[War] "UK State opening of Parliment"

[Pat B]

"UK State opening of Parliment"
PM Dennis Brandt
United Kingdom

=Palace of Westminster=

As was the tradition, the Yeoman Warders of the guard were walking the
basement with Inspectors from the Metropolitan Police Services.  As
usual they found nothing, but ever since 1605 the search was tradition
and tradition was very important.

One shift from tradition happened as a Black Rolls drove up to
Buckingham Palace with the Shadow Cabinet's Home Minister in the back.
The traditional parliamentary hostage to insure the safety of the queen.

The ceremony continued first came the arrival of the marks of state. The
Crown, cap and sword were brought in and the queen had soon left
Buckingham Palace.

Dennis sat silently in his seat as the next part of the ceremony would
take place.

This was the part where the Gentleman Usher of the Black Rod would come
to the door.

Then he turned as the door was slammed shut.

The three knocks sounded and the Gentleman Usher strode to the bar.

"Mr Speaker, The Queen commands this honourable House to attend Her
Majesty immediately in the House of Peers."

As one the House of Commons rose and walked with a casual saunter
towards the House of Lords.

As Dennis chatted amiably with the Leader of the Opposition, they walked
down the main hallway, where the Lords sat.  After bowing to the queen 
the Members of Parliment took their seats.

The speech was delivered on a vellum scroll to Elizabeth II who was 
seated on the throne.

In the clear and ringing tone known by generations of Britons Elizabeth 
delivered the speech from the throne to open Parliment.

  My lords and members of the House of Commons, my government will 
pursue policies aimed at meeting the challenges which the United Kingdom 
faces at home and abroad.

A stable economy is the foundation of a fair and prosperous society. My 
government will continue to maintain low inflation, sound public 
finances and high employment.

My government will build on its programme of reform and accelerate 
modernisation of the public services to promote opportunity and fairness.

My government will increase funding for the Armed Services to increase 
recruiting, salaries, and equiiment modernisation.

My government will bring forward legislation in the key areas of public 
service delivery: education; health; welfare; and crime.

My government will introduce tax legislation reform to encourage growth 
and research.

My government will continue to reform the National Health Service in a 
way that maintains its founding principles.

Measures will be brought forward to introduce more choice and diversity 
in healthcare provision and to continue to improve the quality of health 
services and hospital hygiene.

My government will continue long-term reform to provide sustainable 
income for those in retirement.

Proposals will be brought forward, to continue the fight against 
terrorism in the United Kingdom and elsewhere.

Legislation will be introduced to reform the criminal defence service, 
making better use of legal aid resources.

My government will continue with legislation to provide a new framework 
for the provision of compulsory treatment of those with mental disorders.

Legislation will be brought forward to ensure the better management and 
protection of the natural environment and to provide support for rural 
communities.

Legislation will be brought forward to help reduce casualties on the roads.

My government is committed to promoting efficiency, productivity and 
value for money.

Consumer credit law will be updated to provide greater protection for 
consumers, and to create a fairer, more competitive credit market.

Company law will be reformed to encourage greater levels of investment 
and enterprise.

Members of the House of Commons, estimates for the public services will 
be laid before you.

My lords and members of the House of Commons, my government will 
continue to work closely with the devolved administrations in Scotland 
and Wales, and will work to bring about the conditions necessary for the 
function of political institutions in Northern Ireland.

Legislation will be brought forward to encourage greater voter 
participation in elections, while introducing further measures to combat 
fraud and increase security.

My government will restore the rights of hereditary peers to be seated 
in the House of Lords.

My government will continue to play its full part in international affairs.

My government will continue to work to prevent terrorism and the 
proliferation of nuclear, chemical, and biological weapons, and to 
combat drug smuggling and international crime.

My government will work to strengthen commitment to the continued 
effectiveness of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation, and continue to 
contribute to a modern and representative United Nations.

My government will continue to assist the government of Afghanistan 
including in its counter-narcotics efforts, and to support better 
standards of governance throughout the world.

Peace in the Middle East will remain one of my government's highest 
priorities.

My government will work to deepen and develop the strong partnership 
between Europe and the United States in order to meet these objectives.

Other measures will be laid before you.

My lords and members of the House of Commons: I pray that the blessing 
of Almighty God may rest upon your counsels.

Actions

Open Parliment