Tag Archives: Queen’s Speech

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 […]

State Opening of Parliament

Lord Norton 03/12/2008 – 12:32 pm

The State Opening of Parliament is always a grand occasion.  We do ceremony extremely well and this morning everything proceeded according to the timetable.  The programme lists very precise timings: for example, '11.08 The Lord Chancellor proceeds from the Prince's Chamber to the foot of the Sovereign's Staircase.  11.11 The Peers appointed to carry the Cap of Maintenance and the Sword of Stat […]