MPs and campaigners push for English national anthem
Support is growing for the introduction of an English national anthem, ahead of today’s parliamentary debate on the issue.
Labour MP for Chesterfield Toby Perkins will urge MPs to back the English National Anthem Bill which would ensure that English teams had their own anthem played at sporting events.
The move would bring England into line with Scotland and Wales, which both have their own unique anthems.
It is a subject that has garnered widespread support among MPs, who have argued that it is inappropriate for English teams to sing ‘God Save the Queen,’ particularly if they are facing other Union nations.
Campaign group ‘England in My Heart’ has welcomed the debate and argues that the Bill’s introduction would strengthen the Union as it would encourage all UK citizens to sing 'God save the Queen' together at the appropriate time.
The organisation raised the profile of the issue during the Rugby World Cup when its campaign vehicle drove around the stadiums playing 'Jerusalem' and received overwhelming support from all the home nation's fans.
This same method will be employed today, with the vehicle set to play 'Jerusalem' around Parliament Square as the debate takes place.
Campaign Director for England in My Heart, Eddie Bone, said: “'God save the Queen’ is the Royal Anthem, the UK Anthem; it is not the English national anthem.
“The English sporting teams need to find its national pride just as Wales, Scotland and Ireland have accomplished, embracing ‘Jerusalem’ would be a great start.
“If people want to play ‘God save the Queen’ it could be played after the National Anthems of each country as a unifying symbol”.
Chairman of the English Democrats, Robin Tilbrook, also added his backing, saying: “The English Democrats have long campaigned for ‘Jerusalem’ to be England’s National Anthem and I welcome any move which recognises English national identity.”
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