As a convinced unionist, I passionately believe in the United Kingdom.
And it has long been my view that the greatest symbol of the Union is the Union flag itself.
It is a symbol which unites the four nations and is instantly recognisable around the world in the same way as the Royal Family personifies the United Kingdom both at home and abroad.
The flag is Britain’s trademark. With the Stars and Stripes and, dare I say, the now defunct Hammer and Sickle, it signifies well-understood values.
Britain represents a bastion of liberal democracy and freedom which has inspired millions of people around the world.
The ‘Jack’ is an emblem from which to draw immense pride, inspiration and reassurance. Since the 1960s it has even become a fashion icon.
James I and VI was the first ruler since Romano-British times to have a vision of a united Britain.
And in the 400 years since then the Union flag has adapted with the times.
It was originally a blend of England's Cross of St George and the Scottish St Andrew's Cross.
But it was not until the start of the Seven Years War in the 1750s that the flag became popular as Britain started to construct her Empire.
The only slight limitation is that the flag is entirely geometric. This means neither dragons nor lions have found a place on the ‘Jack’.
This is a pity because the dragon goes back to Roman times and is the enduring symbol of the old Britannia as well as of Wales.
Whatever our idea of Britain is today, our country must draw its strength from a vision of the future, not of the past.
The end of Empire has made the Union flag free again to win the hearts of British citizens.
Above all, Britain has been a successful state. The Industrial Revolution started here, as did the current global trading system.
English literature stimulates intellectual thought all over the world. And if it were not for the fearless defiance of the British people during the Second World War, Europe would not be free today.
All these achievements come to mind when I look at the Union flag.
We should be proud of the Union flag. But it is no sin to consider altering it to suit modern, devolved times. I would add a good splash of green.