Union Jack will replace EU flag on fridges, TVs and washing machines sold in Britain

THE Union Jack is to replace the EU flag on fridges, TVs and washing machines sold in Britain, it was revealed last night.

Energy efficiency labels will come with the red, white and blue emblem instead of Europe’s blue with gold stars.

The move comes as part of a drive to make white goods greener and longer lasting by ensuring they are more efficient and easier to repair.

Ministers say the initiative, intended to cut waste and carbon emissions to help the country conserve energy, will save Brits up to £75 a year on their energy bills.

Under the new rules, manufacturers must make spare parts for appliances to improve their life-span.

Many products are designed at present to last only a few years so that if they break down consumers will go and buy a new one.

Electrical appliances will also have to use less energy over their life-time, saving an amount equivalent to all the carbon emissions Birmingham and Leeds pump out in a year.

Business and Energy Secretary, Kwasi Kwarteng, said: “Our plans to tighten product standards will ensure more electrical goods can be fixed rather than thrown on the scrap heap.

“It will put more money back in the pockets of consumers while protecting the environment.

“Our upcoming energy efficiency framework will push electrical products to use even less energy and material resources.

“This will save people money on bills and reduce carbon emissions as we work to reach net zero by 2050.”

It came as ministers launched the next round of applications for a £40million fund for charities and organisations to “build back greener” from Covid.

Grants of up to £2million are up for grabs as part of the Green Recovery Challenge fund to create jobs while tackling climate change.