Should Dorset Councillors sing the National Anthem before Full Council meetings?
Weymouth Councillor Louie O'Leary is suggesting Dorset Councillors sing 'God Save The Queen' in honour of the Platinum Jubilee
Last updated 16th Dec 2021
Dorset councillors are being called on to sing the National Anthem at the start of each full council meeting.
The suggestion comes from Preston and Littlemoor Conservative councillor, Louie O’Leary and will result in an email poll of councillors on the suggestion in the New Year.
Cllr O’Leary told the December full council meeting:
“Her Majesty the Queen ascended to the throne in 1952. She is this country’s longest serving head of state in history, she is defender of the faith and head of the commonwealth of nations. She is a symbol of public service and we all should be very proud of her and all her years of service to this nation.
"In the year of her Jubilee we as a council should reaffirm our support and admiration of her as the principal elected authority of her people in Dorset by beginning each full council and annual council meeting by singing the first verse of the national anthem “God Save the Queen”.
Council chairman Cllr Val Pothecary thanked him for the suggestion saying the idea was close to her heart.
“There is no doubt about the amazing and unstinting service that Her Majesty has given to her country, and we will of course have the opportunity to show our love and respect for Her during the Platinum Jubilee celebrations.
“However, I feel that a decision regarding this request should be democratically made, and therefore I commit to polling all of our members – in the same way as I did regarding the views on an opening prayer. I will ensure that an email will be circulated in the New Year to ascertain the majority view, going forward.”