparation for international competition.

CGNI has reiterated that its priority remains supporting competitors from all backgrounds as they represent Northern Ireland on the global stage.