In 1776, George Washington unveiled the Grand Union Flag, the first national flag in America after King George III of England called on American forces to surrender.

CNN: Thursday,

Even the original flag of the United States, first raised in 1775 was "a jack with the union flag, and striped red and white in the field".

BBC: The union jack: A very complex flag

Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness has said the union flag dispute and dissident republican violence underline the need for more political engagement.

BBC: Martin McGuinness in Easter Rising commemoration warning

Ms Villiers told the House of Commons 66 police officers had been injured since violence first flared up following the decision to restrict the flying of the union flag at Belfast City Hall.

BBC: Theresa Villiers calls for 'bold moves' over flag tensions

His mission will make him the first UK national to live and work in space, and to fly the Union flag, on a British-government-funded programme (the UK is Esa's third largest contributor).

BBC: UK astronaut Tim Peake to go to International Space Station