Yes, Haile - because obviously the American way of doing things is so much better i.e. having so much pride in your nationality that you re-elect and continue to support an illiterate warmonger. We're getting a lot wrong in Britain at the moment, but I am at least proud to be part of a country that continues to challenge its leaders and does not follow blindly.

Helen, Liverpool,

I pledge allegiance to the lowest common denominator,
promising to do all in my power to punish those who succeed
or who may introduce innovations that contribute to the general well-being.

I promise to do all in my power to drag down successful private schools, enterprises, and medical offerings to the level of failed or mediocre state substitutes, if not simply destroying them as a part of the mandatory politics of envy. Freedom of choice is my sworn enemy, and I shall combat it on every front.

To these, the true duties of a British subject, I pledge my loyalty and honor.

gc, Cynicshire, UK

Servicemen take an oath of alliegance and get neglected and uselessly killed by HMG at present, presumably this is a preface to treating the rest of the population with the same disregard and disrespect.

Oh and Gordon, why not "Flower of Scotland" to help make Britain Great worked better than "God Save the Queen" last weekend at Murrayfield!

matt, London, UK

I quite like the scots. that's the only thing that stops me saying send gordon brown and his ridiculous government home. I suspect the scots wouldn't want them either. maybe we could stick them in a boat with the snp and put them out in the north sea somewhere?

then we could elect some politicians who want to serve the people.

being british is not about being nationalistic, it's about being fair, charitable, feeling that we can make the world a better place by all mucking in together, winking at misfortune and getting on with things and laughing gently at others and ourselves (particularly when someone comes up with a ridiculous idea like this). the queen doesn't rule over us, she's just a dear old figurehead, like bagpuss or des lynam.

anyone of any colour or culture can sign up to these ideals. if the chip on your shoulder prevents it, we'll still smile and tousle your hair. there, there. don't take yourselves so seriously. that is all.

jem, london, uk

The feeling of being British does exist, it's just not the same as what other, younger countries feel or express in terms of patriotism/nationalism. Whereas an American would shout out about how proud he is to be an American and wave his flag with tears etc, it would be difficult to see a Brit do this (thank God).

We complain a lot about this country, and amongst ourselves generally this is seen as acceptable, but as soon as a foreigner puts in a bad word, just watch how defensive we become. Being British - English/Scottish/Welsh/Northern Irish - is something that is hard to define and whilst I appreciate that the government feels it needs to do something, I think it has already done enough to try and damage what makes us unique.

Louise, London,

Once again just proves what a disaster Labour's multicultral experiment and open door immigration policy has been. The Scots consider themselves Scottish first, if you are lucky British second. No doubt the same feeling exists in Wales and amongest many ethnic minorties. No Government dictates will ever change who or what you are. This further attempt at social engineering by this Government is doomed to failure before it even starts.

Chris, Woodbridge, Suffolk

This is all about Gordon Browns fear of an independent Scotland. He knows scottish MPs will be out of Westminster if it happens and he is , rightly, terrified.

roger sykes, christchurch,

.....pledges alongside the British flag was condemned as "half-baked" and "un-British".
I had to read that a couple of times to see if i understood the first paragraph of this story. It's now "un-British" to take an oath of allegiance to your own country alongside the flag? Wouldn't it be "un-British" for British citizens to recite an allegiance to France or Germany? What is the thought process behind this line of reasoning?

Scott, Toronto,

Why should Scots be required to take an Oath of Allegiance to the Sovereign in the person of the monarch. In Scotland it is the PEOPLE that are Sovereign no the Monarch who can be dismissed and replaced by the people.

As a Scot I cannot accept God Save the Queen as the national anthem. Am I expected to sing the sixth verse: -

Lord grant that Marshal Wade
May by thy mighty aid
Victory bring.
May he sedition hush,
And like a torrent rush,
Rebellious Scots to crush.
God save the Queen!

Sanny, Glasgow, Scotland

To Steve in Mundelein: I think the fact that you chose to turn your back on the UK and swear an oath of an allegiance to another already speaks volumes about you.

Personally I love this country, I love the history, the humour, the (rapidly disappearing) traditions, and the eccentricities. I don't need to swear an oath, but if I did have to, it really wouldn't be the end of the world. I certainly wouldn't swear an oath of allegiance to any other country/sovereign though.

