Island Life Magazine Ltd June/July 2014 | Page 134

ANDREW TURNER MP coffee break reading... Andrew Turner MP The Riverside Centre, The Town Quay, Newport, IW - Tel: [phone] [email protected] www.islandmp.org Andrew Turner MP State Opening is so full of tradition B y the time this edition of Island Life reaches you, one of the oldest, most lavish and colourful ceremonies in the UK will have taken place - the State Opening of Parliament. The Queen, as head of state, reads out the Government’s legislative programme for the coming year. This ancient ceremony, with roots stretching back 500 years, is full of historic rituals laden with constitutional significance, and is the only time in the parliamentary calendar when the three elements of parliament - Monarch, Lords and Commons - come together. Judges are also summoned, representing the judiciary and a reminder of the separation of its powers from Government. Even before the Queen leaves Buckingham Palace a Government whip is sent as ‘hostage’ for the Royal household, ensuring the Monarch’s safe return. My friend the Rt. Hon. Mark Francois, MP for Rayleigh, has assumed this role