Overview

This bill mandates the provision of information about the European Union in public places and online, allows the EU flag to be flown on UK government and public buildings, and promotes town twinning between UK and EU towns.

Description

The bill has three main components:

• Information Provision: Public buildings and websites must provide free information about the EU's activities, organization, decision-making processes (including subsidiarity), and the Lisbon Treaty. Information will be available in written and electronic formats.
• EU Flag Display: The EU flag can be flown alongside the Union Jack on government and public buildings.
• Town Twinning: Information about the EU's town twinning support scheme (including financial support, benefits, and application procedures) must be made available in public buildings and online.

"Public buildings" are defined as public libraries and local council administrative buildings. "Government buildings" are defined as buildings mainly occupied by UK Civil Servants. The Act extends to England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland and comes into force six months after passage.

Government Spending

The bill doesn't specify any direct government spending figures. The costs associated with providing information and potentially supporting town twinning initiatives would depend on how local authorities and government departments choose to implement the bill.

Groups Affected

• Local Authorities: Responsible for providing EU information in public libraries and council buildings, potentially incurring costs.
• Government Departments: Responsible for providing EU information in government buildings and on websites, potentially incurring costs.
• UK Citizens: Will have greater access to information about the EU and potentially participate in town twinning schemes.
• Town Councils: Could benefit from increased awareness and participation in the EU town twinning scheme.

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