UKIP councillor calls for schools to fly Union Jack and sing national anthem

The proposal has been put forward by Councillor Paul Brothwood as a way to fight what he sees as divisive forces, particularly north of the border.

The Scottish National Party won over swathes of voters in this year's General Election under the leadership of Nicola Sturgeon.

Councillor Brothwood, leader of the UKIP group at Dudley Council, said: "With the rise in divisive forces, particularly in Scotland, it is important for children to understand the history of the United Kingdom. I think the Union Jack represents that.

"It is good for pupils to celebrate their background and culture.

"There is so much division in society. There is an element in Scotland which wants to break-up the UK. UKIP is a party of unity and we want to respect our culture.

"Every other country in the world is proud of its heritage, just look at Ireland and America. Why not the UK too?"

The proposals will be put to a meeting of the full council on Monday after Councillor Brothwood submitted a Notice of Motion calling on the authority to actively encourage schools to sing the anthem and fly the flag.

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn came under fire last month for not singing 'God Save The Queen' at a service to mark the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Britain.

Councillor Brothwood said he submitted the proposals several months earlier - but did think Mr Corbyn's decision to be silent was disrespectful.

"I was at the UKIP conference in Doncaster where Nigel Farage sang the national anthem, as we all did," he said.

"I don't know if Jeremy Corbyn was paying respect in a different way but I think it is typical of the left. They are not very patriotic and typically they don't love their country. It is something very much associated with socialism.

"To be honest though, we think Jeremy Corbyn is pretty irrelevant. He has helped our cause immensely. Working people who have typically voted Labour are coming over to UKIP."

In supporting his proposal, Councillor Brothwood drew parallels to the Black Country flag and the support it had received across the borough.

He added: "We were very engaged in the Black Country flag and the festival. We saw people unite behind that flag, so why can't we unite behind the Union Jack?

"Whether schools wanted to fly the Union Jack, or the St George's cross, or the Black Country flag, it would be good."