The ban includes 12 July, the most important Protestant marching day of the year, which marks the anniversary of the 1690 Battle of the Boyne

From now on flag flying will be restricted to royal occasions such as the birthdays of immediate members of the Royal Family.

The decision follows a recommendation published by the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee which called for an end to raising the flag at police stations on 12 July.

The Royal Ulster Constabulary Chief Constable, Ronnie Flanagan, said: "I want to fall into line with my colleagues in England, Scotland and Wales and it is my firm intention to do that immediately."

The Union flag to disappear from police stations on July 12

The all-party committee also recommended that RUC recruits should not belong to loyal order organisations, or the nationalist Ancient Order of Hibernians.

But Mr Flanagan said although he would prefer his officers were not linked to those organisations, the proposed ban could be unlawful.

It would require careful deliberation and legislative change.

Mr Flanagan added: "Because of the perceptions which persist in Northern Ireland, I would much prefer my members not to be members of the Orange Order.

''I think a very tiny proportion of members are, and I strongly support the creation of a register."

The Royal Ulster Constabulary was formed in 1922 from the disbandment of the Royal Irish Constabulary which policed all of Ireland before partition.