What are ‘core British values’?
Bill Rammell (the UK’s Higher Education Minister) recently suggested that ‘core British values’ should be taught in schools.
I don’t know whether I am actually lacking the intellect to sufficiently understand what is meant here, or am just trying too hard. Whatever the case, I can’t pin down any one value that is uniquely ‘British’: maybe he means there’s a definable set of values that is?
On Monday someone wrote to London’s Metro newspaper:
“I have a strong faith in my religion [Islam] but this has only enhanced my understanding of so-called ‘British’ values of respect for others and their religion, importance of community relationships, education and freedom of choice; because these are also Islamic values.”
So, are there values – or sets of values – that are uniquely ‘British’? And, if so, are they strongly enough defined – and broadly enough subscribed to – to be taught in schools?
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