Huw Edwards ‘ordered’ to take down Welsh flag tweet following BBC firestorm  

Huw Edwards has been ‘ordered’ to take down a tweet in which he proudly displayed the Welsh flag.

The broadcaster had tweeted following UK Government Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick being interviewed by BBC presenters, who ended the segment by sniggering at the size of the Union Jack in the background of his office.

Edwards said his pro-flag tweet had been “cut down in its prime” by “order”, and he replaced it with a pro-BBC one, which he referred to as “magnificent”.

At the end of the interview, Charlie Stayt had mockingly told the Minister that his large flag was “not up to standard size” and was “just a little bit small”, which was greeted by laughs from fellow presenter Naga Munchetty.

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The episode set off a firestorm, which Edwards appeared to poke fun at when he posted his original tweet, which said: “Flags are now mandatory – very pleased with my new backdrop for @BBCNews at Ten.”

After that was taken down, he said: “Gutted. My pro-flag tweet has been cut down in its prime. By order. But it will be back tomorrow  — by popular demand. Meanwhile enjoy this magnificent flag — one of my favourites.  #SixNationsRugby #FRAvWAL”

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BBC presenter Naga Munchetty has been forced to apologise and has been “reminded of her responsibilities” by the corporation after liking a series supportive tweets following the interview with Robert Jenrick.

She said: “I ‘liked’ tweets today that were offensive in nature about the use of the British flag as a backdrop in a government interview this morning.

“I have since removed these ‘likes’. This do not represent the views of me or the BBC. I apologise for any offence taken.”

After the interview Robert Jenrick said: “We’re always proud to fly the Union Flag at @mhclg.

“It’s a symbol of liberty and freedom that binds the whole country together.”