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As much as I am a republican, I do like a bit of Pomp and Circumstance - and few occasions have as much of either as the State Opening of Parliament when, for a few minutes each year, the Palace of Westminster pays host to Her Majesty the Queen.

 

After a horse-drawn procession from Buckingham Palace to the Houses of Parliament - and a few minutes donning the full Royal Regalia - she enters the House of Lords to address both members of both houses. She then reads out a short speech which outlines the Government's legislative programme for the coming year.

 

After the Queen departs, parliament returns to normal with MPs returning to the Commons to debate the speech... but not before two of their number give an "Humble Address" - a vote of thanks to Her Majesty and a semi-serious look at the issues raised (or omitted) in the Speech.

 

This year, one of those on whom that honour fell was Bristol West's Stephen Williams MP - and you can read my summary of his address over on the Bristol Lib Dem's website.

 

Andrew