Romford MP offers Jeremy Corbyn anthem lyrics class
Jeremy Corbyn at the Jeremy Corbyn Labour Party leadership rally in the Camden Centre. - Credit: Vickie Flores
Romford MP Andrew Rosindell has said he would be “very happy” to teach the new Labour leader the words to the national anthem.
Romford MP Andrew Rosindell - Credit: Archant
His offer came after the after the left wing politician chose not to sing at a Battle of Britain memorial service, on Tuesday.
As hundreds sung the words “God Save the Queen” in unison at St Paul’s Cathedral, Jeremy Corbyn, MP for Islington North, chose to stay silent, prompting a backlash of comments from fellow politicians just three days after his election to the party leadership.
Mr Rosindell has spoken out about Mr Corbyn’s decision to remain quiet, calling it “unnecessary” and a “mistake”.
He said: “I just think it is a shame that he decided not to sing since the national anthem is very important to our nation, our Queen and to the people.
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“If he is one day going to be Prime Minister, then he is going to have the important duty of representing our country and that means singing the national anthem, whatever his personal beliefs might be.
“If he does not know the words then when I am available, I would be very happy to teach him.”
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Mr Corbyn was announced as the new Labour leader on Saturday after he secured almost 59.5 per cent of the vote, beating off Andy Burnham who received 19pc, Yvette Cooper with 17pc and Liz Kendall who came last with 4.5pc.
Mr Corbyn has been firmly in the media’s spotlight since, with his decision not to sing the national anthem condemned on the front page of several national newspapers today.
A Labour party spokesman said the new leader chose not to sing as he preferred to pay tribute to those who fought in the Battle of Britain through “respectful silence”.
Mr Rosindell said: “Imagine footballers refusing to sing God Save the Queen at a football match – that would be seen as very distasteful.
“It is unnecessary and a mistake on his behalf and I am hoping that he will learn from this.”
