Labour leader under fire on Twitter for depth of his bow, while others say media are attempting to politicise Remembrance Sunday

This article is more than 4 years old

This article is more than 4 years old

Jeremy Corbyn was always going to come under intense scrutiny when, as leader of the opposition, he undertook the customary task of laying a wreath at the Remembrance Sunday service at the Cenotaph.

Many speculated he would fail to wear a red poppy, opt not to lay a wreath at all or attempt to express his pacifism at the event. In the end, they attacked the bow.

The Labour leader came under immediate and intense fire on social media for appearing not to bow as deeply as other political leaders during his wreath-laying at the Whitehall war memorial.

Corbyn, dressed in a black suit and wearing a traditional red poppy, followed the custom of laying a round of red poppies after the Queen and the prime minister, shortly after 11am on Sunday.



A message on Corbyn’s wreath read: “In memory of the fallen in all wars, let us resolve to create a world of peace.” After stepping back from the Cenotaph, he bowed subtly towards the memorial and walked back to join other political leaders.

Viewers immediately claimed Corbyn had deliberately bowed less dramatically than Cameron, Tim Farron, the leader of the Liberal Democrats, and Angus Robertson, leader of the SNP in Westminster.

Lisa Settle (@LisaMsettle) Oh come on, Mr Corbyn, surely a bow was in order when laying your wreath #RemembranceSunday

Jon Preston (@LordPrestonEsq) If Corbyn could have made his "bow" (barely even a nod, in truth) any smaller towards the cenotaph, his head would have gone backwards.

Grenville Wilson (@GBHeritage) Corbyn's bow at the Cenotaph was virtually nonexistent, more of a twitch, obviously a deliberate snub

Others were quick to claim that the rightwing media and Conservative supporters had leaped on the footage to politicise the Remembrance Sunday service.

The Speed Bump (@MaddyLeigh1994) Corbyn not doing a massive bow isn't disgusting. The media using #RemembranceSunday as an excuse to attack him is disgusting.

Kevin Maguire (@Kevin_Maguire) No respect for war dead from morons upset Corbyn's Cenotaph bow was't low enough to satiate their political prejudice. Pure poison

Mr Ethical (@nw_nicholas) Apparently Corbyn didn't bow deeply enough. How low can people go?

Gordon MacMillan (@gordonmacmillan) Today is about these people not bickering out Jeremy Corbyn (who clearly gave a little bow) #Remembrance Sunday pic.twitter.com/mGNU4gZEnj

The row is the latest in a series of controversies over Corbyn’s conduct and appearance since being elected as the Labour leader in September, with many commenting on his approach to the traditions associated with the leader of the opposition.

It was reported in October that he had turned down the chance to be made a member of the privy council in person by the Queen, with his office saying that private engagements made such a ceremony impossible. Earlier this week it emerged he may join the council without having to kneel before the Queen, as is customary.

In his first week as leader he also attracted controversy by remaining silent during the national anthem at the Battle of Britain memorial service at St Paul’s cathedral.

He was pictured standing silently with his hands clasped and holding his order of service as others around him sang God Save the Queen, and was later forced to confirm that he would sing the anthem at future events.