Louise, London,

As originally a British citizen and now much more happily a US citizen, there are just two things I couldn't stomach in the oath required to be sworn by foreign nationals: 1) swearing by the almighty god 2) allegiance to her majesty the queen. Don't believe in either of them.

steve, Mundelein, USA / Illinois

The Labour Government has played a significant role in watering down and diminishing what it means to be British, by encouraging massive immigration, embracing multiculturalism, political correctness, devolution and the European experiment. Maybe now it is starting to realise that the result is an increasingly fragmented society, where people have fewer and fewer shared values. The destruction New Labour has helped to bring about is not going to be repaired by these measures that have been announced today.

Andrew Brown, derby, UK

You Brits are pathetic! The fact that your government is actively trying to make your people "feel British" is just so sad. When your government has take measures just to make you feel more proud of yourselves, then you have a major identity crisis. Good luck solving this one.

Haile, Cleveland, USA

What a terrible idea. I'm glad to be British and would never want to live anywhere other than the UK (Yorkshire in particular) but I don't believe in the monarchy and would never have sworn any oath of allegiance to the Queen or even to the UK. I hate the "My country, right or wrong" philosophy - being British, to me, means sometimes disagreeing with government policy, sometimes being ashamed of the way my fellow Brits behave, but always knowing that I'm free to express my opinion about this.

Fuchsia, Leeds, UK

If the parents had national pride then they would insist that the National Anthem also featured in school life. The point is they don't, something has to be done, as soon no one will be patriotic enough to sign up for our armed services, then who will defend us? No one. The UK will be up for grabs (from within or out side). As global warming effects food and energy supplies we may regret becoming so exposed.

Chris Ashley, Ely, England

I wouldn't want to swear allegiance to anything forcefully, because it is just another amercian cultural importation, but I might choose to.

I would still take a bullet for Queen and Country, because I'm English, and that is what one does.

People who think that children and teenagers can be brainwashed have never met one. If I was forced to say the allegiance, I would just switch off and think of lunch.

K Collins, Pembury, England

What about a pledge of allegiance to overthrow the Saxe-Coburg and Gothas and replace them with the rightful monarchs, the Stuarts. Failing that, the Declaration of Arbroath will suffice in Scotland:- "Yet if he should give up what he has begun, and agree to make us or our kingdom subject to the King of England or the English, we should exert ourselves at once to drive him out as our enemy and a subverter of his own rights and ours, and make some other man who was well able to defend us our King; for, as long as but a hundred of us remain alive, never will we on any conditions be brought under English rule. It is in truth not for glory, nor riches, nor honours that we are fighting, but for freedom -- for that alone, which no honest man gives up but with life itself." That should help foster national cohesiveness!

graeme thomson, Glasgow, Scotland

Mohammed of london.You are the wisest person who has made a comment here.
Some people just thrive on arguments and just love moaning and complaining.
Our youngsters do have an identity crisis and no wonder.
It has nothing to do with the armed forces chris of battlecreek.
My 12 year old daughter doesnt care about things like that.
It s about being told by numerous sorts that being british means nothing and we should shut our mouths and burn our flags.You know sometimes going backwards can indeed be a way of going forwards and if our youngsters have an identity then it can only help as all they are at present is lost souls.
For once every child in this country will have something in common instead of being split into political gangs (which i will point out are the parents views and not the childrens).
Ask the children themselves without imposing your views upon them.

Tracey, Derby,Derbyshire, UK

It will be a great day when Gordon Brown is but just a memory and then he can wave his flag as much as he wants !!!

Ian Payne, WALSALL,

The article notes that the Pledge of Allegiance in the US is not required, though it is commonly done in schools throughout the country. No force, no draconian rule. The Pledge is a symbol of unity and hope for the future. A hope that we can live up to it's ideals.

Is there no common ground on which people in the UK can meet? Why should it enrage and further divide the British Isles to have a way for the people of your country to come together and acknowledge the many positive things the United Kingdom has accomplished and the bond you share?
Is their no Unity in the "United" Kingdom?

"A house divided against itself cannot stand'
Abraham Lincoln, Springfield, Illinois, June 16, 1858

Ren Tolland

Ren Tolland, Dallas, Texas, USA

Dear Mr Bingham,

The Irish took their independence generations ago, and are prospering nicely. I can see that you're an ex-pat, but do try to keep up.

On topic - would I swear an oath of loyalty to somebody who considers me her subject? No, I would not. Why would I?

kged, Manchester, England

Surely most young people are capable of forming their own national identity without the interferance of government imposed 'Pledges of Alleigance' or 'Britishness Days'. It's about time that we got back to a system of education that foused on proper, academicly sound subjects such as English, Maths, Science, History, Geography and Languages, rather than half-baked government policies?

