Pupils would give a Mammoth film tops US box office ...
UK troops set for Basra handover ... commitment to Queen and country in ceremonies akin to those for new immigrants.

But teaching unions have poured scorn on the plan, saying it is un-British.

John Dunford from the Association of School and College leaders said it was "a half-baked idea that should be left to go mouldy".

The proposals are contained in a review of citizenship conducted by the former attorney general Lord Goldsmith at the request of Gordon Brown.

He believes that citizenship ceremonies for teenagers would help improve their sense of what it means to be a British citizen.

'Offensive' suggestion

The peer has consulted people in the UK, Europe, North America and elsewhere to pull together a series of proposals aimed at providing a "much clearer vision of what it means to be a citizen".

Citizenship ceremonies already exist for immigrants and the report suggests holding them in schools, where youngsters who are about to leave the school and move on to work or further education could participate.

The plans have been condemned by the group Republic, which campaigns for the abolition of the monarchy.

Spokesman Graham Smith told the BBC: "It's offensive to people who do actually cherish democracy and who actually cherish the sorts of liberties we've fought for for centuries.

He said swearing an oath would be an attack on people's freedom of conscience.

If children refuse to take part, he added, "are they then going to be told or taught that they are somehow less British or less loyal or less patriotic?"

Other proposals are thought likely to include a revamp of Britain's old treason laws, such as sleeping with the wife of the heir to the throne, which is punishable by life in prison.

Lord Goldsmith has also hinted at updating the national anthem by removing verses which are rarely performed.

(BBC)

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