This is my first Post so I apologise if it doesnt meet the high standard we’re used to.

It has been proposed that School Pupils across Britain will have to pledge an oath of allegiance to the Queen. This has been put in place in an attempt to give students a sense of belonging, as well as increase a sense of ‘British-ness’. There is also discussion as to a ‘British National Holiday’.

I like the idea of attempting to create a national pride. I must say i do enjoy seeing all the Flags of St. George that appear everywhere just before England get beaten on Penalties in the football. But swearing an oath to the Queen seems to be to be a slightly empty attempt. I like the idea of a British Day; a chance to hold village fairs and get a day off work and just generally be proud to be British.

This proposition has come up with much opposition, especially outside of England. Some of this may be because of the Six Nations, especially after England have lost to both Wales and Scotland. But there is a problem with people who do not feel British being made to swear allegiance to the Queen.

As much as I respect the Queen, I don’t feel that forcing people to pledge allegiance will make students have any more sense of belonging. So I will avoid pledging my allegiance to the Queen, but I will enjoy a few cold ones at our British-ness Day. Anyone fancy joining me in a ’cheers’ to Britain?