QUESTIONS have been raised over the purchase of 82 flags costing more than £12,000 by the Senedd Commission and a North Korean flag which is being kept in storage. 

The flags are for use on Senedd flagpoles and in the Presiding Officer’s office.

Other questionable flag purchases included the flag of Belarus, a key ally of Russia, and Communist Vietnam.

The Senedd also had two Basque regional flags in storage at the last ‘review’, although it did not hold the national flag of Spain.

Darren Millar, Welsh Conservative Shadow Constitution Minister and MS for Clwyd West, said: "While many people in Wales will have no qualms about the Senedd flying the Ddraig Goch, Union Flag and the flag of St David, they will rightly question why taxpayers’ money has purchased the national flags of questionable regimes such as North Korea, Communist Vietnam and Putin backing Belarus.

“Flags are important and emotive symbols and the fact that the Senedd held no national flags of South Korea or Spain, even though it held a North Korean flag and two Basque flags, could cause significant offence and send unhelpful political signals.

“I urge the Senedd Commission to review and clarify its policy with regards the use of flags on the Welsh Parliament estate to ensure that it is fit for purpose.”

The data was obtained via a Freedom of Information request. 

In response, Senedd Cymru said: "Since the inception of the Senedd, £12,189.98 has been spent on flags."

A breakdown of costs is then provided. 

The information reveals a Ukrainian flag was purchased for £124.32.