Tag Archives: Loyal address

More wit of Westminster

Lord Norton 04/12/2008 – 6:04 pm

As regular readers will know, the peers who propose and second the motion on the loyal address (thanking the Queen for her speech) are expected to inject humour into their speeches.   The speakers yesterday - former Lord Chancellor Lord Falconer of Thoroton and Labour back-bencher Baroness Ford - did not disappoint.  Baroness Ford recalled the occasion over 20 years ago when she was appointed […]

All in good taste

Lord Norton 25/10/2008 – 3:17 pm

I have previously drawn attention to the fact that speeches moving the loyal address at the start of a session tend to be humorous.  When Lord Alli seconded the motion in 2002, he explained the background: 'When I was summoned to see my noble friend the Leader of the House, I was quite taken aback by his request.  I found myself agreeing to speak almost immediately without asking what it migh […]