Yorkshire cricket legend to be speak at Bradford event for One Britain One Nation

FORMER England and Yorkshire cricketer Ryan Sidebottom is to be one of six keynote speakers at the launch of a One Britain One Nation (OBON) event.

The launch takes place this Friday at the University of Bradford’s Richmond Building from 10am to 11.30am and will highlight a forthcoming One Britain One Nation day with the headline: A Day of Pride and Unity and which is due to go ahead on June 19 this year.

The initiative has the aim of encouraging communities to work together as one and show unity and pride.

All schools are being urged to get involved and celebrate the day in the spirit it is intended so that all children feel proud and valued and know with confidence that they have a role to play in the life of the nation.

Invited guests will hear speeches from cricketing legend Ryan Sidebottom; pastor of the New Testament Church of God in Leeds Bishop Tony Parry; Michael Jameson, director of Children’s Services for Bradford; and Julia Robinson, general secretary of the Independent Schools Council.

Other speakers are expected to be Robert Goodwill MP, former education Minister, and Tom Riordan, chief executive of Leeds City Council.

The welcome is to be made by Professor Brian Cantor, vice chancellor of the University of Bradford.

Founded by former West Yorkshire Police inspector Kash Singh, the initiative is building on the success of last year’s OBON Day and Count Me In campaign which is non political and non religious.

Mr Singh, who worked as a police officer across Leeds and Bradford, said: “We all need to live in a society where everyone has the opportunity to showcase their pride, passion and love for a United Kingdom once more. It is tremendous that we have this opportunity to put Yorkshire on the map for such a worthwhile and much needed reason.

“OBON wants to utilise the strength of all our people to champion the values that we all have in common to promote a peaceful and respectful coexistence of all our people and communities.

“This day truly inspires all our children, the future of our country, to love their nation by showcasing and forging a sense of togetherness based on their love, pride and passion for our great country.

Michael Jameson, director of Children’s Services, at Bradford Council, added: “OBON builds on the great work across West Yorkshire, promoting tolerance, understanding and valuing difference and diversity. These are key attributes our young people require to positively shape a prosperous and inclusive Britain.”

More information about OBON can be found at www.onebritainonenation.com