MPs to debate call for new anthem for England sport teams

A choir singing 'Jerusalem' will serenade MPs in the Commons as they debate whether to replace 'God Save The Queen' as the anthem sung by England sports teams.

Labour politician Toby Perkins has tabled a Private Members' bill calling for England to have its own national anthem for international fixtures like the Welsh and Scottish.

The MP for Chesterfield has arranged for a choir to sing 'Jerusalem', along with other contending anthems, on College Green just outside the Houses of Parliament.

An e-petition has since gathered nearly 2,000 signatures and argues that it is "time for England to have its own national anthem, to enable us to establish our English identity and support our role in the United Kingdom".

Just as the Welsh sing Land Of Our Fathers, and the Scots sing Flower Of Scotland, there should be an "anthem for England", the petition states.

But it fell far short of the 100,000 signatures required to guarantee a cause is raised in Parliament.

Mr Perkins has said that his campaign is "not hostile to the monarchy in any way".