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| Jeremy Corbyn criticised for 'silence' during national anthem | Jeremy Corbyn criticised for 'silence' during national anthem |
| (34 minutes later) | |
| Jeremy Corbyn opted to stand in silence during the singing of the national anthem at a service to mark the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Britain. | |
| The new Labour leader, who believes in the abolition of the monarchy, has faced criticism for not joining in. | The new Labour leader, who believes in the abolition of the monarchy, has faced criticism for not joining in. |
| Tory MP Sir Nicholas Soames - the grandson of Winston Churchill - said the Labour leader had been very rude and disrespectful to the Queen. | Tory MP Sir Nicholas Soames - the grandson of Winston Churchill - said the Labour leader had been very rude and disrespectful to the Queen. |
| David Cameron was also at the service at London's St Paul's Cathedral. | David Cameron was also at the service at London's St Paul's Cathedral. |
| A spokesman for Mr Corbyn said: "Jeremy attended today's event to show respect for those who fought in conflicts for Britain. | A spokesman for Mr Corbyn said: "Jeremy attended today's event to show respect for those who fought in conflicts for Britain. |
| "As he said in the words issued this morning, the heroism of the Royal Air Force in the Battle of Britain is something to which we all owe an enormous debt of gratitude. He stood in respectful silence during the anthem." | |
| His decision attracted criticism on social media, and Sir Nicholas said it had been "very disrespectful to the Battle of Britain pilots who gave their all". | |
| "I think he needs to make his mind up whether he is a grown-up or not," he said. | |
| Tuesday's service was Mr Corbyn's first official ceremonial engagement since becoming Labour leader. | |
| During the event, he sat next to senior members of the RAF, including ACM Sir Andrew Pulford, and other politicians, including Defence Secretary Michael Fallon. | |
| Mr Corbyn is a long-standing republican but has said he will accept an invitation to become a member of the Privy Council - a historic body made up of current senior and former politicians, which advises the Queen on affairs of state. | |
| Downing Street said Mr Cameron - who has weekly audiences with the Queen - attached "importance" to the national anthem and was "very proud" to sing it. | |
| The prime minister's official spokeswoman said: "The importance that the PM attaches to the national anthem is visible every time he is at one of these commemorative services. He is very proud and willing to join with others singing the national anthem." |