Anthony Barnett (London, OK): The following is in today's Mail. We've carried quite a lot about Lord Goldsmith who has as many jobs as Tony Blair, questioning whether anyone would want to buy citizenship from such a man back in October. The comments on the Mail article are interesting. Some say 'quite right' and 'about time' others, "I wouldn't mind swearing allegiance to the Queen, but to King Charles? No thanks." or "I would NEVER swear any oath of allegiance to ANY member of the royal family. They are a bunch of parasites sponging off the taxpayer. I would NEVER allow my children to swear such an oath either before they reached the age of majority." The point is, are we to become a modern democracy - or how long do we have to suffer this attempt to modernise feudalism?
Schoolchildren could swear allegiance to Queen under new 'Britishness' plans
Pupils could be encouraged to join in citizenship ceremonies and swear allegiance to the Queen under proposals to be published by ministers tomorrow. A review of UK citizenship led by Lord Goldsmith is expected to call for a greater role for children in the ceremonies to encourage them to understand and embrace "Britishness".
The study, commissioned by Gordon Brown last year, is also expected to recommend a major overhaul of ancient treason laws.
Lord Goldsmith, who as attorney general was at the centre of the controversy over the 2003 Iraq invasion, left office along with Tony Blair last summer.
Citizenship ceremonies, which are mostly held in town halls, were introduced for immigrants four years ago.
Lord Goldsmith wants to rekindle enthusiasm for the events while raising the profile of citizenship itself.
He is expected to call for some ceremonies to be held in schools with children providing readings or music and even joining in with the oaths of allegiance.
