As the row over Jeremy Corbyn's decision to stand in "dignified silence" at the Battle of Britain memorial service instead of singing the national anthem continues, those who are not offended by his actions have spoken out against the outrage.
The picture of David Cameron, Barack Obama and Danish Prime Minister Helle-Thorning Schmidt taking a selfie at the memorial service for Nelson Mandela has been widely shared in direct response to the outrage while many have questioned the “daft debate” or simply mocked the criticism.
One response has been to share the words of a serving officer allegedly present at the service, who praised Corbyn for paying his respects when other politicians were apparently “looking around and trying to catch the cameras”, while others have shared stories of social injustices they feel should be the focus of the public’s outrage.
Not singing the National Anthem is DEFINITELY more disrespectful than doing this at Nelson Mandela's funeral... pic.twitter.com/aK79kyayl8
— Will Gavin (@WillGav) September 16, 2015
Stay silent during National Anthem and you're ridiculed, take a selfie at Mandela's funeral and you're okay. pic.twitter.com/yThHuDL5Nq
— Marcus (@westofcentral) September 15, 2015
I've given it some thought, & I've concluded that there is nobody alive who might have voted for Corbyn but now won't because of the anthem.
— Hugo Rifkind (@hugorifkind) September 15, 2015
Can't believe this daft debate over Corbyn not singing national anthem. He's a republican, would be hypocritical for him to do otherwise.
— Gemma Charles (@gemma_charles) September 15, 2015
What's the bet most idiots screaming we should sing the national anthem don't know all the lyrics? Pretty high. Empty vessels...
— Kevin Maguire (@Kevin_Maguire) September 15, 2015
If anyone has ever been "hurt and offended" by someone else not singing a national anthem I'd respectfully suggest it's them with a problem.
— The Media Blog (@TheMediaTweets) September 16, 2015
Corbyn a hypocrite for kneeling before the Queen and a traitor for not singing the National Anthem; 2 days in, the new media is in chaos.
— Armando Iannucci (@Aiannucci) September 16, 2015
Yeah. Thing about the National Anthem: it honours the Queen, not the RAF. https://t.co/ncETnWw67B
— David Baddiel (@Baddiel) September 15, 2015
My cat is sad because he does not want to insincerely sing his cat national anthem, like this other cat is about to. pic.twitter.com/drOnjm5Nz7
— WHY MY CAT IS SAD (@MYSADCAT) September 15, 2015
Shame on Corbyn. Cameron was singing these words to the national anthem loud and proud. pic.twitter.com/D2NHGOSVd9
— David Schneider (@davidschneider) September 16, 2015
The fact that Corbyn didn't personally fly a Spitfire and fight off the Luftwaffe in 1940 shows that he hates this country.
— Robin Flavell (@RobinFlavell) September 16, 2015
The truth about #Corbyn & the #NationalAnthem at today's anniversary. pic.twitter.com/7DQGi2vWeT
— Ian Prowse (@IanProwse) September 15, 2015
What's more outrageous, #JeremyCorbyn not singing the #NationalAnthem or this? #BattleofBritain #bbcnews #c4news pic.twitter.com/fgT4hOpemH
— Alex (@Lad87Red) September 15, 2015
Corbyn is a Republican and prior to the service issued a statement paying tribute to the “heroism” of the RAF and its role in the Battle of Britain, adding: “The loss of life – both civilian and military – should be commemorated so that we both honour their lives and do all that we can to ensure future generations are spared the horrors of war.”
He chose to stand in "dignified silence" at the event instead of singing, and has since dismissed the criticism as "demeaning" and "tittle tattle".
One surprise defender of Corbyn's actions is Conservative MP James Gray, who said: "The fact is he was there properly dressed, wearing a tie, good on him.
"Well done him. He is a pacifist and not a royalist but he has gone along and stood in the front row."
