British Idea

I’m no expert but with Lord Goldsmith’s suggestions announced today on British Citizenship it makes me wonder, is this really the most important thing the Government needs to focus on? Will swearing an oath of allegiance really make school-leavers have more pride in their country?

Whilst I can see that a sense of national pride is hard to be found amongst many teenagers nowadays, is it really needed to go as far as making a pledge of allegiance to queen and country or another national holiday in an attempt to boost national pride?

As optimistic as I attempt to be, understanding the advantages and the disadvantages, I can’t help but feel that Goldsmith’s suggestions are a bit far-fetched and over the top for the situation. Whilst another national holiday could be beneficial in helping people increase their national pride, it would cause just as much or if not more aggro than it would be worth.

Now don’t get me wrong, I’m not against increasing peoples’ sense of national pride, it’s just I think that the Government would be very foolish were they to go along with some of Goldsmith’s suggestions. A new national holiday would just become another day off on the calendar and would lack the power some may wish it to have. Similarly tax/ tuition rebates would encourage some to do community work whilst at the same time demotivating others who may care less.

However, a national prize giving ceremony recognising the achievements of people who are brave and courageous could only be beneficial, but would most likely be met with tough competition from the likes of the Daily Mirror Pride of Britain Awards, which are already well established.

Good or bad, it really is still “a half-baked idea”.