Decided on a crafty ‘working from home’ day today.
The alarm went off at the usual time and I just thought, ‘Na, not today…’
Had the TV on in the background this morning and the State Opening of Parliament came on.
What a weird and wonderful way to announce government business !
One of the great features of the British is their almost pathological need to ritualise tradition. The State Opening of Parliament is a brilliant example of this. A wonderfully over the top gothic pantomime of State ritual and performance. Just a wee bit kitsch too.
The Queen processed in state to the Houses of Parliament in a glittering coach, flanked by ranks of household cavalry. In an elaborate ceremony with all the Crown Jewels on display, she read out a list of government bills from the throne in the House of Lords.
Only the British could still be doing this sort of thing in the 21st century ! Either the Brits or some tin-pot dictator with galloping delusions of grandeur !
Nevertheless, it’s a colourful ceremony of seemingly ancient rituals where all the symbols and offices of the constitution come together under one roof.
The Lords gather in their ermine robes and the Commons are summoned to attend in a famous door-slamming ritual played out by Black Rod. It is amazing how little things have changed in parliament over the last two centuries !
It’s a grand pageant set in elaborate 17th century costumes of wigs, breeches, tights and ruffs. Pure high camp drama. The Crown, Cap of Maintenance (the what ?!) and the Sword of State make an appearance along with officials with extravagant titles like Garter King of Arms and, a particular favourite, Rouge Dragon Pursuivant.
Interestingly the military play a part in the spectacle. In many parts of the world a military presence in Parliament, albeit ceremonial, would not be taken lightly. In Britain, it’s all part of the show.
The camp splendour of the royal procession through Parliament is quite a sight. The uniforms, gowns, robes and the Crown jewels themselves are spectacular. More Ruritanian pantomime than serious government procedure.
The Queen finally takes her place on the Throne in the House of Lords and the Commons rowdily file into the chamber. Many Labour ministers and MPs looking suitably bewildered by the occasion. The speech is a turgid list of Government business and legislation, prefaced with a regal, “My government will…”. It’s dull and no one pretends otherwise. As soon as the speech is complete, the Queen processes all the way back again and the politicians get down to the serious business of the debates.
The one thing you can’t help noticing is how undemocratic the whole thing looks. Only a third of this arrangement, the House of Commons, is elected. The rest is hereditary or appointed. Within the ceremony, the Commons are conspicuously the least prominent. During the speech MPs stand at the back of the room. You could argue that any ceremony that makes politicians stand at the back must be a good thing !
There is one element that is totally missing from the procedure. The people. Any government presentation outlining upcoming intentions and priorities should, in the modern world, be aimed at us, the electorate. Strip away the constitutional flummery and you’re left with a governing party stating what it’s going to do in the upcoming parliament. That’s important, and it should be presented to the people in a clear, unambiguous way.
It’s strange that a day of such high politics should start with an archaic royal ritual. You’ve gotta wonder how long it’ll last. Will we see a radical overhaul at the end of the current reign ? Will a forward looking King William scale it down or abolish it all together ? Probably.
OK, so it’s a bit of constitutional glitter and pomp and pageantry junkies love it. But, does it really add any value to government in the 21st century ?
Would we not be better off with a State of the Union style speech to parliament and people by the Prime Minister ?
So yeah... 