GLOBAL PAYROLL MAGAZINE
23
ch
A new government, a new King’s Speech The King’s Speech, written by the government and delivered by the Monarch at the State Opening of parliament, marks the beginning of a new session and is an opportunity to set the legislative agenda for the coming months. The speech sets out bills that it intends to introduce to the UK Parliament as well as announcing other policy priorities which may not require legislation. Before the Monarch arrives at the Palace of Westminster, the Yeoman of the Guard searches the cellars for explosives to commemorate Guy Fawkes’s gunpowder plot of 1605. The State Opening of Parliament begins with the King’s procession from Buckingham Palace to Westminster. He arrives at the Sovereign’s Entrance to Parliament and subsequently leads the Royal Procession to the chamber of the House of Lords. Following a custom which dates back to 1642, a senior officer in the House of Lords, known as Black Rod, will then march to summon members of the House of Commons into the Lord’s Chamber to listen to the King’s speech. Before entering the Commons chamber the door is shut in Black Rod’s face, the door is then struck three times before being opened.
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