Government criticised for supporting Bradford founded One Britain One Nation

The Department for Education tweeted earlier today that it is encouraging schools across the UK to celebrate One Britain One Nation Day on June 25, “when children can learn about our shared values of tolerance, kindness, pride and respect”.

OBON is the creation of former Bradford police officer Kash Singh and has run for several years, with a number of schools in the district taking part annually, in which schoolchildren take part in flag waving and singing the OBON anthem ‘We are Britain’.

It has also received support from Shipley MP Philip Davies and his wife, fellow MP Esther McVey and has been well received by schools and pupils in the district.

A OBON Day celebration in Clayton in 2017

However, following the post, many took to Twitter to lampoon the Government for promoting the event.

Many North of the border pointed out that the majority of schools in Scotland will have closed for the summer holidays before the event is set to take place on June 25, while some in Wales deemed the event “desperation of British nationalism”.

Others also asked whether, as well as being taught about the “shared values of tolerance, kindness, pride and respect”, children would also learn about Britain’s dark colonial past and involvement in the Atlantic slave trade.

One user, @hazletongraham, said: “The fact that you aren’t even aware that most schools in Scotland will have started their summer holidays by then speaks volumes about what this govt actually thinks about the nations of the UK.”

Rhys Charles added: “Apparently 25th June is "One Britain One Nation" day for schools.

“I'm all for encouraging togetherness but unless that day is about educating on the atrocities committed globally in the name of that 'one nation' it probably doesn't have much place in the current climate.”

Others also pointed out that control over schools and education is a devolved power to Welsh, Scottish and Northern Irish (which isn’t actually part of Britain) Governments.

After the DfE sent out its tweet, One Britain One Nation tweeted: “An incredibly proud day for OBON. What greater honour than the Department for Education supporting our campaign?”

On the campaign’s website, there is quote from actor Joanne Lumley who says she supports the “impressive campaign with all my heart”, and Lord Patel who praises the campaign for “promoting cohesion and togetherness between communities and especially the young”.