We should ⨳consider abolishing today’s ritual of the State Opening of Parliament (seehttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/State_Opening_of_Parliament), including “His (or Her) Majesty’s gracious speech from the throne“. This ritual dates back to the restoration of the monarchy in 1660 and may now have passed the end of its useful life.
- On the other hand that bizarre ritual is only mildly objectionable, and it does have some small benefits.
- (a) It shows the world that the UK is a bit special.
- (b) It may encourage tourism.
- (c) It gives us a chance to hear something of the government’s short-term plans.
- (d) It reminds us that our monarch is Head of State.
- But personally I would like to see the King actually accept that responsibility. “May he defend our laws, and ever give us cause to sing with heart and voice ‘God save the King'” In particular, he should be required to decline to sign into law any Act of Parliament which is clearly immoral, illegal, or otherwise against the interests of the UK.