Labour members urged to sing God Save the King

‘I’ve never understood how some can believe that being proud of your country is not a Labour tradition’

LABOUR members are being urged to join in singing the national anthem at their conference this weekend. Lisa Nandy, shadow levelling up secretary, told the Left that it was important to demonstrate their patriotism after the death of Queen Elizabeth II.

A rendition of God Save The King

would be a break with tradition for the party, which usually only comes together in song for the socialist anthem The Red Flag.

It will also be a test of how far the party has changed under Sir Keir Starmer, the party’s leader.

In 2015 his predecessor, Jeremy Corbyn, remained silent during the national anthem at the Battle of Britain memorial service at St Paul’s Cathedral, his first ceremonial event since being elected Labour leader.

In an interview with today’s Chopper’s Politics podcast, Ms Nandy confirmed that delegates at the four-day conference in Liverpool, will be asked to sing the national anthem following a round of tributes to the late Queen.

She said: “Yes we do tributes to the Queen on the first day of the conference. Keir will open with that and we will sing the national anthem.

“I’ve never understood how sections of the Left can believe that somehow being proud of your country is not a Labour tradition.

“Being part of something bigger than yourself by the strength of our common endeavour, we achieve more than we achieve alone. That is the core of our message.”

The anthem will come a day after campaign group, Labour for a Republic, holds an event on the fringe of the conference discussing whether the monarchy is “at odds with Labour values”.

Sir Keir won widespread praise for his tributes to the late Queen and King Charles over the past fortnight.