Councillor Proposes Schools Sing National Anthem Every Day And Fly Union Flag In Grounds

The Union Flag/Rian Saunders for Creative Commns

A Conservative counsellor is proposing children sing the national anthem every day at school assemblies.

Brighouse Councillor Scott Benton has put forward a motion which also suggests all primary and secondary schools in the Calderdale area fly the Union Flag in their grounds.

Councillor Benton told the Halifax Courier: “This will inspire the children of the borough to take pride in British values and enable them to appreciate our rich history and great heritage.

“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.”

The motion will be discussed at the Halifax Town Hall tonight.

This is not the first time local government has attempted to promote singing the national anthem in schools.

Last April, Tory councillor Mudasir Dean launched a campaign in Bolton to encourage primary and secondary schools to fly the Union Flag in school grounds and sing God Save The Queen.

He said the move would foster patriotism among schoolchildren and new immigrants into Britain.

‘If we were more patriotic – if we sang our national anthem and flew our flag – and instilled it in our younger generations, they would do,’ he said.

“Growing up in Bolton, I’ve seen less and less of the Union Flag. It’s been hijacked by the Far Right and it’s time we take that symbol back into mainstream British, Bolton life.’

The motion was passed by Bolton Council.