Victoria, London,

Isn't this what they do in North Korea?

John Smith, Manchester, UK

R Krachan, Dundee, if you teach at a state school then your pay and your pension, and your pupils' school and learning resources are all being funded from a large pot provided by taxpayers from all over the UK, and hence ultimately sanctioned by legislation introduced by HMG and passed by a UK sovereign Parliament.

As direct beneficiaries of the public purse, I think it is neither your right, and certainly not your juvenile charges' right, to opine on who you or they "see" as head of state.

Gordon Alexander, Frome, UK

Isn't there a problem with this in terms of religious freedom, in that the queen is effectively head of the Church of England?

I do not want children to swear an oath to the head of any church, be it the pope, the dalai lama or anyone else.

If the argument is advanced that swearing to the state is not the same as swearing to the head of the CoE, I say poppycock, because legally she is both.

SCP, London,

Wherever do they find these dinosaurs ? Does the noble lord believe that future malefactors will reveal themselves by declining to parrot an oath of allegiance ?

Islamic militants so far prosecuted, seem to have displayed sufficient wit to dissimulate, and little respect for Boy Scout style promises.

Sean, Coventry, UK

Rather than oaths of allegiance, all children should be obliged to receive classes about civics, the workings of government, the British legal system and major historical events which have shaped our nation.
There is a sad lack of knowledge about the things that have really made Great Britain great.
Freedom of speech and religion, elected representatives, fair elections, a non political civil service, trial by jury, having a non corrupt judicial system, being innocent until found guilty, having fairly efficient systems whereby citizens can complain and get justice....the list is endless and Great Britain was the pioneer in many of these concepts.
As in all countries there are defects, errors and exceptions, but believe me, there are worse systems.

Rodin, Queensbury, Middlesex

being english (or british, if you must), I feel what binds us together most is a disdain for this kind of crap. I can trace my family back pre-conquest, through robber barons and royalty. that is not my identity, though.

I could happily commit myself to some lofty ideals (being kind and considerate, for example), but to a flag, a country or a person? I think not. brits should have a global perspective. we're above petty nationalism; that's what makes us better than everyone else*.

I'm rather looking forward to scottish independence, though. no more labour governments ever. we should demand a referendum immediately.

jem, london, uk

I am Scots not British and I would never take any oath to the Queen nor the British state. The fact our MP's and MSP's are forced to take a grovelling oath to the Monarch (even if they are avowed republicans!) is bad enough but to attempt to indocrinate children is this manner is an undemocratic disgrace. Labour have lost touch with their own identity ever since they began to ape the Tories. They are now a pointless party with no moral compass. Gordon Brown is desperate to cover up his Scottish roots as he fears it will undermine his legitimacy as British PM this is the reason for forcing this garbage down the throats of the public. I would happily take an oath to the people of Scotland but I would never take any oath to Britain.

Joe Middleton, Edinburgh, Scotland

Gimmick Boloni.

I hear the government are going to reanimate Enoch Powell and make him the next Prime Minister, the day after our elections in May- that's if we all vote Lib-Lab-Con?

Can't the elite realise we can see through all this utter rubbish-

'Pledge Allegiance', 'BBC White Season' , 'a new points system'.

Absolutely terrible.

Jez W, Leeds,

Paranoia about losing identity in th face of imigration is exactly the same motivation that inspired the invention of the US Pledge of Allegiance for school children in 1892 - along with fostering the idea of national unity some 25 years after the Civil War (that "indivisable" bit).

What allowed the US to pull it off was that the nation was founded on an idea (self government, self reliance, personal liberty), rather than an ethnicity (or "nationality, if you will), or the domination of several ethnicities on the islands by one (and an invader at that) under the name of unity.

If ever you could formulate the ideal of "Britishness" that most people could identify with, as distinct from their ethnicity or history, it could probably work. You have a lot to work with, and a lot to be proud of, particularly your contributions to the development of democratic ideals.
You might begin by figuring out why you would celebrate what day as a national day.

Ben Hoff, New Jersey, USA

I'd be more than happy to pledge my allegiance to the Queen, an d just might due so come November. Her Majesty is a far sight better than what we have now, or might have should Obama beat out Hillary.

