Hostage MP

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

  1. ↑ "Democracy Live, 25 May 2010". BBC. 25 May 2010. Retrieved 7 March 2011.
  2. ↑ "State Opening of Parliament". Directgov. Retrieved 7 March 2011.
  3. ↑ "MP 'held hostage' in Queen's Speech tradition". ITV News. Retrieved 7 June 2014.
  4. ↑ "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.
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