Back new English anthem, MP tells sports fans

MP CAROLINE Flint has called on sports fans to back a campaign for a new English national anthem.

English football and rugby supporters who support a new sporting national anthem are being encouraged to sign up to a new e-petition which has been launched in parliament.

Just 27 per cent of people surveyed wanted to retain God Save the Queen in a poll which had Land of Hope and Glory coming out on top.

Other choices like Jerusalem, I Vow to Thee, My Country and Swing Low Sweet Chariot have also been suggested.

“The time is long overdue to agree a new anthem when England, rather than Britain, is playing in a major sporting tournament, is long overdue,” said the Don Valley MP.

“There is huge public support for it. But I want people to back this e-petition, show your support for an English national anthem and let’s get the Government to make a decision.”

If more than 100,000 people sign the e-petition, Parliament will debate the issue, which was first proposed by Toby Perkins MP in a Ten Minute Rule Bill.

The petition is available to sign at https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/119904.