So I was interested to hear that Greg Mulholland the Lib Dem MP for Leeds North West raised the matter in the House of Commons today:
'All the English Members of the House thoroughly enjoyed England's qualification yesterday, and it was wonderful to see the cross of St George flying. However, it is still frustrating to hear England singing the wrong anthem-the anthem of the United Kingdom. Following the historic decision to use "Jerusalem" at the Commonwealth games, may we have a debate in the House about properly establishing an English national anthem for when England, as opposed to the United Kingdom, compete?'
Sir George Young's reply was probably wrong as well as evasive (my comments in italics): 'I am sure that England's victory yesterday was celebrated not just in England but in Scotland and Wales.' I think that in many parts of Scotland and almost as many in Wales the hatred of the English is stronger than Unionists choose to believe
6 comments:
If I were english I would certainly go for "Land of Hope and Glory ".
Elgar was one of the great musical geniuses and never gets full credit, probably because he was english.
It is certainly an improvement on "Flower of Scotland ". The Corries wrote many better songs.
But, difficult to compete with "Land of my Fathers" or " Men of Harlech".
Mind you, I guess some loony Scot Nats might suggest "The Floral Dance" as an english National Anthem !!
PS
But you do raise some important issues.
Although a Scot, I was brought up in the South of England and have an english accent. So people here in Scotland assume I am english. I have only once encountered any hostility. I think you will find most Scots are more broad-minded on this question than the "wee numpties" are.
PPS !
When it comes to football, I do find it difficult to support England unless they are playing Germany. For me it is partly that most english players are not great role models, the fans behave badly and the english media obsession is off-putting.
On the other hand , I support England at cricket. They have so many admirable players and the "Barmy Army " are great. Do not take themselves too seriously.
Who is the better role model ? John "shagger" Terry or Andrew Strauss ?
PPPS !
Just putting in time before watching Portugal v Brazil.
At least they can swear at each other in the same language !
The English football victor was celebrated in Scotland?
wtf?
Has this tosser ever actually been to Scotland?
In my office, my colleagues have now all removed the Slovenian flags from their desks and replaced them with German ones.
In Aberdeen even the lamp-posts are festooned with "ABE" posters. In case Sir George doesn't know, that stands for "Anyone But England".
Weekend Yachtsman, remember it was George Younger talking. One of the old unionists who was desperate to keep Scotland in her place so as his government could get their hands on the oil money.
Scotland doesn't have a national anthem. In the case of rugby and now football 'Flower of Scotland' has been adopted by fans but it is certainly not our national anthem.
We do need one but those who make such decisions can't agree. Wasn't it always so?
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