Beard Liberation Front
2nd June
Contact Keith Flett 07803 1672
Campaigners call for beards, shorts & sandals to be part of ‘new normal’ Parliamentary dress code
The Beard Liberation Front, the informal network of beard wearers, has called for beards, shorts and sandals to be part of the ‘new normal’ dress code for Parliament.
With Commons leader Jacob Rees Mogg trying to re-open socially distanced Parliamentary proceedings on June 2 despite concerns, the Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle passed comment on the shorts worn by SNP MP Gavin Newlands. Sir Lindsay noted he was ‘not sure’ about the dress code but would allow it.
The campaigners say that a ‘new normal’ Parliament must allow for less formal dress provided it is smart and that should include, beards, shorts and sandals although Mr Newlands only fulfilled the shorts part of the triumvirate
BLF Organiser Keith Flett said, we don’t expect to see Mr Rees Mogg or come to that Mr Starmer in anything but a suit any time soon but unprecedented times require changes to set patterns and that must include allowing less formal dress in the Commons.
Guidelines for the 2020 Beard, Shorts and Sandals Season
1] Shorts should ideally be three-quarter length-‘culottes’ for the 2020 season. The length of shorts is particularly important as climate change may mean that unprotected legs get sunburnt.
1a) Shorts of the length worn by Nigel Farage in a video recorded in April are strictly forbidden
2] Footwear should be casual. There is a considerable range of sandal type footwear now available. Some leaves parts of the feet and toes open to public view, while some does not. The BLF is not prescriptive about the matter.
3] Socks should generally not be worn. However if the beard, shorts and sandals are to be displayed in relatively busier urban areas it is likely to be prudent to wear closed rather than open casual footwear and ankle socks, not visible to others may be worn.
4] There is no prescription or definition on what type of beard may be worn, or how this may match with the shorts and sandals. This is left up to the individual.
5] If venturing out in accordance with lockdown rules in force at the time social distance should be kept at all times. On no account should there be any groups of beard, shorts and sandals wearers. Discussion of styles should be confined to social media.
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