John F. McIlray, Scottsdale, Arizona, USA

Please, no flag waving. All students should read Orwell's 'The Lion and the Unicorn'. (My only rule, should I be PM.) I've been in China for four years, and the worst thing is the flag-waving. Aaaarggh! As bad as the US. flag-waving, 'I love you Mommy' 'Apple pie' crap forced upon us by TV. China is going the same way. Have we forgotten Mao, Stalin,European Slavery, Hitler, Pol Pot, MacArthur? (Trying to put this in order of killers). What I do appreciate is the fact that most Chinese people ignore it, sometimes laugh at it, couldn't care less about it. But, the next step from flag-waving is finding someone to hate. And where has that happened before? Don't do this! If you want to know how much China hates the west, go onto China daily - and read the comments pages. It's Red Mac Arthur.

Carl Plummer, Gunagzhou, PR China

This should be implemented as soon as possible, before the bloody Muslim Council of Britian proclaims it offensive! We should stand tall and proclaim ourselves BRITISH! Long live Her Royal Highness the Queen! And if you find this 'offensive' then go back to the hole from whence you came!

I am a scholar in Great Britain, and on a number of occasions I have been punished for even mentioning my patriotism within earshot of some 'ethnic groups' within the college. This has to be dealt with - it is no use making people proclaim an oath of loyalty if they have been forced to appologise for being patriotic for six years! Take and example - I said "Rule Britannia" and was accused of racism because of it. I have been warned against talking about the war in iraq because it might be 'offensive' - this has to be dealt with.

Everyone, from a young age should be taught that patriotism is NOT a bad thing!

God Save the Queen!

British Scholar, Reading, England

Britain is dead, its been given to the immigrants, Europe and the yobs on the street corners.
Once it was mine and I was proud to be British, because I believed in this country.
Then we went to Iraq, because the politicians believed we should, not on the evidence and caused hundreds of thousands of deaths. I am ashamed such an unnecessary slaughter could be done in my name .
Then the immigrants came, politicians told me they were protecting these shores, they lied, they knew what they were doing, they flooded the country with cheap labour, nobody asked me. Now I compete with them for jobs were they will work for less.
How many fathers get stabbed for challenging youths, how much anger and disrespect do you hear on the streets. Everyone reading this could tell me a story from there area about the decline of our society.
Dont ask me, to be proud to be British, don't ask my children to swear allegiance.
Its no longer my country, I just want to get out.

Steve, Birkenhead, Merseyside

Gareth, Birmingham

"I pledge elegance to Gordon Brown..."

If only we could :-)

JF, Brum, UK

I'd gladly take an oath to do all in my power to drive that cynical hypocrite out of 10 Downing Street. And if anyone can imagine keeping a straight face while pledging anything to the future King Charles they've got a very impressive imagination.

Neil McF, Southampton, England

So the government's mismanaged immigration and is now floundering to come up with ridiculous proposals such as this one to try to make us feel British.
There are some serious problems in society right now but this is not the solution to any of them.
Why do we need to introduce American-style "oaths of allegiance"...will we be expected to cry for joy in front of the flag as they do too???...and hang them on top of houses and cars....pathetic.
I used to be a staunch republican but having lived France (not to mention America) and witnessed the deferrence that an elected head of state may command, I am not sure that they have a better system (...pehaps and Irish-style system may be better where the elected president is more of a figure-head).
However, this proposal is just brainwashing.
The government would do better to teach kids at least SOME British history at school (I had barely nothing!!!!) perhaps starting with the Magna Carta, designed to limit monarchs' power. god save the UK

Rob, Paris, France

It must be wonderful for all those Scots, Irish and Welsh to have someone to blame for all their woes.

Who will they blame if they do gain their independence?

How long can they avoid taking responsibility?

Very sad.

R Bingham, Lauzun, France

This government has done such a fine job of destroying any natually felt feelings of patriotism and pride that it thinks these pathetic jestures will make any difference. once upon a time i was proud to be british and proud to live here. now i can't stand this country. it has no identity and a goverment that seems to do everything and anything in its power to make this place just that little bit more miserable to live in for the average working man or woman. i fully intend to leave upon retirement or sooner if possible.

Kevin Roper, Plymouth, UK

My Word We Can See Where All The Traitors Meet.

British Sucker, Surbiton, Uk

I'm proud to be one of the British people, who I think are a fine bunch on the whole with a remarkable tolerance of one another's foibles.

I have no pride in the British state, however.

The labour party realised that the state is no good at building cars, and dropped clause 4. But now it wants to nationalise our society. What's next after the great loyalty oath crusade? Commissars in every community monitoring us for Britishness? A five-year plan for tea drinking?

To use a fine old British phrase that epitomises our tradition...
include me out.

