Headteacher backs plans to fly Union flag in every Bolton school (From The Bolton News)

Headteacher backs plans to fly Union flag in every Bolton school

12:00pm Monday 21st April 2014 in News By Saiqa Chaudhari , Education reporter

A PRIMARY school headteacher says he cannot see any objections to why schools should not fly the Union flag.

Bolton Council approved a patriotic motion, put forward by Bradshaw councillor Mudasir Dean, that will see the borough’s schools encouraged to fly the national flag and sing the nation anthem in assembly each morning.

Conservative Cllr Dean said it was a way of helping immigrants integrate into British life, instil national pride in the town’s youth and stop the county’s flag being associated with far-right groups.

He added it would inspire “children within the Bolton family to be proud of being British enabling them to appreciate our rich history and great heritage.”

Throughout the debate at Bolton Council’s full council meeting accusations flew across the floor that the motion was politically-motivated and would stretch already tight school budgets.

But Simon Bramwell, executive principal of SS Simon and Jude’s CE Primary School in Great Lever — a school rated good with outstanding features by Ofsted — said he said the motion could open up a debate on national pride.

He added: “Speaking personally, I don't see any real objections to ‘Flying the Flag’, we take such things for granted in the USA, Canada and a number of European countries.

“In fact in the USA , I believe, there is a flag in each classroom.

“However our National Anthem is more a celebration of the King or Queen rather than the country in itself.

“Many people do not make the distinction, but you can be a supporter of Britain without being a Monarchist, acceptance of pluralist views is after all one of the crowning achievements of being truly British.”

Mr Bramwell, who is a member of the National Association of Headteachers, added: “I applaud Cllr Dean’s intention in bringing this matter forward, and am sure it will spark a useful debate on National Pride, and the positive roles that can be played by nation states.”