Councillor Liam Martin-Lane: ‘The age of deference has long gone'
Speech: 'Queen never broke her promise to serve'
Tuesday, 13th September 2022 — By Richard Osley
Cllr Martin-Lane speaking at last night’s (Monday’s) meeting
Labour councillor Liam Martin-Lane said that young people might not be natural supporters of the monarchy – but the Queen had earned their respect.
He was speaking as Camden Council held a special all-member meeting last night (Monday) in which councillors, aldermen, members of the public and Town Hall staff paid tribute to the Queen.
Here’s what Cllr Martin-Lane said
“Just like the vast majority of British and Commonwealth citizens, I have become used to Queen Elizabeth II just always being there.
Party leaders, prime ministers, governments, they will come and go – some in very dramatic circumstances.
But I think all of us during a moment of challenge have thought about her late Majesty and smiled, thinking at least she’s still there.
At least she can speak for us, at least she can represent us well. And that embodiment of stability, the ability to reassure a country and a people going through really, really difficult times I think is a quality of her late majesty that we will miss very hugely.
I think it’s important to offer the perspective of young people tonight, many of whom, let’s be frank and honest, are not natural supporters of the monarchy.
When Queen Elizabeth II acceded to the throne in 1952, this country still retained elements of empire. Young people respected their elders, simply because that’s what you were expected to do. It was the default.
Today in 2022 times are more different. Britain and the Commonwealth are far more diverse. Society is much more individualistic.
The age of deference has long since gone.
Today, respect, in the view of the younger generation, is something that should be earned, not demanded.
And the fact that so many young people over the past few days have wanted to pay tribute to our late majesty is because she led by example.
When she declared in 1947, that her life would be devoted to our service, she meant it and she showed it. It wasn’t a broken promise. It wasn’t an empty gesture.
It was a fulfilled commitment that everyone from humble backbench councillors like me to our new prime minister can look to for guidance for that tremendous example and eternal legacy.”
