Starmer looks awkward in Westminster Abbey as guests ignore him
Queen Elizabeth II: Starmer pays tribute to 'remarkable' monarch
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Sir Keir Starmer was left awkwardly flicking through the funeral order of service in Westminster Abbey this morning as other political leaders appeared to ignore him. The SNP’s Ian Blackford and Liberal Democrat Sir Ed Davey were engaged deep in conversation sat next to him.
The Labour leader appeared uncomfortable with no one to talk to as he waited for all other guests at the funeral to take their seats in the Abbey.
He was pictured sat looking unsure of what to do as those around him made small talk before he eventually picked up his paper service paper and started looking through it.
More than 2,000 people gathered to say their final goodbyes to the Queen in Westminster Abbey this morning.
Senior UK politicians including Prime Minister Liz Truss and former prime ministers Boris Johnson, David Cameron and Theresa May were among those to take their seats in the historic building.
Sir Keir paid a poignant tribute to Britain’s “greatest monarch” shortly after her death.
He said her loss “robs this country of its stillest point, its greatest comfort, at precisely the time we need those things most”.
Sir Keir added: “She did not simply reign over us, she lived alongside us.”
The St Pancras and Holborn MP’s acknowledgement of Queen Elizabeth II’s service came after a change in his stance on the monarchy.
Last year a video from 2005 emerged of Sir Keir talking about how he “often used to propose the abolition of the monarchy”.
Sources close to the Labour leader have since insisted he supports the role of the Royal Family in the UK constitution.
Sir Keir has also criticised those who support abolishing the monarchy for protesting during the official mourning period.
He said last week it was important republicans show “respect” to those mourning the Queen and that they do not “ruin” their opportunity to say a private “thank you”.
More to follow…
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