Jamie Gilmour, Bolton, UJ

Such empty gestures as pledges of "allegiance" lead to situations such as Barack Obama's "patriotism" being questioned because he once did not place his right hand over his heart, or wear an American flag pin in the lapel of his jacket. And then this "grows" into a question of whether he is presidential material--forget the real issues at stake.

J.P. Wearing, Florida,

Pathetic idea. Loss of confidence. Will we all be required to fly flags and salute like a banana republic (or America)?

No British understatement here from Brown.

Phil, Hong Kong,

It will take more than one little ceremony to instill Britishness into people. It is also about leading by example. This government has to give people something to be proud of instead of appeasing every foreigner who comes here.

CA, Macclesfield, UK

Any truly British pledge should probably go something like this (unless you want us all wearing lederhosen and well pressed arm-bands!).

I pledge never to doff my cap or tug my forelock to any flag, institution or person just because they hold a title, rank or office of authority - I pledge to ask awkward questions - to challenge illiberal laws - and to fight my corner.

I pledge to remind politicians and bureaucrats that they are public servants and are therefore answerable to the people (they are not our leaders, our bosses or our jailers).

I pledge to choose when and whether to defend this country, its laws and its institutions (and reserve the right to attack them all or individually in word and spirit if I think that they fail to serve the interests and protect the freedoms of the people) - that said, if I see a better hole I will go to it.

Father Ignatius Brown, London, UK

Blimey, what a load of whinging jocks we have commenting here.
Lets face it guys, you have huge chips on both shoulders, you were beat fair and square, and you have since rellied on the wealth of England to keep your heads above water. Also, dont forget, it was an ancestor of the Queen that allowed you to wear your skirts again! So show some gratitude.
Personally, the sooner you lot stop poncing off the English and decend into the third world status that is due you, the better!
GOD SAVE THE QUEEN!

Oi! The Spotters, St Albans, England

This accent on Britishness is no more than the fear of of a Government of England run by scots having the voters wake to the fact.
Brown is just guarding an exposed flank and all this fuss is just what he hoped for.Come on, wake up you are being manipulated again.He has to push the British thing because Scotland is lost to his party and we may begin to ponder the West Lothian question.
This Government and the ones before pushed multiculturalism and now the chickens are coming home to roost this is the best they can come up with as a " U " turn.
If the immigrants to our country want to be British then welcome. What point living in a cultural "getto "then making an oath to someone your parents and community resent.
The moral compass is kept in a bag of snakes and when he reaches for it, he pulls out todays useful headline.
Remember yesterdays - our troops whose wellfare he has ignored so long should wear their uniforms in public because Gordon loves them all, while they are useful.

robert everitt, wolverhampton,

In Scotland, The Queen of England is not the sovereign. She is the servant of the sovereign. And the sovereign is the people.
Sing some numpty song indeed.
Isn't this chap Goldsmith who has come up with this ludicrously childish and patronising idea the same guy who told Tony Blair and the public that the invasion of Iraq was legal?
Just one other thought - will 'Brits' living abroad be coerced into singing the Spanish, Australia, Canadian or Belgian anthems?

Absurd, Glasgow, Scotland

If this gov't didn't throw money at children to stay on at school in ridiculous classes that are impossible to fail, actually done something about discipline in schools so that hordes of feral young and not so young didn't turn every weekend night into a nightmare and all the other miscellaneous stuff such as fly tipping, litter and the ridiculous benefits system then maybe we might have a country worth making an oath to.

This government is pathetic

Ian, Norwich,

Thanks to the spinelessness of virtually every post war administration, starting with Attlee and his 1948 Nationality Act, we have acheived a first in world history by tearing down a house built on rock and building ourselves a shack on sand. The post war assault on this country's well being and sense of itself, first in the name of the 'New Commonwealth' and post imperial guilt, latterly in the name of globalisation and the 'free movement of labour', is beyond the comprehension of most of us. Goals that very few have see any value in achieving have been pursued at the the cost of what we all held so dear. Going by their track record, New Labour clearly have absolutely no real interest in this measure, beyond the fact that their spin doctors have advised them to address the concerns behind it. Personally, I'd have a rigorously worded pledge of allegience, and revoke the citizenship of those that feel unable to take it. Lets see Brown propose that.

Kev Wilson, Slough, UK

It is easy to dismiss the suggestion of an oath of allegiance as a meaningless gimmick, but is this to diminish the value of the oaths we already take in our society?

