Almost every country in the world is associated with certain values.
Almost every country in the world is associated with certain values
In the midst of the Trojan Horse affair, in which Islamist extremists were accused of seeking to exert influence over a select number of state schools in Birmingham, the vexatious issue of British values was raised again.
The education secretary Michael Gove was quoted as saying that from now on schools in the UK should teach pupils about British values.
Bizarrely, but not unsurprisingly, his statement caused alarm and attracted angry ripostes from many commentators.
It seems the term ‘British values’ is able to create as much fear amongst some sections of our society as the term democracy may do amongst North Korean political leaders. It is almost as though a discussion about British values is construed as a threat to the pluralistic and multi-ethnic/religious fabric of our society. Or that such a discussion will be used to enforce mass conformity and stifle anti-establishment sentiment.
I find this attitude very strange and slightly disturbing.
Almost every country in the world is, or at least can be, associated with certain values and that is what helps make nations distinct. The set of values that a country is associated with do not, individually, have to be unique to that country. Rather, they help define the country and the aspirations of the majority of its citizens.
Such values also inform us of the social, cultural and political climate of a country which, in turn, gives a country a unique brand or flavour.
I believe Britain is uniquely placed to face globalisation and the challenges of ethnic and religious pluralism because British values allow for the accommodation of difference. Britain, in my view, is the best country in Europe in which to be a Muslim.
It is also, arguably, the best place in Europe to be gay or a single mother. This is because at the heart of the British psyche lies a set of values that respect and tolerate differences and individual choices.
I believe Britain is characterised by fairness, rule of law, equality before the law, personal freedom and a respect for the rights of others. These values are reflected in our democratic political framework and institutions, such as schools, hospitals as well as charities.
These values act to make Britain an attractive destination for asylum seekers from around the world and those that are seeking to better themselves from societies in which equality is lacking.
Having a national values-based discussion is very important in a globalised world in which countries are becoming increasingly diverse and, therefore, are in need of something that can bind citizens together. National values offer citizens a framework with which issues of national concern can be discussed and appropriate solutions reached.
These values also do not have to be static or fossilised, they be dynamic and evolving and they often are.
Not wanting to talk about British values is, oddly, becoming a British value too. It seems many feel such a discussion could lead to the promotion of values that are too prescriptive and stifle debate and dissent which is needed for a society that wants to make progress.
I think this fear is unfounded and, perhaps, only applies to a small minority that seeks to synonymise British values with bizarre ideas about racial or ethnic homogeneity. British values, as they are understood by most, are accommodating and able to absorb different viewpoints and lifestyle choices.
However, whilst accommodating differences is important there is a danger of descending into absolute cultural relativism. Tolerating practises and beliefs that undermine fundamental human rights, such as Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) or forced marriage, is not the same as respecting difference. Being liberal and respecting choices does not equate to accepting human rights violations, injustice and inequality.
I do not think discussions about British values will lead to curbs on free-thinking and pluralism. As an inherently liberal society, I believe we can encourage more free-thinking, creativity and pluralism by upholding and celebrating values that provide a basis for such things.
Furthermore, if we do not believe in these values for everyone then we do not believe in them at all, therefore, let us not fear the debate and instead engage it in.
Ghaffar Hussain is managing director at counter-extremism think tank Quilliam
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23 Responses to “Are you scared of British values?”
Mark
I also found the aggression against “British Values” strange. It seemed to revolve around the word “British” as if Britons were claiming all liberal values as uniquely British, when of course, they exist elsewhere. One of the refutations was that “Universal Values” would be a better choice. But what is actually wholly “universal”? It seemd a bit like a Christian-Atheist debate, where the Christian would be espousing “Christian Values” as belonging completely to them and no other, and the atheist would point out that those values are not confined to Christianity. In those debates the atheist would be right (and some Christians would have to agree in those debates). However, I never heard, and doubt it was the intention, that “British Values” belong only to us. Take a list of decent values and you’ll find many countries would pick the same ones out and claim them (but not all countries). Great – all that was effectively said, was that “These are the ones (from that list) we adhere to, in a British society.”
Trispw
I haven’t a clue what British values are. It’s a big country with 60+ million people. It covers several countries and territories. They are not all the same.
Throughout the country, though, you notice several traits: drunkenness strikes me as being prevalent the country over.
Corruption is widespread: Corrupt politicians, corrupt aristocrats; corrupt police, particularly the Met, corrupt churchmen, corrupt BBC, corrupt bankers…
Surely even the venal Tories wouldn’t want kids to be taught that stuff…
Or would they?
Sparky
Would you class yourself as a negative person?
Mark
Yes it is a big country. I live in London and had a trip to the wilds of Suffolk the other day. Everyone said “hello” or “good morning”. I was a bit taken aback, but probably safe in the knowledge that perhaps the local baker might be a bit corrupt……
Astrid Fernandez
What a whiny little turd you are. Ghaffar Hussein spelled it out in the article he wrote, but i doubt you even bothered to read it before you went off on your pathetic little rant. Here it is again for you, moron. “I believe Britain is characterised by fairness, rule of law, equality before the law, personal freedom and a respect for the rights of others. These values are reflected in our democratic political framework and institutions, such as schools, hospitals as well as charities.”