England’s Confused Nationalism (1. Sport and Athems)

During the Summer of 2014 Democratic Audit ran a series of posts about the (English) National Anthem in response to Roy Hodgson’s call for England players to sing the National Anthem at the World Cup (An Association Football Championship, m’lud).

The issue of course is that the Anthem in question is “God Save the Queen” – one of the hardest working Anthems in the songbook as it fills the following roles:

• National Anthem for the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
• Salute for the Head of State of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (and other Realms)
• Default Anthem for some (not all) England sporting teams (most notably the Association Football and Rugby Union Teams)

I have always found this odd, reflecting the confused national identity of England and indeed the United Kingdom. Given that the Scots (or more accurately, those in Scotland) have had a thorough examination of their national identity, perhaps England may reflect on its sporting identity as a preliminary warm-up to a more thorough review.

In the new year (2016) Chesterfield MP Toby Perkins intends to bring his English National Anthem Bill to Parliament on 13 January.

The Unspun Spun

There is always a difficulty when an individualistic backbencher becomes party leader. To lead you have to show some sensitivity towards those to be led.

This means compromising – which is difficult when you have been elected because you are different and authentic.

Media management and authenticity do not go well together, but without some management you end up spinning.

We have seen a few instances where the media management has been a bit lacking.

Agnostics, Atheists and Republicans in Parliament and at Church for National Commemorations

We used to discriminate heavily against non-Anglicans. We have changed the rules about requiring people to swear Oaths (before God) before gaining Probate, giving Evidence in Court, or taking a seat in the Houses of Parliament.

The playing (and singing) of the National Anthem at the end of a Cinema Screening or Theatrical Performance has almost totally dropped out of practice. Most of us still stand for the national anthem – but do not sing it.

Except in church where it normally sung.

So what happens if you are agnostic (or even atheist) and believe that our head of state should be elected – and you are elected to the sort of office where you are expected to attend national commemorations that have a religious element – lead by the established Church of England? (A possible problem for other Faiths as well?)