Bristol University bans the National Anthem amid claims it is ‘offensive to some’

Bristol University has controversially axed the National Anthem from graduation ceremonies after 147 years.

It comes amid claims from some students that the anthem is ‘old-fashioned’ and ‘offensive to some’.

The decision not to play God Save The King unless a member of the Royal Family is present at a ceremony comes just weeks after the university decided to remove slave trader Edward Colston’s emblem from its logo.

The National Anthem has not been played since last year’s ceremony with the university saying it regularly updates its graduation ceremonies. 

A University of Bristol spokesperson said: “The University routinely updates aspects of its Graduation ceremonies, which included the 2020 decision that the National Anthem would be played when representatives of the Royal Family, such as the Lord-Lieutenant, are in attendance.”

Education Secretary Gillian Keegan blasted the university for the decision. Writing on X, formerly Twitter, she said: “This is ridiculous. Universities should stand up for our British values and stop giving in to woke ideology.”

Deputy Prime Minister Oliver Dowden, also writing on X, said: “If Bristol University are too ashamed of their British heritage, presumably they no longer want to be subsidised by the British taxpayer?”

Tory MP Scott Benton added: “How on earth could our national anthem be considered ‘offensive’?

“The way some institutions bow to a tiny woke minority with their self-loathing of our country and traditions really knows no bounds.”