On 28th August, Sarah Dines MP wrote to Mr Tim Davie CBE at the BBC to ask him to reconsider the decision for Rule Britannia! and Land Of Hope and Glory to not be sung at the last night of the Proms.
Today, the 2nd September, the BBC have announced that Rule Britannia! will be sung during the event.
Sarah Dines MP said, ‘’I have been written to by many constituents who feel strongly that the full versions of the songs should be enjoyed and I too was disappointed to hear that these songs would not be enjoyed in their full and usual way.
While I understand the issues surrounding Covid-19, I do feel that my constituents, many of whom have been shielding and who have paid the BBC licence fee for decades, would appreciate performances of the songs with lyrics as usual. At a time like this, when so many people are struggling, music can bring us together. A mass sing-along from home would boost morale during these hard times, much like the country-wide sing-alongs on VE Day did earlier this year. I raised this, along with other local issues directly to the Prime Minister today and like me, he did not agree with the BBC removing the vocals to these songs. I am delighted that the BBC have reversed their decision and that Rule Britannia! will be sung. I know that many of my constituents will appreciate this move and will look forward to singing along at home.
I am proud to be British, as are my constituents. Anthems of our nation are poignant and mean so much more today, than a reference to the historical time they were written in. We should be proud of history and recognise and learn from any mistakes of the past. ’’
