Romford MP Andrew Rosindell calls for national anthem to be taught in schools

Andrew Rosindell. Archant

Romford’s MP is calling for the national anthem to be taught in schools across the country as part of the curriculum.

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Andrew Rosindell is promoting the introduction of teaching God Save The Queen to pupils, in a bid to encourage young people to feel a sense of “national identity”.

Speaking to the Recorder, he said: “We have generations of young people who don’t know the words of the national anthem and don’t understand the importance of national identity and it’s traditions.

“Singing the national anthem can provide a great sense of unity, and disrespecting or disowning the anthem is a cause for division.

“If we are serious about encouraging a sense of citizenship, the national anthem should be on the curriculum, the government already recommends citizenship studies in schools.”

This is not the first time that the royalist MP has tried to instil a sense of national pride.

In 2012, Mr Rosindell introduced his UK Borders Bill to the Commons in an attempt to ensure a portrait of the monarch was displayed at all international entry points to the UK.

The bill, which was not passed, also sought to rename the UK Border Agency “HM Border Police” to “reflect and recognise the role of the Queen in protecting the border of the land she reigns.”

In an interview with LBC’s John Stappleton in 2015, Mr Rosindell also declared that he wanted patriotism taught in schools.

But most recently, he called for the return of the Great British blue passport as a sign of Britain’s independence following the vote to leave the European Union.

It was announced last month that the cover of the UK passport will in fact be returning to blue from October 2019, to Mr Rosindell’s delight.

He is hoping that his latest campaign will lead to young people becoming more patriotic.

He said: “With such a diverse society, it is even more important that all schoolchildren in the UK are taught the national anthem.

“This instils a great sense of belonging for young people growing up, and aids integration.”