THE Scholarly Web - 19 June 2014

Education secretary Michael Gove’s announcement last week that schools should encourage the promotion of “fundamental British values” provoked a big reaction on social media.

Many were quick to mock. While politicians plumped for “freedom” and “respect for the rule of law” (prime minister David Cameron), or “democracy” and “gender equality” (deputy prime minister Nick Clegg), others were more down to earth when asked to say what “British values” meant to them.

“Seeing a rogue traffic cone and immediately working out the nearest sculpture in need of a hat,” tweeted Mr Wood (@woodo79) – a “British value” no doubt recognised by students across the UK.

#BritishValues Seeing a rogue traffic cone and immediately working out the nearest sculpture in need of a hat.

— Mr Wood (@woodo79) June 9, 2014