Hostage MP
Appearance
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During the State Opening of Parliament in the United Kingdom, one member of Parliament, known as the hostage MP, travels to Buckingham Palace before the Queen travels to Parliament.[1] The hostage is released upon safe return of the Queen.[2] This tradition began when the monarch and Parliament were on less friendly terms.
The hostage MP is usually a government whip. In 2014 the hostage was Desmond Swayne.[3] In 2015 the role was fulfilled by Kris Hopkins.[4]
References
- ^ "Democracy Live, 25 May 2010". BBC. 25 May 2010. Retrieved 7 March 2011.
- ^ "State Opening of Parliament". Directgov. Retrieved 7 March 2011.
- ^ "MP 'held hostage' in Queen's Speech tradition". ITV News. Retrieved 7 June 2014.
- ^ "Traditionally an MP is 'held hostage' at Buckingham Palace til the Queen returns. Today it's Vice Chamberlain @krishopkins2015 #QueensSpeech". House of Commons via Twitter. Retrieved 27 May 2015.