Forum Topic

Question on Allegiance to the Queen!

Did anyone watch Question Time last night when the topis was: "Should school children pledge allegiance to the Queen?"The reply from a young member of the audience was along the lines of "How could she pledge allegiance to the Queen when she didn't know anything about the Queen!"I wonder what on earth they are teaching children in schools nowadays. Obviously the history of this once great country has long ago fallen by the wayside.It is hardly surprising therefore that some young folk have little or no respect for the country, authority or even for one another.This is a sad refection on today's society.It sounds as though the Republican movement is alive and kicking. If you remember even Cherie Blair simply refused to curtesy to our Queen, this didn't stop her fawning over any foreign dignatary however!This country is run by people who are ashmed to be British, no wonder they are in favour of the EU - there nust be more money in it for them!

Robert Julian Fernandez ● 6776d18 Comments

Trying to make young people swear allegiance to the Queen would be another step on the road to a Republic.  I'm sure the Monarchy issue is one that's best left alone and the only people discussion benefits is those who would like to see an end to it.  Yes I'm sure the Republican movement has plenty of life in it.I also think we ought to be careful not to assume that anti-Royalists are also anti-British or ashamed of being British in any way - the two things are not really connected.What puzzles me on a more practical note is what would happen if the young person said they prefered not to swear allegiance, for whatever reason. (Would they be kept in after school until they did!)

Jane Salisbury ● 6775d

Jane wrote: >what would happen if the young person said they prefered not to swear allegiance

David Fox ● 6775d

So how about this topical comment on pledging of allegiance?http://www.flickr.com/groups/banksy/discuss/72157604032374126/

Philippa Bond ● 6774d

It's no surprise to me. I live in New Zealand where the republicans are alive and well. Even our Prime Minister is a closet republican. However, she's careful enough to not rock the boat too hard in this election year as the country remains largely pro-monarchy, as do I.Make no mistake. The EU is totally toxic to the average Briton, aided and abetted by a socialist government with a hidden agenda. Economic union is not too bad but political union will be the kiss of death to your sovereignty and your independence.Do yourselves a favour and fill in that monstrosity the chunnel. The English Channel saved our sad behinds in WW2. Never forget that. It's part of Britain's history that evidently doesn't get taught in schools.A wise person once said "a country that forgets its history is destined to repeat it". There is much truth in that.

John Chant ● 6773d

I would think I'm a pretty average britton - certainly average statistically - and I love the tunnell ( and what business is it of yours if you live on the other side of the world - excuse me????)

Jane Salisbury ● 6773d

Ignore him. He's a horrible racist troll who pops up here from time to time spouting Alf Garnet clap trap.

Gavin Gilbert ● 6773d

Hallo Jane.I'm a Briton. An ex-pat it's true but nevertheless I remain a Briton and fear for the integrity of the old country.What is a britton? Somebody who lives in Brighton?Believe me, I lived in Hanwell for many years. Much as I loved the place I'm damned glad I'm here in NZ and not suffering under the EU tyrrany.

John Chant ● 6772d

Oh dear Gavin. Please don't exhibit your ignorance by uttering such pathetic outbursts. Try and make constructive and informed comment or criticism. Sinking to such depths will not convince anyone that you have anything worthwhile to take on board.We trolls are quite a sensitive bunch you know!

John Chant ● 6772d

Hello John,I love Hanwell, and Britain too, enough to want to live here.Commenting on other people's spelling shortcomings is quite rude you know, unless you are actually their dad or their English teacher.

Jane Salisbury ● 6772d

Hallo Jane.It just takes a bit of care and attention to get things right first time. Better to take a few more seconds to check and achieve this.I get a lot of flak on this site but that is par for the course and I laugh it off. Lighten up and do the same. It's all good fun.I lived in the UK for many years until I could see the shoals ahead and took my wife and kids off to where they might enjoy a better future. So far I have been completely vindicated on that score. Let's not forget it was the brave souls who ventured into the unknown in the past that put the 'great' into Great Britain. Regretably your present leaders are hell-bent on destroying all this by submerging you into the morass that is the EU. Did you really sanction the mass immigration from the eastern Europeans who are taking your jobs for less money?Have a good day.

John Chant ● 6771d

John, don't preach to me and then tell me to lighten up...

Jane Salisbury ● 6771d

Ok...I'm back sorry about the rather terse message I was in the middle of a very nice (and pretty rare) evening on the sofa with my husband watching CSI...The point is John that I live in a place I love and want to stay, a place I'm proud to be a part of and to be bringing my family up in...this is the forum that represents that place...the people who live here are my friends, the people on this forum are my friends...I really don't need someone who chooses to live on  the other side of the world preaching at me...and I really don't think it's helpful for any of us here having people who live thousands of miles away trying to stir up disharmony amongst us.  I don't understand your motivation at all, I can only thank God that you are on the other side of the world and not living next door to me or even in the same street, or town, or city.In insulting our town, you are insulting us, and our choices and our lives...expect to get an argument if you come looking for one.With respect to my other terrible (spelling, if anyone had lost track) misdemeanor, I have a very full, happy and varied life - I apologise to my forum friends that just occasionally stopping to check my spelling isn't top of my list of things to do ;-)

Jane Salisbury ● 6771d

Having lived and worked in Ealing for more than 50 years, I must say I agree with you Jane.  I haven't noticed any significant deterioration or disharmony in the place or amongst the good people of sunny Ealing.  It's a great place in which to live.  There are a few dodgy parts of course, but that's the same anywhere in the world.  Three cheers for Ealing, the UK and our good Queen!  ;-o)

Gerry Tan ● 6770d

John wrote: >Let's not forget it was the brave souls who ventured into the unknown in the past that put the 'great' into Great Britain.

David Fox ● 6770d

Hip Hip Hurrah Gerry ! ;-)

Robert Julian Fernandez ● 6770d

No David. I am referring to people of consequence such as James Cook - the greatest navigator and cartographer that ever lived. Not inconsequential upstarts who amounted to nothing and contributed nothing.

John Chant ● 6770d

John wrote: >Not inconsequential upstarts who amounted to nothing and contributed nothing.

David Fox ● 6769d

Robert, there are quite a few republicans around now, but I've still got a lot of time for the British monarchy, most of all our lovely Queen. I've watched and admired her especially when, as a young and immature lady, she took on the onerous responsibilities of Head of State, from her fine father George VI in the early 50s.  She's done extremely well over 60 years, given one or two little gaffs and she remains a constant and reassuring icon of everything good that is British, like Marmite, Radio4, Antiques Roadshow, toasted teacakes and the singing of "Abide With Me" at FA Cup Finals.  Long may she reign, bless her Highness!  ;-)

Gerry Tan ● 6767d