Ulster Unionist Leader Tom Elliott has welcomed assurances received from ASDA following reports that the store had asked suppliers to request they do not feature the Union flag on products to be sold in stores in Northern Ireland and Scotland.
Mr Elliott said:
‘Following representations made by me to ASDA regarding reports that the store has asked suppliers not to feature the Union flag on products to be sold in stores in Northern Ireland and Scotland.
Asda have replied and stated “There is no question of any “ban”. We’ll be pulling out the stops as we always do at Asda to celebrate both events in a big way.”
"ASDA have accepted their shortcomings in this matter.
I therefore welcome the assurance from Adrian McKeon, ASDA’s Commercial Director Grocery, who offered apologies for the “badly worded note” and stated that it did not reflect “the huge support we’re putting behind the Olympic Games and Diamond Jubilee celebrations in our stores.”
He continued:
"Please accept my apologies for any offence or confusion caused – we look forward to working with you on an exciting summer of celebrations.”
This clarification will be welcomed by the millions of people throughout the United Kingdom who are looking forward to a memorable 2012 we look to celebrate the Queen’s Jubilee and the London Olympics.I very much welcome the assurance from ASDA that all stores, including those in Northern Ireland and Scotland will have products to celebrate the events taking place this summer.”