Service personnel take their oath of service very seriously. Likewise, taking one's marriage vows - for all that we may scoff at the rising divorce rate - is a memory that stays with one for one's whole life, and those who breach them are considered to be formally "in the wrong" in divorce proceedings. And the oath of truth in court is still considered legally binding to the point of imprisonment.

Taking any public oath is no small thing to do, and I can't help feeling that children might well better understand the obligations and duties of the citizen and more fully consider them if they were required not only to take an oath but also to spend time before taking it in studying its import and the meaning of its words.

Somewhat against my natural instincts, I find myself agreeing with Lord Goldsmith.

Robey Jenkins, York, UK

To Patriot and Ad, north of the border there is no such person as Queen Elizabeth II. You see, we never had a Queen Elizabeth I, she was just an English queen. Her lack of children did result in Jamie the Sax becoming James I though.

Joinville, East Kilbride, Scotland

Brown’s determination to force ‘Britishness’ down the throats of my children has been the last straw. If I myself were asked to take an oath demonstrating my loyalty to Britain (or the Crown) I would indignantly refuse. The very idea is an insult, and I will not expose my children to such a farcical performance. If such loyalty is not given freely and in an unforced way it is worth nothing at all.
Of course, we all know what this is about. It is Brown's fear that Scotland may become independent, at which point he will be forced out as PM. Britishness equals Keep_Brown_in_No_10_ness. I have left the Labour Party today and will not rejoin until Brown and his grotesque ideas leave the Party.

Elizabeth Smith, Hounslow, UK

Now I know the Government has gone barking mad! If it spent the money on dropping all the absurd SATS tests, dropped the awful National Curriculum which has demoralised both pupils and teachers, and spent the money instread on improving school facilities and allowing teachers to teach and engage the children in their care, none of these absurd proposals would be necessary.

Jon B, Oxford,

I pledge allegiance to the flag
Of the United States of America
And to the Republic
For which it stands
One nation,
Under God,
Indivisable
With liberty and justice for all

I had to recite that every morning before school, facing the flag with my hand over my heart. That's how we do it in America.

Miss Dee, Tayside, Scotland

A wonderful idea. And it's not allegence to Gordon Brown, it's allegence to the United Kingdom. About time

Buster, Birmingham,

I didn't realise just how much the scots hate the english

Albert Hall, kettering,

The best way to educate children and young people about Britishness is to teach them British history without constantly apologising for actions taken in the past but which are now obsolete. For instance, the slave trade. Yes it was abhorrent, but at the time it was carried on by many many countries - including many tribes from the African continent. What should be promoted more heavily is the campaign to make it illegal - in which Britain was the first.

We should also stop the divisive practice of encouraging faith schools. Whilst the differences between, say, a Catholic or Cof E school may not be great and not damage cohesion, that is because they are the same basic faith and this is still basically a Christian country. The differences between Muslim, Jewish, and Christian schools are more fundamental and do affect cohesion.

Donna Walker, Effingham, Surrey

It's a good idea and may instill just a tiny bit of national pride to replace the naval-gazing national deprecation that is promoted by the media and busy-body people who have no power.

Martin, Maidenhead, UK

I am quite sure the 'religion of peace' subjects will never bomb London again after being swept up in the emotion of the pledge.

Browne, Louisville, USA

I, together with my family are atheists and staunch believers in a Republic. We will not make any oaths of allegiance to an hereditary Head of State, whoever they are.

Neil, Gloucestershire, England

Is it not time that the pledge to the 'Queen of England' was removed from all citizenship requirements.

My wife is a foreign national with indefinate leave to remain, entitled to all the rights of a British Citizen. She wishes to become a citizen and loyalty to the 'Queen of England' is the only fly in the ointment.

I was born here and bred here. My family name has existed here for over 500 years. My ancestors have served, fought and died for this country. I would never swear any loyalty to the 'Queen of England'.

Tony Benn famously crossed his fingers when being sworn in as an MP. It seems that not one member of that parliament actualy saw his negation of his oath. Is there one Law for the son of a Peer and another for us proles?

This is a political matter that has nothing to do with being loyal to one's country, home and people. Many reject the idea of Monarchy but are British first and Republicans second.

JDS, Cardiff, Wales/UK

I am Welsh: I love my country. The Queen is not my Queen, and I look forward to the Welsh Republic.

What is British culture anyway? Who speaks the 'British Language?'

We are a group of 4 - 5 nations, dominated by the largest. Try asking an Estonian to endorse 'Soviet Identity'. Ridiculous!

