The National Anthem

He wasn't wearing jeans

I didn't say he was wearing jeans. Just that he hadn't dressed for the occasion.

'A Labour source later told Sky News that Mr Corbyn would be singing the national anthem at future ceremonial events.'

We shall see! (or rather, hear...)

I imagine the range of views here will be replicated and widened across the UK. I'm a traditionalist at heart. Tend to focus on the responsibilities of a role and certainly in my own professional life have prioritised them. But I have never had to set aside deeply held principles to do it. It is very early days in a prominent and powerful position. Perhaps instinctive rather than thought through yesterday but certainly respectful in demeanour. Future ceremonial occasions could be different. Or not. My traditionalist heart hopes for several changes. One of them being a sensible, thoughtful National debate over our representation to the rest of the world and an adapted anthem which recognises that although we are in a monarchy much of the current content is inappropriate. Not sure I have worded that well. Computer is refusing to co- operate and somehow things don't flow with the phone. I said I hoped for it. Think though it's so unlikely to happen.

I don't see a problem with his stance but can I ask this.

Corbyn made his decision as a committed Republican not to join in singing the National Anthem, he has every right to do so as do all those who give that reason for their electing not to sing the National Anthem too. Others have no issue in singing the National Anthem and showing their respect for the Queen and I would hope their would be a mutual respect for their right of choice too.

A poster mentioned had Corbyn as a Republican sang the National Anthem he would have called a 'hypocrite'. I agree he would have been called a 'hypocrite' because that is exactly what he would be.

So my question is Corbyn has been true to his Republican roots, he cannot be called a 'hypocrite' but why did he accept a place on the Privy Council? He will swear an oathe of allegiance to the Queen and swear to 'uphold' the preservation of the Monarchy.

That is most certainly hypocrisy and I just wonder how those who are delighted in him being a 'conviction politician' think about his vow to uphold the Monarchy?

Hadn't thought of that bit. Retreating to my original post. Lots of layers here. Leaving this one to more agile brains than mine.

POGS,all MP's swear allegiance to the monarchy when they enter parliament and at the start of a new parliament, all police officers do the same , rather a large number who you condemn as hypocrites in this country isn't there, unless you believe every MP and every police officer is a royalist

Maybe there's a little known rule somewhere that says that it's not possible to be a party leader and not join the Privy Council and, in doing so you have to swear an oath of allegiance whereas there isn't a rule stating you have to sing God Save the Queen at the Cenotaph?

May I ask this question also

He has had so much encouragement/backing for his stance but what will you feel if/when Corbyn does one day sing the National Anthem?

'If' he does choose to sing in the future he had no reason not to sing the National Anthem whilst attending an occassion that marks so much respect for the dead and valor of those who served.

Will you see him as a 'hypocrite', a let down or be able to turn on a sixpence and change your convictions to show continued support.

I think there are far more issues a lot more important than singing songs and one of the problems with politics today is that issues like this take over the front pages of newspapers .

I think if he does sing it in the future it will show he is a pragmatist. He is in a "no win" situation here, damned if he does, damned if he doesn't. As I have said before I am no fan of his policies but feel he is being unfairly attacked for not singing the National Anthem. I don't suppose for a single moment that the Queen is at all concerned about it.

...I just hope the right wing news media gives them the same amount of coverage but I'm not holding my breath.....

JC is like me a Republican - something that the vast majority of the Western world is totally comfortable with, the monarchy is an anachronism in the world. Singing an anthem which shorts the status quo would be hypocritical.

Supports!

Very true Tegan. Really important issues get pushed to the inside pages while the 'sensationalist' one gets Front Cover.

"So my question is Corbyn has been true to his Republican roots, he cannot be called a 'hypocrite' but why did he accept a place on the Privy Council?"

I wondered that but I was listening to a news item about it the other day and apparently the Privy Council has access to masses of confidential information on issues such as security (and has some 500 members). It seems would be difficult for a leader of the opposition if they were not a member.

It may appear to be an archaic institution that is closely associated with the monarchy but if it has a practical purpose and is vital to the operation of government it would be better to forget its monarchical associations. Corbyn's job is about service to his country not ro the monarch.

I must confess to being very disappointed that he seems to have caved in to the media hysteria and now says he will sing that bloody dirge the National Anthem in future. This is like McCarthyism...

I will not see anyone as a hypocrite for singing or not singing or for singing sometimes and not others - it just isn't that important to me. It will be the right wing press and those who wish to express an opinion on forums such as this (including me) who will go into overdrive about it; most people will have little interest.

I believe part of the bit about joining the Privy Council is because you are swearing not to break the secrets of information given to you in confidence. Kissing hands, etc., seems a bit like rolling up trousers legs and swearing undying secrecy to me but it is currently the way they do it. I would have thought either signing a version on the official secrets act or something similar would do.

Although I am happy to discuss signing the National Anthem I really do not think it is the most important thing in life but the right-wing press will love it as a distraction for real politics.

Please excuse all typos. Didn't proof read properly

I seem to have typed so slowly I have x several posts - sorry

Perhaps, whitewave, the real question that should be put is:
If the hereditary monarchy did not already exist in UK would you vote for one to be created today?
How would that royal family be chosen?
Every family's name dropped into a big drum and one picked or the strongest warring faction wins?
And the one lucky winner gets all - big houses, job for life, jobs for life for their kids for all time etc.

devorgilla

Leaving aside the question as to who would not vote( for a monarchy) if we didn't already have one, which needs a thread all of it's own, for some to say that singing or not singing the anthem doesn't matter, it really does you know.Voters come in all shapes and sizes, which means that plenty of Labour voters will be angry about their Leader standing there at a service of remembrance with a closed mouth. As Ana has said, just heard on the radio that he will be singing at future events, which means his gaffe has been discussed and he has been advised ( strongly I would think) to sing up in future.I don't think hypocrisy comes into it though, sometimes we all have to do the diplomatic thing and honesty is not always the best policy. A bit of fibbing oils the wheels of all human discourse and it certainly does in political and diplomatic relations.

Who rolls up their trouser legs to swear undying secrecy?!

Some of these posts are inbelievable! There is no way we could have a Prime Minister who refuses to acknowledge the sovereign. And this idiot hopes to become PM. A bear with half a brain could see that.

Does thislittle upstart really think he can change the British Constitution? The man is demented.