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The Queen’s Speech
The speech, which is written for the Queen by the majority, dealt mostly with Brexit and the problems of the NHS, which throughout the campaign was alternately described as the “best in the world” and an abomination — often by the same people and in the same sentence. A vote on the government’s Brexit bill, which would rule out an extension and set a final divorce date, is expected to come as early as tomorrow.
Published in Politics
The list of ceremonial traditions is long. The day begins with the Yeomen of the Guard “searching” the cellars of Westminster for explosives, a nod to the Gunpowder Plot of 1605. After the members of both Houses have gathered in their appropriate chambers, an MP is taken “hostage” by the Lord Chamberlain of Buckingham Palace to “ensure the safe return” of the monarch.
The monarch then usually arrives by coach. But this year, since the General Election was held in December and Her Majesty is 93, she took the car.
When the Usher of the Black Rod approaches the Commons (he’s the person whose job it is to summon the members of the Commons to hear the monarch speak from the throne) the doorkeeper will then order the door slammed in his face to symbolize the independence between Parliament and the sovereign. After the procession from one house to the other, the Queen will always begin her speech with these words, “My Lords and Members of the House of Commons, I pray that the blessing of Almighty God may rest upon your counsels.”
After the speech, Members of the Commons retreat to their House to debate the speech. Traditionally a member of the Government party, chosen well in advance, will be recognized to give a humorous speech.
Yeah, as I noted above that part wasn’t captured in the video. Wish it had been.
After the Commons slams the door, Black Rod knocks three times with his/her rod. The s/he is admitted to the chamber.
I can’t think of any reason why Scotland shouldn’t be independent if that’s what the Scottish people want. Same as Brexit really.
Yeesh, after that bracing opening about prioritizing Brexit, the rest of the speech could have been taken from any lib-Dem playbook. Increase the minimum wage. Increase education funding. Decrease carbon emissions. No parking fees for NHS hospital visits for the poor?? … Ugh. Everything’s a free lunch.
Yeah, yech I hate that they have the gal prancing around in a man’s outfit. And you got to admit that Black Rod does not sound like it should be played by a gal in any circumstance. I know, I know, I’m so old-fashioned and just plain old. Was Black Rod ever seen holding up coaches in the old days by the way?
“Lady of the Black Rod” sounds like a comic book villain. Probably an enemy of someone like Conan or Red Sonja.
One, they had their vote and lost. Two, it’s not “independence” if you’re trading Westminster for Brussels. Three, they are bleeding red ink.
They rely on two things for revenue: North Sea oil (that is most definitely an “unwoke” carbon fuel) and the Barnett Formula which assures Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland an automatic and higher spending allocation than England. If Westminster adds £1B in spending for England, they have to cut a check to the Scots of £1B + 10.34% x 99.7% or £103M more than what’s spent in England. It was developed by Joel Barnett, the Chief Secretary of the Treasury in 1978 as a temporary fix to the political problem of devolution of power to the regional parliaments. It was so temporary no one’s been able to kill it.
Your first point is a fair one. There should be clear evidence of majority support (within Scotland ) for independence before any further referendum takes place. Also, the fact that Scotland voted fairly strongly to remain in the EU is a significant change in circumstances since the previous referendum. I’m a firm Eurosceptic and that wouldn’t be my way of thinking but the opposite view is perfectly legitimate.
Your economic points are entirely valid and may be good reasons why a majority will vote against independence, given another opportunity. Or maybe, like Brexiteers, they will think their economy can take the shock of leaving and return to strength in due course. That’s essentially a matter for debate in any campaign either to have a referendum or to win it.
PS I am halfway through the Netflix movie “Outlaw King” -about Robert Bruce fighting for Scottish freedom from perfidious Albion- so maybe that is sharpening my inherent Nationalism!
Do you recommend Outlaw King?
I do. I watched it before. Not sure how accurate it is but a good watch if you don’t mind some blood and guts.
I had to quit watching for that reason. Too much for me.
I thought it was good, but I also think it felt too long. Don’t know what I’d cut though.
Try to watch on as big a screen as you can though. The cinematography and scenery deserve it.
Nothing will ever be as good as Last of the Mohicans.
Reminds me of a headline I saw on NR: Congrats Boris, R.I.P Fiscal Conservatism