Documents to download

On the first meeting of Parliament after State Opening, two Members of the House of Lords move that a humble address be presented to the Queen as an expression of thanks for the ‘Most Gracious Speech’ that had been addressed to both Houses of Parliament. The two Members are chosen by the Leader of the House and each delivers a speech which by custom is uncontroversial. Convention has it that the first speech is delivered by a long-standing Member (known as the ‘mover’) and it is seconded by a newer Member (known as the ‘seconder’). Both Members are government backbenchers.When these speeches have concluded, the House debates the legislative programme that was presented in the Queen’s Speech.The debates on the Queen’s Speech are the first main item of business of each new parliamentary session.

Documents to download

Related posts

  • Public Authorities (Fraud, Error and Recovery) Bill: HL Bill 96 of 2024–25

    The government has committed to reducing and reclaiming public money lost to fraud and error. The Public Authorities (Fraud, Error and Recovery) Bill contains provisions to extend Cabinet Office and Public Sector Fraud Authority powers to tackle fraud and error outside the tax and benefits system, and also expands powers to tackle fraud within the benefits system. The bill is due to have its second reading in the House of Lords on 15 May 2025.

    Public Authorities (Fraud, Error and Recovery) Bill: HL Bill 96 of 2024–25

  • End of the second world war: 80th anniversary

    2025 marks the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day and Victory over Japan Day, events which in 1945 brought an end to the second world war. On those days 80 years ago, celebrations erupted across Britain. However, world leaders and domestic politicians were aware of the numerous problems still to be tackled, such as reconstruction, demobilisation and the legacy of the development and use of the atomic bomb.

    End of the second world war: 80th anniversary

  • House of Lords (Hereditary Peers) Bill: Committee stage

    Following five days of debate, the House of Lords concluded committee stage on the House of Lords (Hereditary Peers) Bill. The bill would end the exemption that 92 places in the House are filled by hereditary peers. This short update summarises the current status of the bill ahead of report stage, dates for which are yet to be scheduled.

    House of Lords (Hereditary Peers) Bill: Committee stage