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Pomp, politics mix in British House
Source: Agencies |
November 19, 2009, Thursday
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Print Edition
Print Edition
ROYAL pageantry met hard-nosed electioneering yesterday as Queen Elizabeth II donned the diamond-encrusted Imperial State Crown to announce the government's plans for the next parliamentary session.
With just months to go until a national election, British Prime Minister Gordon Brown is trying to woo voters with populist promises of new social programs and a crackdown on financial-sector excess.
Brown must call an election by June, and polls suggest his Labour Party will lose that vote, returning the Conservatives to power after 13 years in opposition.
The queen's speech, delivered at the ceremonial state opening of Parliament, was one of the opening shots in an extended election campaign.
It included promises of new laws to toughen banking regulation, restore public trust in government, cut public debt and preserve social services. As is customary, it was short on details.
"My government's overriding priority is to ensure sustained growth to deliver a fair and prosperous economy for families and businesses, as the British economy recovers from the global economic downturn," the queen said, in words written for her by government officials.
The annual event is an odd hybrid of politics and regal pomp, a policy speech delivered with the help of scarlet-robed Beefeaters, trumpeters, mounted cavalry and white-plumed bodyguards.
The event is held in Parliament's upper chamber, the House of Lords.
Lawmakers are summoned from the Commons by an official known as Black Rod -- but only after they slam the door in his face to symbolize their independence.
Labour Party leaders concede they face an uphill struggle to convince voters to retain government.
"I don't think the polls are a great mystery," Business Secretary Peter Mandelson told political reporters yesterday. "The country has taken a beating this year, economically."
With just months to go until a national election, British Prime Minister Gordon Brown is trying to woo voters with populist promises of new social programs and a crackdown on financial-sector excess.
Brown must call an election by June, and polls suggest his Labour Party will lose that vote, returning the Conservatives to power after 13 years in opposition.
The queen's speech, delivered at the ceremonial state opening of Parliament, was one of the opening shots in an extended election campaign.
It included promises of new laws to toughen banking regulation, restore public trust in government, cut public debt and preserve social services. As is customary, it was short on details.
"My government's overriding priority is to ensure sustained growth to deliver a fair and prosperous economy for families and businesses, as the British economy recovers from the global economic downturn," the queen said, in words written for her by government officials.
The annual event is an odd hybrid of politics and regal pomp, a policy speech delivered with the help of scarlet-robed Beefeaters, trumpeters, mounted cavalry and white-plumed bodyguards.
The event is held in Parliament's upper chamber, the House of Lords.
Lawmakers are summoned from the Commons by an official known as Black Rod -- but only after they slam the door in his face to symbolize their independence.
Labour Party leaders concede they face an uphill struggle to convince voters to retain government.
"I don't think the polls are a great mystery," Business Secretary Peter Mandelson told political reporters yesterday. "The country has taken a beating this year, economically."
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