With Tory MPs disheartened after a ‘pretty bare‘ Queen’s Speech this morning, there was much for opposition parties to feast on in this afternoon’s debate.
As tradition dictates, the Queen’s speech debate begins with light-hearted speeches from two government backbenchers. This year Caroline Spelman gave the veteran’s loyal address, while Dr Phillip Lee was picked to represent the newbies.
Spelman – a former environment secretary – didn’t manage to generate much laughter with her address. She said she was glad there were now more females in the Chamber than when she began her career in 1997 — when only 18 per cent of MPs were women.
Lee, the MP for Bracknell, did at least manage to crack a few jokes. He said he was surprised he had been asked to second the loyal address given that he is not the son of a bus driver. He went on to say that MPs from the whole House will support the government in the fight against extremism.
Jeremy Corbyn managed to make his address last a total of 42 minutes, to the upset of many of those in the chamber.
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