Campaigners have called for a debate on changing the UK’s national anthem. The call follows complaints that England manager Lee Carsley has said he’s not comfortable singing God Save The King at football matches.
 
Speaking for campaign group Republic, Graham Smith said today: 
 
“Carsley has every right to not sing the anthem. But this is a timely reminder that we need a new anthem, one that speaks for everyone, that is about country and the people, not king and god.”
 
“We are a free country, and freedom of speech includes freedom not to revere a king.”
 
“We should be able to raise the roof singing our national anthem, we should not be put in a position where that conflicts with profoundly held beliefs.”
 
“Whatever Carsley’s reasons, he should have the support of every democrat and everyone concerned about freedom of speech.”