Students in debate on what makes us British

7:52am Thursday 19th October 2006

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BEING British is not about what you wear or your religious beliefs - it stands for tolerance, and promoting diversity.

That was the verdict of Bolton Sixth Form College students who joined in the debate about race and multi-culturalism by holding a British Day, discussing what constituted being British.

They dismissed MP Jack Straw's preference for Muslim women to remove their veil - and accused him of pettiness.

Activities included a "Famous Briton Quiz", a discussion on the changing ethnic profile of Britain and a discussion on why communities from different ethnic groups seem to group together The day was organised by Bob Hindle, senior college manager, to explore what people have in common rather than how they are different.

He said: "In the past we have held equal opportunity days but because of the political climate we decided to hold a British Day and debate what it means to be British.

"We have a multi-cultural community at the college and the students showed they had benefited from that.

"Their views were that being British means being tolerant and promoting diversity."

Jordan Steele, aged 16, from Little Lever, said: "We learnt that students at the college were predominantly Muslim. If we were racist or predujice then we would have been shocked. But people are not statistics and it is not right to label them as a number.

"Being British is not about religion, it is about living here and holding a British passport. Today's Britain is all about multi-culturalism."

Samantha Haslam, aged 16, from Morris Green, added: "Britishness means being made up of different cultures, dating back hundreds of years to the Roman and Saxon times."

The students felt the Government's policy of integration was proving to be divisive.

Safwan Kotwal, aged 17, said: "Before I felt British but now, with everything the Government is saying, I feel different and a lot less British, yet this is my country. It is where I was born, I don't have the same feelings for my parent's homeland. I am made to feel like an outsider."

Yahya Wilson-Dwer, aged 16, from Halliwell, who converted to Islam four years ago, said: "Integration cannot be forced. It needs to evolve naturally and is happening now.

"The Government is causing division and segregation by trying to force it."

Kathryn Crompton, also aged 16, from Little Lever added: "Are we going to be banned from wearing Prada shoes because they are not British and made in Italy.

"Being British is more than about what you wear it is about tolerance and respect."