ENDING a US ban on haggis and transatlantic Boston tea parties were among the suggestions made in Parliament to mark the 250th anniversary – or semiquincentennial – of the American War of Independence.
The ideas were put forward as a Government minister was urged to “put on his thinking cap” ahead of the commemorations of the revolutionary conflict that ran from 1775-1783 and saw the colonies break away from British rule.
Events to mark the historic insurrection that gave birth to the superpower of today are due to get under way in 2025.
Liberal Democrat Lord Purvis of Tweed highlighted the strong links between Scotland and the US.
On possible gifts to mark the forthcoming anniversary, he said: “The minister could perhaps think about an aged bottle of whisky, which I know the minister and I both enjoy, but it is also an opportunity for America to withdraw its ban on haggis.”
The traditional Scottish dish has been prohibited by the US since 1971 as it contains sheep lungs.
Responding, Tory frontbencher Lord Sharpe of Epsom said: “I will certainly take the haggis suggestion back, although I am not sure that I can make any promises.”
Tory peer Lord Cormack proposed suggestions could be submitted to the British-American Parliamentary Group.
He said: “I will submit one now. Would it not be a marvellous thing to have two tea parties, in Boston, USA, and in the wonderful city of Boston, Lincolnshire, with the American President attending the latter and Prince Charles attending the former?”
This was a reference to the defiant act of 1773 in which colonists dumped a cargo of British tea into Boston harbour in a protest over taxation.
The issue of plans for the “semiquincentennial commemorations” of the American War of Independence were raised at Westminster by Labour peer Lord Faulkner of Worcester.
He pointed out there had been a state visit by the Queen to the US to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence in 1976, as well as the loan of an original copy of the Magna Carta.
Lord Faulkner said: “Would the minister like to put on his thinking cap and come up with some equally imaginative suggestions for 2026?”
He suggested a joint project to identify and rededicate the graves of British soldiers on revolutionary war battlefields.
READ MORE: Nicola Sturgeon responds to Alba MPs' Westminster protest
Lord Sharpe said: “I thank him for his question and also for a rare opportunity to use the word ‘semiquincentennial’ in conversation.
“US planning for the 250th anniversary of independence in 2026 is still in its early stages, so plans are not yet fully formed.
“He makes some very good suggestions which I will happily take back, because I particularly like the battlefield idea.
“There are no immediate plans for a state visit, but I am sure that is something that will be considered.”
Earlier, Lord Sharpe told peers: “The closeness of our relationship today is testament to the work of generations of Americans and Britons over a quarter of a millennium.
“We have come a long way since 1776 and the American war of independence, and we look forward to marking and celebrating the success of the modern UK-US partnership in 2026.”
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