Should all children sing the national anthem at school each day?
That’s the proposal being put forward to councillors in Calderdale next month by Brighouse Tory, Clr Scott Benton.
In a bid to make Calderdale more like the USA and Australia, Clr Benton has put forward a motion calling for every school to fly the Union flag and sing God Save The Queen in school assemblies.
There are more than 80 primary schools in Calderdale and 13 high schools.
The motion by the deputy leader of Calderdale’s Conservative group, further calls a Union flag to fly from all council buildings.
The proposal, which will be heard at Halifax Town Hall on October 1, says: “This will inspire the children of the borough to take pride in British values and enable them to appreciate our rich history and great history.
“It will also assist our young people to develop a shared sense of identity and belonging which will contribute towards improving social cohesiveness and integration across the Borough.”
Take a look back at the Queen's visit
Speaking to the Examiner, Clr Benton said he was hopeful the proposal would be implemented after failing on a previous occasion.
He said: “For some reason in the UK we’ve never done this, but it’s particularly relevant given the circumstances of the past few years. It’s an opportune moment to take this forward.
“Government policies of multiculturalism haven’t worked as intended.
“We haven’t engaged with communities, particularly young people, in the best way.
“Over the last few years we’ve started to see home grown terrorists.
“This is an opportunity to teach communities British values.”
Clr Benton said he acknowledged there would be parents who were Republicans who would not want their children to participate but said he thought most would.
And he said Bolton Council had recently agreed to take a similar plan forward.
“I can see no reason why councillors of all political persuasions wouldn’t support this,” he added.
Adherence to singing the national anthem hit the headlines recently when new Labour leader, Jeremy Corbyn, remained silent for the song’s singing at a Battle of Britain event last week.
Mr Corbyn came under fire from many for refraining from singing the anthem at the service in St Paul’s Cathedral.
Mr Corbyn said he was standing in respectful silence.
