Flag and anthem ditched by Glasgow councillors
Two key symbols of the United Kingdom are to be left out of a British citizenship ceremony for refugees in Glasgow.
Councillors in Glasgow said the Union Jack carried sectarian connotations, while God Save the Queen was “offensive” and racist to Scots.
Protestant supporters at Rangers Football Club, rivals to Glasgow Celtic, currently fly the flag.
The Labour-controlled council in Glasgow is one of several local authorities piloting the ceremonies in the New Year.
Under new Home Office plans contained in the Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Act, immigrants will be obliged to undertake a “Britishness” test prior to taking part in the ceremonies, which will include an assessment of language and local culture.
The ceremonies are expected to involve an oath to citizenship.
Peter Duncan, Tory spokesman for Scottish affairs said the council’s decision underlined the “pitiful and pointless” nature of David Blunkett’s initiatives.
But the Home Office said there was no “compulsion” to use the flag and national anthem, as the decision was one for local councils.
The original version of God Save The Queen contained the verse “May he sedition hush/And like a torrent rush/Rebellious Scots to crush/God save the King.”
Council officials will meet with representatives from the Home Office later today.
