The Privy Council

I think he should become a member if only to have access to the same information as others in his position. He can then advise his party from an informed point of view. It is after all only a 'form of words' and a traditional gesture to join. Having listened last night to 'Have I got news for you' the kiss allegedly involves brushing the Queen's hand with your nose.

I'm sure he's not particularly bothered about 'the kiss'.

From the link (thanks, rosequartz) the privy council seems to be a rather unsavoury and even corrupt institution, and I think Corbyn's in a bit of a bind.

I wouldn't blame him for refusing to join on principle, but where does that leave him with regard to matters only accessible to members? As Leader of the Opposition, he'd be at a disadvantage where matters of state such as security were concerned.

He should join, doesn't affect his principles , he is not a supporter of the monarchy but he is leader of his party and it what a party leader should do.

No different to Charles, a few years ago he refused to attend a state banquet for a Chinese delegation , there is now to be another and this time he will attend, I doubt his views on China and Tibet has changed but he is the future head of state of this country and must put this first

Well, yes Anniebach, but wouldn't it be difficult for him to swear on oath that he 'will be faithful and bear true allegiance to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth, her heirs and successors, according to law.'?

I don't think so Ana, we all have to do things we don't want to for the greater good of others, and as Tony Benn said when swearing an oath - as demanded by law.

So the law demands the allegiance.

Actually, what I quoted was the Parliamentary Oath, which Corbyn will already have taken (or the affirmation).

The Privy Council Oath is longer and more complicated, and I don't think there's any reference to the law in it. It will have to be a matter between him and his conscience.

Many things for us all are between ourselves and our conscience . Corbyn wants to be involved in talks on Syria, I would think he is against bombing it to blazes as we did in Iraq. For me doing all I can to find a way of peace without war comes way above prattling out a few words which mean nothing to me . I would put people lives above an oath which means nothing, if he is loyal to his country this is what matters .

Well he can hardly say that publicly, can he? If he goes ahead and takes the oath, I think he will be tarnished in some people's eyes, even if he would just be prattling a few words that mean nothing to him.

I don't think so Ana, yes by those who want to keep nit picking the man. I doubt he collected many votes for his views on the monarchy , good grief in a country where marriage vows are not important for many

If he doesn't want to be left 'out of the loop' he will have to go through the process and join, whether he agrees with it or not.
If you can't beat them, join them philosophy.

I thought they just made decisions about coinage, bank holidays and inocuous things; however, I am beginning to wonder if we do live in a democracy after all.

As there are approx 500 members I doubt there are deep secrets discussed

Did you read the link in the OP, Anniebach? There may well be 500 members but it appears that there are some matters discussed by only a certain few.

And lies told.

I meant to say, Chilcott being a Privy Counsellor as well makes me wonder just what is going on with the enquiry.

Ana, it's rubbish sorry, it serves no purpose , who are the inner circle ? I assume the party leaders but all party leaders ? The PM meets the queen every week to keep her in the know ,

There ought to be a way around it so he isnt forced to lie.

When I was an executor of a will, you have to make a promise about something or other.
The Bible says dont promise anything, so I wouldnt do the promise.

But there is a way round, with different words to say, so I said those instead.

The Queen is a christian so shouldnt want him to lie.

And the queen never tells a lie?

Not just a christian, but Supreme Governor of the Church of England.

and Defender of the Faith!

No one can be 'forced to lie' soontobe. They either lie or they don't. This isn't a dictator state.

I would hope not Anniebach.

True Ana.

I meant forced as in, if he isnt a Christian, but wanted to be part of the privy council, at the moment, since he doesnt agree with what he would have to say, if he wants in, he has to say words that he disagrees with in order to get in.

There must be a few of them who are atheist, Jewish, Muslim etc, presumably they said something which was acceptable if not the precise wording.

I can't believe that if there are 500 Privy Counsellors they are all staunch Christians.