Is tradition worth defending? Today, British politicians get back to work after the election. But first they must have their own plans read to them by an old man on a gold chair.
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A golden throne, frills and trumpets
Is tradition worth defending? Today, British politicians get back to work after the election. But first they must have their own plans read to them by an old man on a gold chair.
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Somewhere near the Palace of WestminsterWhere the UK's House of Commons and House of Lords meet. this morning, Sarah Clarke is dressing up in a black jacket. Some time after 11am she will walk towards the House of CommonsThe democratically elected house of the UK Parliament. It consists of 650 Members of Parliament. , where the door will be shut in her face.
She will knock at the door three times, then call on MPsMembers of Parliament. MPs are elected to represent people in 650 different geographical areas. to come with her to the House of LordsIn the UK, the upper chamber of the UK Parliament. It is made up of hereditary peers, the Lords Spiritual (bishops) and life peers. . At the same time, King Charles will be making his way there in a gold carriage.
Later, Charles will read out a speech describing what new prime minister Keir StarmerThe leader of the UK Labour Party since 2020 and British prime minister since July 2024. wants to do in the next five years.
This event is the state opening of ParliamentAn assembly of representatives, usually of an entire nation, that makes laws. , also known as the king's speech. It is one of the strangest parts of British politics. Some see it as a sign that Britain is still stuck in the past.
But others say that the tradition is important, because it reminds people of important rules in British politics.
Sarah Clarke is officially known as Black RodIn the UK, a House of Lords official who controls access to the House. , and she is the king's representativeSomebody who stands in for somebody else, or attends an event on their behalf. . When the door is slammed in her face, it shows that politicians can make their own decisions, without anyone else interferingInvolve yourself in a situation where you are not wanted or needed. .
That is why some think we always keep our traditions, because they often contain knowledge that we may not be aware of.
But others say reality is often quite different to tradition. And many may not have a special meaning - or if they do, nobody can remember what it is. They think we should be free to make up new rules and new ways of doing things that make sense in the modern world.
Is tradition worth defending?
Yes! Traditions are the result of the knowledge and learning of all the people who came before us. We should not think that we know better than people in the past.
No! Most ideas go out of date sooner or later. Traditions stop us from working out what is wrong with the way we do things and coming up with new ideas.
Palace of Westminster - Where the UK's House of Commons and House of Lords meet.
House of Commons - The democratically elected house of the UK Parliament. It consists of 650 Members of Parliament.
MPs - Members of Parliament. MPs are elected to represent people in 650 different geographical areas.
House of Lords - In the UK, the upper chamber of the UK Parliament. It is made up of hereditary peers, the Lords Spiritual (bishops) and life peers.
Keir Starmer - The leader of the UK Labour Party since 2020 and British prime minister since July 2024.
parliament - An assembly of representatives, usually of an entire nation, that makes laws.
Black Rod - In the UK, a House of Lords official who controls access to the House.
Representative - Somebody who stands in for somebody else, or attends an event on their behalf.
Interfering - Involve yourself in a situation where you are not wanted or needed.
A golden throne, frills and trumpets
Plans: The King’s Speech today will list the laws the government hopes to pass in the first year of what Labour hopes will be a decade in charge. Glossary
Palace of Westminster - Where the UK's House of Commons and House of Lords meet.
House of Commons - The democratically elected house of the UK Parliament. It consists of 650 Members of Parliament.
MPs - Members of Parliament. MPs are elected to represent people in 650 different geographical areas.
House of Lords - In the UK, the upper chamber of the UK Parliament. It is made up of hereditary peers, the Lords Spiritual (bishops) and life peers.
Keir Starmer - The leader of the UK Labour Party since 2020 and British prime minister since July 2024.
parliament - An assembly of representatives, usually of an entire nation, that makes laws.
Black Rod - In the UK, a House of Lords official who controls access to the House.
Representative - Somebody who stands in for somebody else, or attends an event on their behalf.
Interfering - Involve yourself in a situation where you are not wanted or needed.