Royal oath considered for British students

LONDON, March 9 (UPI) -- Young British students are being urged to take an oath of allegiance to the queen similar to that taken by immigrants, a report said.

Lord Peter Henry Goldsmith, former attorney general, is expected to recommend in a citizenship review that the oath custom could strengthen children's recognition of what being British means, The Sunday London Times reported.

Officials reportedly are considering conducting the oath ceremony at schools where they would also hold immigrants' citizenship ceremonies.

The ceremony review, which Prime Minister Gordon Brown commissioned, is meant to help citizens and immigrants develop a "shared sense of belonging," sources said.

Some students and adults reportedly feel the ceremony is unnecessary.

"I don't think pledging allegiance to the queen is the answer to young people's problems," Liberal Democrat youth and equality spokeswoman Lynne Featherstone said.