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Much comment appeared in the press about Jeremy Corbyn’s admission to the Privy Council after his election as Labour leader. In particular his unwillingness to conform to the time-honoured custom of kneeling before the Queen was widely deplored. The following letter from Alistair Lexden on the subject was published in The Daily Telegraph on September 28.
SIR--Jeremy Corbyn gives no indication that he wants to join the Privy Council, with or without kneeling before the Queen (report , September 25).
Why not leave him outside it? Ramsay MacDonald was not sworn in until he became Labour Prime Minister for the first time in 1924. A pacifist during the First World War, he was in his time as controversial a figure as Mr Corbyn is now. Briefing on security issues could be provided to him under the Official Secrets Act.
The Privy Council is not exactly in need of new members. From under 300 at the Queen’s accession it has now swollen to over 660—up 170 in the last five years alone-- making it larger than the House of Commons.
Lord Lexden
London SW1