UNITED KINGDOM


leadership continues to flourish, with a membership of 54 countries. It is still growing. It is a tremendous force for good in the world and we are aware of its special personal significance to you.” She went on to talk of the


work of Parliamentarians in the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, saying “We work to share our experiences, to learn from one another, and to promote democracy. But our efforts are as nothing compared with those of Your Majesty in the service of your beloved Commonwealth. Over the years you have visited all but two Commonwealth countries-some, many times- and attended all Heads of Government meetings since 1997. We look on with admiration and pride at the triumphs of some of your recent tours and it is significant that members of the royal family are representing you this year at the Jubilee celebrations being held in all those lands in


window to be revealed shortly and which will mark this occasion permanently. Time is better preserved in this historic place than in fallible human memory.” He went on to talk of Her


Majesty as a force of continuity in a time of change, observing the differences between the United Kingdom of 1952 and the country of today and commenting “it has been your singular accomplishment, your unique capacity, to hold together that which could have been torn asunder. You have moved with the times and allowed the times to move around the rest of society”. He went on to say: “We are in


Rt Hon. John Bercow, MP


which you are Head of State.” Presenting the address from


the House of Commons, the Speaker of the House, Rt Hon. John Bercow, MP, told Her Majesty: “We your faithful Commons are honoured to be here to commemorate and celebrate the 60 years of your reign. We too are pleased to have contributed to the Jubilee


so many ways a much bigger, brighter and better United Kingdom [than in 1952]. This is a land where men and women today are equal under the law and where your people are respected, regardless of how they live, how they look or how they love. This is a nation of many races, faiths and customs, now beginning to be reflected in Parliament. All this progress has occurred during your reign.” Finally he concluded with: “Gandhi also observed that “in a gentle way, you can shake the world. Your Majesty, in a gentle way you have shaken this United Kingdom and the world for six decades. On behalf of all the members of the House of Commons, may I thank you wholeheartedly for all that you have done, are doing and will do for the good of our country.” Responding, Her Majesty


expressed her gratitude for the words of the Speaker and Lord Speaker. She spoke of the


importance of Parliament: “This great institution has been at the heart of the country and the lives of our people throughout its history. As Parliamentarians, you share with your forebears a


fundamental role in the laws and decisions of your own age. Parliament has survived as an unshakeable cornerstone of our constitution and our way of life.” She went on to say that she had had “the pleasurable


thousand” Bills she had signed into law. She expressed her gratitude for the gift of the commemorative window, saying “Should this beautiful window cause just a little extra colour to shine down upon this ancient place, I should gladly settle for that.” Her Majesty concluded her


Mr John Whittingdale, MP


duty” of treating with 12 Prime Ministers. Her Majesty spoke of the


importance of the Commonwealth to her, saying “my own association with the Commonwealth has taught me that the most important contact between nations is usually contact between its peoples. An organization dedicated to certain values, the Commonwealth has flourished and grown by successfully promoting and protecting that contact”. She spoke of her family,


describing their support as being “beyond measure” and praising Prince Philip for being throughout her reign, “a constant strength and guide.” She spoke of her pride in the armed forces saying: “Much may indeed have changed these past 60 years but the valour of those who risk their lives for the defence and freedom of us all remains undimmed.” Her Majesty talked of the


“happy relationship” she had shared with Parliament during her reign, a relationship beyond the “more than three and a half


speech by saying: “We are reminded here of our past, of the continuity of our national story and the virtues of resilience, ingenuity and tolerance which created it. I have been privileged to witness some of that history and, with the support of my family, rededicate myself to the service of our great country and its people now and in the years to come.”


Report published on phone hacking allegations The Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee published its long-awaited report into the allegations of phone hacking surrounding News International on 1 May 2012. The report was launched at a


press conference attended by the Committee’s Chair, Mr John Whittingdale, MP, (Con), and


Ms Louise Mensch, MP


other Members of the Committee – some of whom, such as Mr Tom Watson, MP, (Lab) endorsed its contents, and others of whom, such as Ms Louise Mensch, MP, (Con), did not.


The Parliamentarian | 2012: Issue Two | 133


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