Walsall councillor hits out at 'disrespectful' colleagues who didn't stand for National Anthem

A councillor has criticised colleagues for failing to stand for the National Anthem during meetings.

Councillor Rohan Beecha has tabled a question to Monday’s meeting of the council, expressing that a number of councillors defied council guidance at the previous meeting by failing to stand.

The council adopted the procedure of playing God Save the King at the end of council meetings as part of its constitution after Reform UK took control at the May elections.

Councillor Beecha, Reform member for Short Heath ward, said: “I am concerned that some of the councillors did not stand for the National Anthem at the last council meeting on September 28,” he said.

“I love the United Kingdom, and it is my country and the behaviour of those not standing maybe perceived as disrespectful to our civic traditions, culture and heritage. I urge all those in office should stand as a mark of respect.”

He will ask council leader Councillor Elaine Williams to clarify what expectations applied to members when the song was played, and whether the council intended to reaffirm guidance on respectful conduct during that part of the meeting.