Jeremy Corbyn was on Tuesday branded “disloyal” for refusing to sing the national anthem on a day of chaos which saw one of his shadow cabinet ministers threaten to resign over the European Union.

The new Labour leader faced heavy criticism for standing in silence while God Save the Queen was played during a Battle of Britain remembrance ceremony at St Paul’s Cathedral attended by the Prime Minister, Defence Secretary and scores of military leaders. Former military commanders as well as Labour and Tory MPs said he was “dishonourable” for refusing to sing the national anthem.