Dafydd Bullock, Luxembourg, Luxembourg

I think this is good for British people from different ethnicity. Learning this process from early stage will make them feel good, proud, wanted and homely. They could grow up to like this country even more. This will make them be part of this country, part of the team, part of the culture. I cant see anything wrong at all. Children wouldn't be forced to do it, infact they'd probably enjoy it. The Queen, is the ideal person to bring everyone (who live here) together.

Mohammed, London, UK

Those who are against this idea, obviously want to keep this country divided.

Mohammed, London, UK

The media make things worse when there is a conversation about national identity.

I listened to the Today interview with John Humphries, and it was very obvious no decision was close to being taken on this. Lord Goldsmith favoured it, but he made it clear he wasn't pushing for it, and this should have been identified before the interview took place.

Certain sections of the media hold back public debate on national identity by pushing the extremes. Normally a good thing in investigative journalism I admit, but not when many people are scared to speak because of misplaced fears of being labelled a racist.

The debate needs to be encouraged by a more gentle approach to discussing national identity that empowers people to speak up about their true fears and beliefs.

Guy Smith, Bexley, Kent

This has just confirmed suspicions I've had for quite some time that
whoever is making the decisions in Government is
a raving lunatic.

If they introduce this in the workplace I'm out of here.
I can just here it now...

"I pledge elegance to Gordon Brown
and all his sponging cronies......"

Gareth, Birmingham,

The name of 51 State to England is more appropriated than United Kingdom.

It would be better to ask Bush to come and Government here after the elections there.

Antonio, Surrey, Surrey

Thanks to the Lisbon Treaty Gordon Brown signed, the Queen has been sidelined. So in reality you will be swearing an allegiance to either New Labour, Gordon Brown, or even President Tony Blair.

Anja.S, London, England

Ironic that the Government which has done more in the last 10 years to eradicate British Identity and heritage,than ever before should now do an about-turn-not worried about the growing support for the BNP in working class areas are they?

Steve, west midlands, uk

So pledging allegiance to the State is seen as 'divisive' because some people clearly feel they owe no obligation or duty to the State. If anything confirms the deeply fractured nature of Britain this subject does - it also confirms the role of 'elites' have played and continue to play in this process.

Quite frankly no State can survive in these circumstances and one wonders how much longer before this fragile edifice comes crashing down around us.

Mark, Berkhamsted,

We are being forced to have Scottish M.P.s' backing up our own M.P.'s to get acts through our Parliament-We are also backing up Scotland with taxes paid in England. I have never had anything but respect for the Scottish people, however the Scottish are always on the ball with a dig at the Brits. Long live the Royal Family !

Rob, Chichester, West Sussex

Attempted political/religious indoctrination/brainwashing of children is no more acceptable in this context than in any other. It is sinister and absolutely unacceptable in a free society. The decision to support or oppose monarchism is one to be made as an adult.

Nook, Purley,

I completely agree with Stephen, just swap England for Scotland and Scot for english! No way I would ever want my kids doing this, though happy if its some form of pledge to England.

Russell Wright, Benfleet, England

Kerry, it quite clearly states that it would be optional. We don't have the balls to make anything compulsory. That is why your country and mine are heading for some serious trouble. Our nation of the British isles doesn't stop untill the sea. There are many Scots in England and vice versa. All I see is the once supreme country of Great Britain being torn apart piece by piece. Together we were strong and divided we are falling. But i can only say it is the result of listening to every little doubt and fear on a national level. If i didn't do anything in my life that might possibly have a negative effect somewhere i wouldn't get out of bed in the morning. And i certainly wouldn't acheive anything worthwile......

Daniel, Bristol,

Is it not bad enough that we must all fund the charmed and lavish life of the monarchy? Attempting to indocrtrinate children with the misguided concept that we owe the Queen (or, God forbid, Prince Charles) some degree of loyalty is a step too far, and borders on the offensive. Another hollow policy from this increasingly hollow Government.

Citizenship is about common values, but what Labour's endless reviews and focus groups fail to realise is that such values cannot be re-branded or made up by consultants. Rather, they develop over time and are a reflection of the mood of the populace. Attempting to revert to the 'God Save the King' jingoistic rhetoric of the two World Wars will not work. Restoring the rule of law and erradicating corruption in our political system would be far more effective!

Toby, London, UK

How absurd! Does the government think that reciting a few empty words will restore the sense of community and belonging that's been lost in this country? Schoolchildren in Wales, just as in Scotland, would have much to say about pledging allegiance to the Queen of England...

