Queen Elizabeth II Parliamentary Address

[Deleted]

While living in the States, I always enjoy watching what goes on across the Atlantic. Well, politics aside, what is your opinion of the Queen's address?

[Grand Moff Muffin]

I don't think anyone in this country actually watches it.

I feel sorry for her, having to read a speech in the first person the content of which she has (in practice) no say in.

From what I've heard, this year's speech contains lots of stuff that sounds good but which there won't be time to implement before the general election, and the next Queen's speech.

Martin

[Deleted]

I certainly don't bother with the Queen's Speech. It's just a tradition that has no real part in todays Britain and harks back to the days of the Stuart monarchy when the king really did have a say in the running of the country.

[Deleted]

Nov 20, 2009 13:36:16 GMT @zudobug said:

I certainly don't bother with the Queen's Speech. It's just a tradition that has no real part in todays Britain and harks back to the days of the Stuart monarchy when the king really did have a say in the running of the country.

this is actually the first year I've ever heard of the queen's speech (how long have I been alive???)

[Deleted]

There are some traditions in this country that in theory should have done away with a long time ago. Don't get me wrong tradition is a good thing but, some parts of British tradition just don't sit too well in todays country. Stuff like the Lords in the House of Lords and judges wearing those big white wigs are things that hark back to a bygone age. How many other countries still hang onto such traditions?

[legios]

Well, the Queen's Speech makes sense in terms of the way our torturous, unwritten constitution is framed. In theory the Government only governs because Queen says so, and most of the powers that it has or are weilded by its Prime Minister (Such as the Prime Ministers sole authority to despatch the armed forces against enemies domestic and foreign) are actually the Monarch's powers on loan.

In that sense it is logical that it is the Queen who declares the shopping list of what her government is going to do as regards governing her country.

That said, I have never tended to listen to the Queen's Speech myself - there are too many transcripts, summaries and what have you if I want to check what has made it onto the legislative program.

Karl

[dyrl]

Touchy subject.

Being a republican (small r, that is, I'm not talking about the American political party, but of republicanism as a form of government), I am opposed to the existence of monarchy.

However, being a republican I am also opposed to the existence of pure democracy.

That kind of leaves me supporting the Queen in her role while not believing that there should be a queen.

And then there's the small consideration that none of what I think matters anyways

Pete

[The Doctor]

I just don't care, to be honest.

-Ralph