Party sings from same hymn sheet for first national anthem
THE national anthem was sung at the conference for the first time yesterday – although delegates were helped out with the words printed on cards.
The party paid tribute to the Queen by opening the event with the rendition of the first verse of God Save The King, followed by a minute’s silence.
Despite warnings of protests and heckling, both the anthem and silence were flawlessly observed, although union bosses appeared to avoid proceedings, with rows of seats held for Unite left empty.
Sir Keir Starmer had paid tribute to the Queen as ‘this great country’s greatest monarch’.
Former party leader Jeremy Corbyn last week criticised the decision, calling it ‘very odd’.
And on the eve of the conference, a packed meeting of Labour For A Republic called for the Royal Family to be abolished, and demanded the singing of the anthem be a one-off.
Left-wing MP Richard Burgon said discussion about the monarchy was legitimate, adding: ‘People who respect the Queen’s service, who like her as an individual, can still hold these views. It’s not an insult to anybody.’