The National Anthem

Plenty of enthusiastic anthem singing at the World Cup. But while the "world" is " in union," it is not always " in unison"

You make my point nicely Anniebach.

I think he accepts there are things which he may not be comfortable with, is this any different to the rest if us? He doesn't believe in a hereditary monarchy but I am sure the man has the common sense to know he cannot overthrow it. I don't think singing the Anthem will trouble those who want to see a fairer society , a lessening of the rich poor divide . Having to go to a food bank, forced to work on a zero hours contract is of more concern than singing that ghastly anthem . He will never please Middle England , it's a Tory strong hold, it's affluent . He has been leader for one week , he is not going to be another Blair or Cameron - thank God.

I am not a royalist ,I do not sing the Anthem, if singing it means he can concentrate on what is important to people then I do not see this as a betrayal of those who voted for him. How many voted for him because of his views on the monarchy ? very few, they are not important to the younger generation , few youngsters went into ecstasy at the birth of the new windsor, they are irelevent to many

Well I guess if he does sing in future he will shut the 'lot' of us up but the question then will be :-

A). Is he a hypocrite because he has let down his fervent admirers who like Corbyn believe in ridding the UK of the monarchy and would 'never' sing the National Anthem themselves.

B). Is he a hypocrite because he is singing but everybody knows he wants to abolish the monarchy and once stood silent as a mark of principle.

My guess is he would be never be criticised by those fervent admirers as he cannot put a foot wrong.

My guess is he will be criticised by those who do not agree with him because they too do not believe he can do anything right.

Conclusion, he should stay true to himself or loose respect by both sides of the argument and let people decide at the ballot box whether he is respected by them or not .

He has been hailed as a man who will 'stand by his principles ' , a 'conviction politician' but I think he will find being 'a rebel' on the back benches for 30 years is different to just 2 weeks on the front benches. Time will tell.

Some things need dismantling or changing , a country where the gap between rich and poor is rapidly widening is a good country soon?

Good link.

JC doesnt just want to do it differently though. He wants to dismantle things.

I think that photograph will be used time and time again. It is symbolic. And telling.

All this fuss because he didn't sing the NA and by a press which just about crucified her twenty years ago.

How respectful of the queen were the photographers being?

theconversation.com/why-corbyns-silent-stand-through-the-anthem-is-a-matter-of-national-importance-47666

A very interesting article about national anthems.

annsixty

I just think the battery in his hearing had failed. It's as good a theory as any other.

I think this thread has indicated very clearly how trivial all this is. What fun!

For me the Queen represents my country so singing God save the Queen is saying God save my country etc.

Corbyn made a mistake for me by not singing. I loved his comments when he was told that he would have to kneel to the Queen when he was made a privy councillor. Not sure his politics can work but I always enjoy listening to him speak and I can't think of another politician I would say that about.

Just thought though - wouldn't Always Look on the Bright Side of Life involve whistling? Which I (and no doubt many others) can't actually do?

Hmm...back to the drawing board.

We are the Champions? Ooh maybe not the words are not quite appropriate!!!

With stomping?

Yes, that would get my vote, merlot!

How about, Always Look On The Bright Side Of Life?

Tegan -

Oh no; I've now got an image of all the party leaders dressing like that man in that price comparison advert [the one with Sharon Osborne and the dog and the man wearing high heels].

'Simply the Best?' - could we do it with the Tina turner stomps and hand clapping? That would be quite good.

I don't think you lot are taking this very seriously...

How about 'We're simply The Best'

It's my Party and I'll Cry if I want to?