DUP leader Arlene Foster has backed a list of ideas to save the Union that includes putting sports like cricket back on free TV and red, white and blue number plates.
The suggestions, from the Policy Exchange think tank, are among a number offered to help prevent the break-up of England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.
They also include making Remembrance Day a bank holiday and how “people should be able to display their local area’s symbol or county coat of arms, flag, or similar, on their number plate, as is the case in many other European countries like Germany, France and Switzerland”.
Mrs Foster issued a joint statement backing the report with Tees Valley Conservative mayor Ben Houchen.
The Daily Mail reports that they said it is “exactly the right place to start”.
“Boris Johnson made clear his commitment to the Union – the ‘Awesome Foursome’ as he put it,” they added.
“We know first-hand the talent that is spread across the UK and welcome the Prime Minister’s promise to help unlock this potential.
“Today’s excellent Policy Exchange report offers a blueprint for modernising the country.”
The report, called Modernising the United Kingdom, Unleashing the power of the Union – ideas for new leadership, was published on Saturday.
It also calls on the UK Government to review what it can do to support Northern Ireland in marking its 100th birthday.
And to make sports of a national interest a “listed event” that should be show free on terrestrial TV under The Broadcasting Act 1996.
Other ideas include allowing regions to impose a tourist tax, ring fenced to be spent in their own area.
“The UK Government should also remove restrictions on how certain flags (e.g. the Pride rainbow flag and sports team flags) can be flown without requiring planning consent,” they said.
Alliance Party leader and MEP Naomi Long responded to a social media post about the report asking “is this for real?”
She later added: “I’m gonna be busy.”
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