BORIS Johnson’s government has refused to say whether they still regard the UK as four nations after ministers supported an initiative in schools aimed at promoting a “One Britain One Nation” ethos.
The Department for Education is supporting a project which asks school pupils today across Britain and Northern Ireland to dress up in red, white and blue and celebrate British identity.
The scheme has also been mocked by many Scots over ignorance of the school year in Scotland. It asked schools to hold the event today – after many Scottish schools have broken up for the summer holidays.
READ MORE: Nicola Sturgeon delivers scathing verdict on One Britain One Nation project
Former Prime Minister David Cameron repeatedly stressed the UK was made up of four nations in his bid to stop independence in 2014 referendum.
“The vote on Thursday is not about whether Scotland is a nation,” he said in an address to Scots days ahead of the historic vote. Scotland is a proud, strong, successful nation.”
He continued: “It really is the best of both worlds and it’s the best way to get real change and secure a better future for your children and grandchildren.”
The then Prime Minister stressed: “This is a decision that could break up our family of nations and rip Scotland from the rest of the UK.”
Speaking in Aberdeen, he added: “The United Kingdom is not one nation. We are four nations in a single country. That can be difficult, but it is wonderful.
“Scotland, England, Wales and Northern Ireland, different nations, with individual identities competing with each other even at times enraging each other while still being so much stronger together.
“We are a family of nations.”
The National approached the UK Government asking them whether in light of their support for One Britain One Nation, they continued to regard the UK as a four nations, and Scotland as a nation.
We first approached Downing Street and the Scotland Office, before being directed to the Department for Education. The National then put the questions to The Department for Education who passed us onto the Cabinet Office.
The Cabinet Office then referred us to a general statement supplied by the Department for Education about the OBON project.
It did not answer the specific questions about whether they still regarded the UK as four nations.
READ MORE: Richard Walker: Lessons for Yes from the One Britain One Nation initiative
The statement said: “Our schools should promote fundamental British values including tolerance and respect.
“As such, we support One Britain One Nation’s broad aims to help children learn about equality, kindness and pride, and it is for schools to decide how they teach these important values.
“The department has not asked people to sing songs or endorsed any specific materials for One Britain One Nation day.”
The First Minister described the initiative on Wednesday as “ludicrous” and thought it was a spoof when she first read about it.
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel