The National Anthem

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 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 .

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.

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?

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

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

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?

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.

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

He wasn't wearing jeans

I have no problem with his not singing the National Anthem, but I have to say I was surprised to see that he appeared to have got dressed in the dark! Did he not look in the mirror before he left home.

I know his normal attire is casual but there are times when you dress to reflect the occasion. My usual dress is jeans but if I had been at that service I would have dressed appropriately.

Big difference between OMG and speaking to a God asking for help if one doesn't believe that God exists Alea

I don't particularly like the tune or the words of the National Anthem; but that is immaterial. It is OUR national anthem and it is for patriotism that it is sung - not really to celebrate God or the Queen - whether you believe in either.

The point, I think, was good manners - he could easily have been muttering "Rhubarb, Rhubarb" for all I care but appeared to sing. It is definitely a criticism of his manners nothing else.

Alea, surely singing to a deity who doesn't exists for the majority of this country is hypocritical

This is what I was replying to, albeit after a bit of a time lag (otherwise know as actually doing something)

I think Annie was replying to me????

Take your point Annuebach but how many people utter "OMG, God help me, God only knows" etc without a second thought .
My point is neither political nor religious, in fact, rather lamenting the move in our society that you have to wear your heart on your sleeve to prove you've got one.

What is - the takeover of atheism?

Also seen on twitter this morning was 'Since when did the national anthem become a 'singalong?'

Time was when we stood in respectful silence as it was played (or trampled each other in the rush to get out of the cinema before it started).

We all know that JC is a republican; would he have been slated for hypocrisy if he had sungalong?

I feel as though some people are thinking fitness to lead an opposition party includes a requirement to demonstrate conformity to what the 'establishment' thinks is 'right thinking'...

Remembrance Day should be interesting!

Long overdue Ana

Isn't it about time we had a new anthem? One that is about the UK not about an individual?

Perhaps it could be an audience participation event - like choosing a song for Eurovision?

Alea, surely singing to a deity who doesn't exists for the majority of this country is hypocritical ?

Really? The majority of people in this country are atheists?

Just because something is "traditional" doesn't mean that it is necessarily right or that everybody should support it or adhere to it.

I believe it was in 2009 or thereabouts that the queen, allegedly because of health and safety concerns, had to abandon the "tradition" of servants and visitors walking backwards when leaving her presence. Some dyed-in-the- wool traditionalists may have considered that change to be "disrespectful". My feeling is that imposing the indignity of having to walk backwards out of a room shows enormous disrespect for "ordinary people".

I also think it is unreasonable for citizens, including public figures, of a supposed democracy to be dragooned into singing the praises of a monarch because to do otherwise risks them being labelled "traitor", "disrespectful", etc.

Sing to your hearts content monarchists but don't impugn the character, patriotism or general worthiness of others who choose not to.

Alea, surely singing to a deity who doesn't exists for the majority of this country is hypocritical ?