King Charles III opens the new UK Parliament

[Blackleaf]

In a ceremony that is around 700 years old, the British monarch today opened the new Parliament.

This Parliament is massively changed as Labour are now the governing party with a huge 412 seats. It's only the third time since 1979 that a different party has taken to power in Britain (and they did so without any of the participants in the election being shot at).

In his speech in the Lords - the monarch is forbidden to step foot inside the Commons - King Charles III read out to the nation live on TV the policies of the new Government. Of course, Queen Camilla was by his side.

The announced draft laws including plans on nationalising the railways, renewable energy, housing, planning, and devolution for England.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the plans will "take the brakes off Britain”.

Charles III wore the Imperial State Crown as he opened the Mother of Parliaments.

 

[harrylee]

 

[Blackleaf]

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As far as I'm aware he's hasn't been due to visit the USA. The King and Queen are due to visit Australia and Samoa in October.

 

[Blackleaf]

One thing the British are very good at is Royal Pomp and Ceremony.

They were at it again today as the King and Queen travelled to the Palace of Westminster to open Parliament.

People - locals and tourists - lined the streets as the Monarch and his Consort travelled to Westminster on a glorious summer's day to open the new Parliament of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. What a glorious sight it was in the July sunshine.

In his speech, King Charles III announced, amongst other things, devolution for England, strengthening the UK's borders and plans to get more people to vote in elections.

 

[Blackleaf]

It also just happens to be the Queen's 77th birthday today.

 

[Blackleaf]

Black Rod has the Commons door slammed in her face. She bangs on the Commons door demanding to be let in.

Once let in she orders the MPs to go to the Lords to hear the King's Speech.

Just to make sure the MPs comply to the King's demands, the Commons mace is then "stolen" and taken to the Lords.

The duty of Black Rod - Sarah Clarke - is determining who has access to the House of Lords.

 

[Blackleaf]

Starmer vows "national renewal"



Keir Starmer made his first speech to the Commons today as Prime Minister after Labour's massive landslide victory.

412 of the 650 MPs are Labour, so the Government and Starmer are very strong.

Starmer and Leader of the Opposition Sunak, who are both friends regardless of politics (something America can learn from), paid their respects to the King after he opened the new Parliament...

 

[Tecumsehsbones]

Nice hat, Chuck!

And glad you opened a new pack of Parliaments, but is it worth all this hoopla?

You should quit. Those things'll kill ya.

 

[Blackleaf]

Nice hat, Chuck!

And glad you opened a new pack of Parliaments, but is it worth all this hoopla?

You should quit. Those things'll kill ya.

When I look at American Presidential elections I think: "Is it worth all this hoopla?"

You guys make them run for 18 months or whatever. We have ours done in six weeks or so.

You started your American election campaign months ago. The British later started and then finished their election campaign. You still have another four months or so to go until Trump is elected.

What the fuck is going on?

And don't you talk to me about shiny hats after what I witnessed live on TV a few days ago. I think it was about 11pm here when it happened.

 

[Blackleaf]

Sunak and Starmer chat and laugh together as the King opens Parliament days after Labour's landslide election win.

The PM and Leader of the Opposition are friendly with each other personally despite attacking each other over the Despatch Boxes when at work in the Commons.

 

[Tecumsehsbones]

When I look at American Presidential elections I think: "Is it worth all this hoopla?"

You guys make them run for 18 months or whatever. We have ours done in six weeks or so.

You started your American election campaign months ago. The British later started and then finished their election campaign. You still have another four months or so to go until Trump is elected.

What the fuck is going on?

And don't you talk to me about shiny hats after what I witnessed live on TV a few days ago. I think it was about 11pm here when it happened.

Trust me, it's not. I envy the British and Canadian electoral systems.

What's going on? Well, it's complicated, but essentially our politicians are running (standing) for office all the time.

It's a lovely hat. I'm thinking about getting one myself.