Elle, Swansea,

Pride! In what? How dare this lousy Govt insult our intelligence with this nonsense. Having destroyed British industry and with Alistair Darling telling the FT he didn't believe in economic patriotism then who does it think it's kidding.

This govt is the most unpatriotic of any govt I've experienced.

DickW, Aberdeenshire, Scotland

The government is surprised by a decleine in Britishness? If you open the doors to so many people from outside, can the dilution of Britishness be a surprise? As always this govenment's only answer is regulation - laws forced on people to attempt to fill in the "gaps" which are of their own making.

James, Blackpool,

What a load of rubbish

Richard , Bexhill, uk

Can you imagine a 42 year old republican like myself permitting my children to swear any allegiance either to the queen, the union or any government I didn't vote for? If this folly brings forward the date for republican reform and secession among the grim islands of the disunited kingdom, so much the better.

Ralph Norman, Hong Kong,

I don't know the general quality of the Scottish teacheing profession but as a teacher you should know that Queen Elizabeth II is a direct descendant of Scottish Kings (from James VI/I) on her father's side and of Scottish nobility on her mother's side (Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon). She is not only Queen of England.

Ad, Nottingham, UK

Who is the Scottish head of state then, if you pardon my ignorance? Last time I checked it was HRH Queen Elizabeth II.
Who would you rather pledge to, Alex Salmond?

Patriot, Hobbiton, UK

typical nulab irrelevance.

Albert Hall, kettering,

Growing up in the United States I had to say that pledge. It did nothing for civic pride. It became a sing-songy mantra that no one wanted to say. As for calling it "Voluntary", yeah right, then why was I punished for not saying it? If anything it worked to hurt civic pride. Listen to a group of kids say it, and not just when there is someone special in the room. It sounds like a they are in a hypnotic trance. Civic pride is nurtured, it does not come about by compelling a child to recite a few magic words. Look at the controversay that is still going on in the US over this. Should the words "under God" be said? Is that a violation of the US's seperation of church and state? Should the hand really be over the heart? Do yourself the favour and worry about a real issue, not coming up with a stupid pledge.

JNB, Greenock, Scotland

Why don't they tell the truth and admit that this is a way to try and prevent radicalisation of Muslim youngsters?

P. Harris, South Wales,

Britishness is a figment of the unionists' imagination.
It does not exist. It is not real. It CANNOT be defined.

Robert Christie, Fife, Scotland

As a Republican and Patriot ,I think it is a bit rich for a Scot to object to declaring allegiance to the Queen , whose antecedents were German and since the Union of Great Britain was brought about by James 1st who was a Scotsman.
The Monarchy has been forced on us English by the Norman French, the Welsh Tudors, the Scots Stuarts, The Dutch House of Orange and the German Hanovarians.

Allegiance should be to the Nation and not the Head of State. As a frequent traveller to the US, I am heartened by the proud patriotism displayed by Americans of all walks of life, a patriotism that is not nationalistic or jingoist .

John F, London, UK

Britain has banned traditional fox hunting, neutered its armed forces, allowed massive unrestricted immigration and now wonders why it has a national identity crisis? Empty words to a flag won't fix this. Leadership and honoring your forefather's culture, past and traditions is what truly maintains a national indentity.

Chris S., Battle Creek, MI, USA

As a Scot I would never ever allow my children to swear allegiance to an unelected monarch or the british flag for that matter. Politicians need to wake up and actually listen to people who are increasingly taking pride in their respective devolved countries.

Independence will come to Scotland within this generation and i can see a growing pride in being English and Welsh at the same time.

Britishness is dead in the water. It's been dead for decades here in Scotland and is finally disintigrating in England. Only the political dynasaurs of the past still cling to it, or those who lucratively benefit from it through employment another dying entity...the BBC.

Stephen, Tain, Scotland

As usual, the English will have to take the oath to Queen and Country, in the same way that they have to teach 'Britishness' , but the Scottish and Welsh will refuse to do so. What a recipe for division. Everyone knows that 'Britishness' is a fig leaf for Scottish control of Westminster.

kerry livermore, London, England

Can you imagine A Scottish school child being forced to swear allegiance to the Queen? Or a Catholic from Northern Ireland? This Government should really think before they propose such foolhardy rules. I for one, being a teacher in Scotland, would never enforce such a draconian rule. If someone wishes to pledge allegiance to the Queen of England, then that is up to them. To force it upon people who do not see the Queen as their head of state, will only enrage, and further divide the British Isles

R Krachan, Dundee,