The English National Anthem goes to the vote

THE idea of whether England should have its own National Anthem is expected be put to the vote by MP’s on January 13, as shadow minister Toby Perkins introduces a Bill.

God Save the Queen has traditionally always been sung by English supporters at the likes of the Rugby World Cup and the Commonwealth Games, however, as Mr Perkins points out, “England is a component part of the UK but it competes as a country in its own right and I think a song that celebrated England rather than Britain would be more appropriate,”

Given that the Scots’ national anthem is Flower Of Scotland and the Welsh is Land Of My Fathers, Mr Perkins added, “Years ago England fans would have taken the union jack to matches, now they take the flag of St George and I think part of that is about having an English national anthem.”

The Hymn Jerusalem has been suggested by many to be the firm favourite at the moment. Previously, the emotive and stirring hymn by Sir Hubert Parry has been used at the 2010 and 2014 Commonwealth games, and has long been an unofficial anthem for the England cricket team. Also suggested are:  Land of Hope and Glory and There’ll always be an England.

The campaign group anthem4england have said, “There’s absolutely nothing wrong with God save the Queen if that is what people want to sing when they are gathered together as Brits or in celebration of Britain or the monarch.  But it is the British anthem, every other nation has a national anthem, so why not the English?

David Cameron has previously shown an interest in the hymn Jerusalem as the English anthem at sporting events; however the government has no official opinion at this time. 

Author badge placeholder
Written by

Euro Weekly News Media

Share your story with us by emailing newsdesk@euroweeklynews.com, by calling +34 951 38 61 61 or by messaging our Facebook page www.facebook.com/EuroWeeklyNews

Comments


    • Rod Hughes

      13 January 2016 • 16:54

      Mybe it’s because I’m a londoner? Is better than jurusalam that’s were some foreigner. (Italian roman soldier ) killed some dragon or something and became a patron saint of gaul , Not england it was not yet named ?. Seem the English make a lot of things up or borrow or maybe? . Change things to get a history?
      Never mind at lest a monarchy ! Oh sorry there German.
      And Greek !

    Comments are closed.