BURNING the Union Flag should be made a criminal offence, Midland MPs have demanded.
They have backed Scotland Yard officers who submitted the idea to Lord Goldsmith, the Attorney-General, as a means of cracking down on extremist Muslim protesters.
Daniel Kawczynski (Con, Shrewsbury) said: "I feel physically sick when I see people burning our flag."
Calls for new laws have also been supported by Michael Fabricant (Con Lichfield).
They are among 17 MPs to sign a House of Commons motion calling for legislation. Shahid Malik, Labour MP for Dewsbury and a Muslim, is one of the most vocal supporters of the legislation.
The proposals follow growing anxiety within Scotland Yard that police are being hamstrung in attempts to deal with extremists.
The police proposal called for a ban on burning any national flag, but the Commons motion focuses specifically on the Union Flag.
Mr Kawczynski said: "In a more diverse culture the Government is focusing on protecting the rights of minorities but they sometimes seem to forget about people who feel passionately about issues like this.
"I think a lot of people in this country feel very offended when our national flag is burn or desecrated in some way. It shouldn't be tolerated.
"It is our national symbol, representing our country and our way of life.
"The fact that this has been tolerated in the past has made certain people believe they do this and there will be no consequences."
Mr Fabricant added: "The flag represents our nation and should be treated with respect."
The Home Office said there were no immediate plans to change the law.
