The parliamentary year of 2008 - 2009 at Westminster in London ended on the 12th of November. The process of making law in parliament ends with the Royal Assent being given.
A number of new Acts of Parliament were 'brought to life' as they received the Royal Assent on the last day of the parliamentary session. This shows the role still played in the legal process by the Monarch, the Queen, as the Head of State.
The Queen isn't actually at Westminster at the end of the process, her assent is given in her absence as part of a formal ceremony with the words of assent delivered in archaic Norman French language.
And the new parliamentary year begins this Wednesday 18th November when, at 11.20 am, the Queen gives a speech outlining what laws her government will seek to pass in the new session 2009 - 2010. This is an incredibly elaborate event with the 'Commons summoned to squash into the House of Lords. This is where the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition are seen making uncomfortable small talk as they enter the House of Lords together.
An End and a Beginning at Westminster
The parliamentary year of 2008 - 2009 at Westminster in London ended on the 12th of November. The process of making law in parliament ends with the Royal Assent being given.
A number of new Acts of Parliament were 'brought to life' as they received the Royal Assent on the last day of the parliamentary session. This shows the role still played in the legal process by the Monarch, the Queen, as the Head of State.
The Queen isn't actually at Westminster at the end of the process, her assent is given in her absence as part of a formal ceremony with the words of assent delivered in archaic Norman French language.
This link takes you to a relevant webpage:
http://news.parliament.uk/2009/11/royal-assent-12-november-2009/
And the new parliamentary year begins this Wednesday 18th November when, at 11.20 am, the Queen gives a speech outlining what laws her government will seek to pass in the new session 2009 - 2010. This is an incredibly elaborate event with the 'Commons summoned to squash into the House of Lords. This is where the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition are seen making uncomfortable small talk as they enter the House of Lords together.
http://news.parliament.uk/2009/07/state-opening-of-parliament-2009/
Keep an eye on the news, or better still the BBC Parliament Channel to see how elaborate is the ceremony.
Do these laws made in Westminster affect Scotland?
You'll find out in Block 1, Unit 2.