Working Class whites need citizenship ceremonies

There's is possibly a section of the indigenous population who have no idea how our country has been shaped through history and how key events such as the signing of the Magna Carta, Civil War and the Suffragette movement played a part in shifting the balance of power in pushing us along the road to eventual democracy. I haven't read what Frank Field has in mind, what I do know is that my older son was a very "switched off" pupil at school seeing it as a place to meet up with his mates and generally fool around. Because he feels frustrated at times with a section of the demographic he mixes with and their fixation with Facebook/celebrity driven culture he now seeks us out to have conversations about politics, money, how tax is spent, history, religion, current affairs etc. He admits there are some he is acquainted with who whilst knowing everything there is to know about the "idiots in Towie" his words, but have no idea who the leaders of our major political parties are, let alone who the PM is.

Yeah right Greatnan. That's likely!

It sounds divisive to me..but FF usually speaks with thought so surprised at this suggestion!

I do believe that there has been significant oversight of the maintenance of traditional British customs and values. But when we used to have a celebration for St George's Day at school those who might easily have fallen into a 'WWC' category were not interested in the country dancing, traditional songs or food!! They did not like the fact that St George was not in fact English, nor comfortable with the fact that legend said he went around the world helping anyone who needed his aid to overcome evil even if they were different to him!

Traditional life for the WWC was lost when technology took over their work, factories /mines /shipyards closed and towns & commnities crumbled and with it esteem and pride. Same as in the industrial revolution wiping out agricultural workers jobs by the 1000s.

Poor strategic planning to put other work opportunities in place of the closures has created this situation along with the willingness to make profit by employing cheap labour which is often found in the poorest communities ie immigrant communities. instead of blaming the employer a 'kick the cat' mentality has developed and immigrants are blamed.

Since when was Frank Field a socialist?

I think this suggestion is outrageous. An example of the deeply patronising attitude of intellectual socialists to those who they loudly proclaim as their equals, but secretly look down on because they are not as clever and virtuous as they are.

Have Citizenship Ceremonies for all or none, but selection by class...........

If Bluebell doesn't take offence, jingle, I will take it on her behalf. I think you need to apologise.

No offence of course bluebell.

That is totally unfair (moral compass (?!))

Yep. Bluebell for pm. If we really want economy killing civil unrest. And probably war with our neighbours.

What is a moral economy?

I don't understand this at all. Why would the white working class need citizenship classes. They already are citizens by right of birth. And they have the right to actually make the culture. As all citizens have.

I don't like the idea but I do like to listen to Frank Field in parliament debates and I also like Kate Hoey. I don't care about the colour of their politics I like them and what they say, not this one though.

I don't always agree with Frank Field but did like the fact that he came out against the bedroom tax.

So far as his new suggestion is concerned, I don't agree. Whoever this "white working class" is supposed to be (how would they actually be identified?) I would think this proposal would only serve to alienate them further - to be told that you alone, amongst all the other British-born people, would benefit from a "citizenship ceremony" would be highly insulting.

What about a "citizenship ceremony" for everyone? (I'm joking).

So true, absent - on both counts

I would be very angry if someone suggested that as Brit born I might feel more of a Brit if I took part in a ceremony, together with immigrants or, for that matter with other Brits. What?

Sel The white working class is not the only group that finds itself feeling alienated.

I wonder what party that would be....?

Seconded!

Bluebell for PM

Each to his or her own. (opinion that is)

bluebell you have such a way with words

Shouldn't Tory politicians connect with the moral compass of decent working people - oh, forgot, most if them haven't got one - Tories that is!!

Oohhhh a love- in with Frank Field - I expect you all shared in his comments last week about the iniquity of the bedroom tax? And what the hell is all this rubbish about being a champagne socialist? As you may have gathered, I'm somewhat on the left myself and think champagne is far too good to be left to the wealthy alone to enjoy! I'm also very serious about drinking really good wine and frequently travel first class but that in no way stops me being a socialist.

I still think it is the so-called Labour politicians who need to reconnect with the moral compass of decent working people.

I agree with you Sel, Frank Field is one of the few maverick MPs who is true to his beliefs and doesn't trot out the approved Labour mantra, which gets him precisely nowhere within his party. I also agree with you gracesmum on your point about "champagne socialist politicians" having lost touch with their core electorate. Career politicians of all persuasions with their PPE Oxbridge degrees and then straight into an advisory or research post without so much as a stint in the real world is why us mere mortals are so disenchanted with them. The holy trinity of Cameron, Clegg and Milliband are perfect examples.

No problem with that JessM - course leader could be Tony Blair

how about a few courses on the responsibilities of citizenship for high earners who dodge their taxes