Wednesday, November 18, 2009

The State Opening


The Queen's speech every November opens the new parliamentary session; it's called the 'State Opening.' It's happened for more than 500 years, and it's very elaborate and ceremonial. She delivers her speech on the grand throne in the House of Lords. Her speech sets out the legislative agenda for the parliamentary term, and it's written by members of parliament. She has no say in what she says. But basically every sentence begins with "my government is committed to..." The photos here are just screen shots from when I watched it online today. This country is so awesome!

(Prime Minister Gordon Brown (left) and David Cameron (right), Leader of the Opposition, are listening to the Queen's speech. Someone must make them sit together; most of the time they're yelling at each other over the table in the House of Commons.)

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