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Jeremy Corbyn 'Snubs' The Queen: What Is The Purpose Of The Privy Council?
Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has been accused of snubbing the Queen after revealing he wouldn’t be attending the Privy Council today.
It’s led senior Tory MPs to label him as being "disrespectful” to the Monarch.
It also comes after Mr Corbyn was criticised for failing to sing the National Anthem at a Battle of Britain 75th anniversary service at St Paul’s Cathedral last month.
But what is the Privy Council? And why does it matter if he doesn’t attend? Here’s what you need to know:
What is the Privy Council?
The Privy Council advises the monarch as he or she carries out duties as head of state. It dates from the time of the Norman kings when the monarch met in private - hence the description Privy - with a group of trusted counsellors who fulfilled the role the cabinet performs today. The Queen is head of the Privy Council.
What does it do?
As well as advising the Queen it provides administrative support for the leaders of the Commons and Lords. It also has responsibility for the affairs of 400 institutions, charities and companies incorporated by royal charter.
The body also has a judicial role as it is the court of final appeal for UK overseas territories and crown dependencies and for a number of Commonwealth countries.
What is the ceremony for becoming a privy counsellor?
Tradition stipulates new members affirm an oath of allegiance to the monarch at their first meeting. They also kiss the monarch’s hand then, while kneeling, they affirm a long privy counsellor oath.
Who are its members?
There are around 600 privy counsellors who take an oath of confidentiality and are styled Rt Hon. All the cabinet are members along with some middle-ranking ministers, senior judges, figures from the Commonwealth and the leader of the opposition. An individual becomes a counsellor for life, although their role may diminish over time. See the list here.
When are Privy Council meetings held?
The Privy Council meets around once a month and any member can be asked to attend, with the gatherings held at Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle or, occasionally, Balmoral. The meetings are held by the Queen with a clerk of the council and usually around four ministers, with discussions held standing up to ensure they do not last too long.
What did it do at its last meeting?
The Privy Council approved the dates of bank holidays in 2016 and the design of coins commemorating the 100th anniversary of the outbreak of World War One and the Queen becoming the long-serving monarch in British history.
(Pictures credited to REX)
