Rejected petition: Have “Jerusalem” as England’s national anthem for all sporting events
Rejected on
Mandate the various national sporting associations of England to have “Jerusalem” as the national anthem of the England team, as opposed to “God Save the King”. “Rule Britannia” could also be mandated as the correct national anthem for Great Britain sports teams.
“God Save the King” is the national anthem of the UK. Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland have their own specific national anthems; England ought to be entitled to have the same.
“GTSK” appeals only to the supporters of the (perhaps unpopular?) sitting monarch.
The words and music of William Blake’s “Jerusalem” have high specific cultural and emotional resonance with England and the English people in the same way that “Flower of Scotland” (say) does with Scotland and the Scottish people.
Why was this petition rejected?
It’s about something that the UK Government or Parliament is not directly responsible for.
This isn’t something that the UK Government or Parliament would be able to do. The use of the present National Anthem is a matter of tradition rather than having any legal or constitutional status.
You can find more information about the history and status of the national anthem here:
https://www.royal.uk/national-anthem
We only reject petitions that don’t meet the petition standards.