Caroline Spelman MP is encouraging English sporting fans in the Meriden constituency to add their name to a new petition calling for a National anthem for England, at the petition’s parliamentary launch this week.
The proposal for a new National anthem; to be played when England and not Britain is being represented on the sporting field, has passed its first stage in parliament, and following widespread polling support for the idea a new petition has been created to give people across the country the chance to show their support for the idea.
Currently, God Save the Queen; the official nation anthem of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, is still sung by England at England-only sporting events; such as the rugby and football World Cups. Yet in contrast, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have all adopted their own national anthem for these occasions.
Reflecting upon the petition, Caroline said;
‘In previous years, familiar patriotic songs such as Jerusalem and I vow to thee my Country have been adopted as the official anthem for the English sporting team.
‘In no way does this petition seek to scrap God Save the Queen as the official UK national anthem. God Save the Queen is Britain’s anthem and should be kept for Britain. However, whilst all other members of the United Kingdom have their own individual national anthems, in addition to God Save the Queen – England does not’.
‘For that reason, I would encourage people across Meriden constituency who back the idea of a National anthem to be used by England to add their name to the petition’.
Currently, a number of anthems are being debated with the most popular choices including; ‘Jerusalem’, ‘Land of Hope and Glory’, ‘I vow to thee my Country’ and ‘There’ll always be an England’.
Sign the petition in support of an English Anthem.