I pledge allegiance to the ...queen?

0 Comments | USA TODAY, March, 2008 | by Jeffrey Stinson

LONDON -- Britain wants students to pledge allegiance to Queen Elizabeth, similar to how Americans say the pledge to the U.S. flag.

A pledge to the monarch, to be said at a "coming of age" ceremony when teenagers graduate the equivalent of high school, was among several proposals delivered to Prime Minister Gordon Brown on Tuesday to instill stronger citizenship.

Also proposed: a public holiday to celebrate "Britishness," much like Australia Day, which Australians observe every Jan. 26 to reflect national pride.

The recommendations come as Britons debate the influx of immigrants and question whether Britain's policy of multiculturalism has created separate enclaves within British society. These discussions were sparked by the shock of homegrown...