England could adopt own national anthem as MPs prepare to vote

Debate is raging as MPs are expected to vote on whether England should adopt its own official national anthem.
Should England have its own official national anthem?Should England have its own official national anthem?
Should England have its own official national anthem?

God Save the Queen, the national anthem for the UK as a whole, is currently used for England during most sporting events.

However, MP Toby Perkins (Chesterfield) believes England needs its own anthem.

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That view is shared by a number of campaigners and now it will be put to an MP vote.

If the vote is passed the bill will be debated again at a second reading - which is the first opportunity for MPs to debate the main principles of the bill.

Mr Perkins wants a public consultation to decide on the best song, and said people could opt for something traditional or new.

"England is a component part of the UK but it competes as a country in its own right and I think a song that celebrated England rather than Britain would be more appropriate," he said.

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Campaign groups have long argued that Jerusalem should be adopted as England’s official anthem, but what other songs would be suitable?

Potential official England anthems

Prime Minister David Cameron has said that Jerusalem would be his choice for England's national anthem, according to the ConservativeHome website.

Jerusalem was chosen as the anthem to be played for English athletes competing at the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi following a month-long public vote.

The England cricket team have used Jerusalem as an unofficial anthem for more than a decade - but still also sing God Save The Queen before many matches.

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Land of Hope and Glory - which was used by England at the Commonwealth Games before 2010 - often comes up as second choice, behind Jerusalem, in public polls.

Mr Perkins said I Vow To Thee, My Country and There'll Always Be an England were also options.

Campaigners have also suggested creating an anthem from scratch while some football fans suggested Rule Britannia and an updated version of Three Lions should be considered.