A bummer being British

2002-06-20 16:13

London - Two out of every three young Britons feel ashamed of their nationality, in part because of violence and hooliganism, according to a magazine survey published on Thursday.

In multi-racial, modern Britain, the survey showed that one in four young people did not know what it meant to be British and one in five did not even care.

"What it means to be British has fundamentally changed," said editor Neil Stevenson in the survey carried out by one of Britain's famous youth magazines, The Face.

"Notions of 'Britishness' are in decline. In the face of this declining commodity a new set of self-defining values are emerging. It will be interesting to see how the Jubilee and the World Cup have affected young people's attitudes to their country."

The survey shows pride that does exist is based on former glories like the British Empire, great inventions and football.

Over 83% of youngsters want to quit the country and 76% thought the government did not listen to their views.

"Young people care about political and social issues but are extremely disengaged from the political system," said Stevenson.

"Disenfranchisement is the problem, not apathy - perhaps if young people thought the Liberal Democrats had a chance, they'd go out and vote?"

The survey revealed the Liberal Democrats were narrowly the most popular party, with 25% support ahead of Labour on 23%. However, 24% would not bother voting at all.

Prime Minister Tony Blair was the first choice when asked who should be president - if the post existed - with entrepreneur Richard Branson second and Tony Benn - Britain's longest serving Labour legislator - in third place.

More than 11 000 people between 16 and 29 answered questions for the Face survey on a website between March and May 2002.

- Reuters