The Ulster Banner, also unofficially known as the Ulster Flag or Flag of Northern Ireland, is a heraldic banner taken from the former coat of arms of Northern Ireland, consisting of a red cross on a white field, upon which is a crowned six-pointed star with a red hand in the centre.

The flag is based on the flag of the traditional province of Ulster,[1] including a Red Hand of Ulster in the centre, and the red de Burgh cross[1] (though some claim this is the Saint George's Cross[2]).

Rather than a shield, the Red Hand is inside a six-pointed star, representing the six counties that make up Northern Ireland.

It is blazoned: "Argent a cross gules, overall on a six-pointed star of the field ensigned by an Imperial crown proper a Dexter hand couped at the wrist of the second".

Since the Government of Northern Ireland was abolished in 1973, the flag (and variations thereof) has continued to be used by unionists.