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Citizenship review to be unveiled Pupils 'to take allegiance oath'
(about 14 hours later)
Proposals to promote British citizenship will be published on Tuesday following a five-month review. School-leavers are to be encouraged to swear an oath of allegiance to the Queen under new government proposals being unveiled on British citizenship.
They are expected to include plans to encourage children to swear allegiance to the Queen in school ceremonies, similar to those for new immigrants. Pupils would give a commitment to Queen and country in ceremonies akin to those for new immigrants.
Former attorney general Lord Goldsmith who headed up the review said it could help them understand "Britishness". But teaching unions have poured scorn on the plan, saying it is un-British.
Treason laws dating back to the 14th Century are also thought to be recommended for an overhaul. John Dunford from the Association of School and College leaders said it was "a half-baked idea that should be left to go mouldy".
Lord Goldsmith was asked to review all aspects of citizenship in the UK, following his decision to step down as attorney general last summer. The proposals are contained in a review of citizenship conducted by the former attorney general Lord Goldsmith at the request of Gordon Brown.
'Disgraceful' suggestion He believes that citizenship ceremonies for teenagers would help improve their sense of what it means to be a British citizen.
This included helping people become citizens, to the legal rights and responsibilities that go with that. 'Offensive' suggestion
The peer has consulted people in the UK, Europe, North America and elsewhere to pull together a series of proposals aimed at providing a "much clearer vision of what it means to be a citizen".The peer has consulted people in the UK, Europe, North America and elsewhere to pull together a series of proposals aimed at providing a "much clearer vision of what it means to be a citizen".
Newspaper reports suggest they will include asking schoolchildren to swear an oath of allegiance to the Queen and respect for the law to help them understand "Britishness". Citizenship ceremonies already exist for immigrants and the report suggests holding them in schools, where youngsters who are about to leave the school and move on to work or further education could participate.
There are already citizenship ceremonies - usually held in town halls - for immigrants and the report suggests holding them in schools, where youngsters could take part. The plans have been condemned by the group Republic, which campaigns for the abolition of the monarchy.
But the group Republic, which campaigns for the abolition of the monarchy, said it was a "disgraceful" idea. Spokesman Graham Smith told the BBC: "It's offensive to people who do actually cherish democracy and who actually cherish the sorts of liberties we've fought for for centuries.
"The suggestion that an allegiance to the Queen will strengthen national identity is offensive to those of us who believe democracy and equality are the values we as a nation should hold dear," said spokesman Graham Smith. He said swearing an oath would be an attack on people's freedom of conscience.
"What happens to children who object to the monarchy? Are they to be taught they are less British?" If children refuse to take part, he added, "are they then going to be told or taught that they are somehow less British or less loyal or less patriotic?"
Other proposals are thought likely to include a revamp of Britain's old treason laws, such as sleeping with the wife of the heir to the throne, which is punishable by life in prison.Other proposals are thought likely to include a revamp of Britain's old treason laws, such as sleeping with the wife of the heir to the throne, which is punishable by life in prison.
A Ministry of Justice spokeswoman said: "This report is being published on Tuesday, and we will not be commenting before then." Lord Goldsmith has also hinted at updating the national anthem by removing verses which are rarely performed.