Holyrood to hold national anthem talks

A HOLYROOD committee was today due to consider calls for a public debate on the national anthem.

First Minister Jack McConnell said in March that such a debate could be timely, but suggested politicians should be wary about leading it.

The news comes as MSPs were also set to decide today if they want the term Scottish Executive changed to Scottish Government for parliamentary business. The SNP's Christine Grahame wants the change because the public do not know the difference between the business carried out by ministers and that of parliament.

The national anthem move has been proposed by committee member and SNP shadow sports and culture minister Michael Matheson. In a memo to the committee, he stated: "Our national song should be an anthem of the people, and this is an opportunity for the parliament to play a lead role in encouraging debate and participation by the whole country in this process."