UK Parliament Open Lecture – Rt Hon Anne Milton MP: The Role of the Whips in Parliament

Summary

In this detailed presentation, the Vice-Chamberlain of Her Majesty's Household provides an inside look at the intricate roles and responsibilities within the Government Whips Office. With a focus on the ceremonial and administrative duties of Whips, the speaker highlights the traditions and functions of figures like the Chief Whip, Deputy Chief Whip, and the Vice-Chamberlain. Emphasizing the significance of democracy, the speaker underscores the importance of voting and the sacrifices made worldwide to secure this right, urging viewers to value and actively participate in the democratic process.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Whips Office in the UK House of Commons has multiple levels, with members holding different responsibilities within government and the Royal Household.
• 😀 The Deputy Chief Whip holds the title of Treasurer of the Household and is responsible for managing the budget of the House of Commons.
• 😀 The Vice-Chamberlain of the Household is a unique position held by a Member of Parliament, responsible for ceremonial duties and reporting to the Queen.
• 😀 The Vice-Chamberlain has historical significance, with the role dating back to the reign of Edward III, and there have only been five women to hold this post.
• 😀 Members of the Whips Office who are part of the Royal Household accompany the Sovereign and royal family at various events, including diplomatic and social functions.
• 😀 The Vice-Chamberlain's duties include walking with a white staff at royal events and remaining at Buckingham Palace during the State Opening of Parliament as a 'hostage' for the Queen’s safety.
• 😀 The Vice-Chamberlain writes daily reports to the Queen, summarizing the events of the House of Commons, which includes lighthearted snippets of gossip.
• 😀 Junior Whips are non-departmental ministers who remain silent on policy matters but have priority access to ministers for constituency matters.
• 😀 Lord Commissioners of the Treasury have the authority to sign official documents and cheques, playing a role in the administrative functions of the Whips Office.
• 😀 The role of Vice-Chamberlain is ceremonial and involves wearing formal attire, such as high heels, which the speaker humorously notes was a personal challenge as an MP.
• 😀 The speaker emphasizes the importance of democracy, urging people to value their right to vote, as it is a privilege fought for by others around the world.

Q & A

What is the role of the Whips in the UK Parliament?

The Whips in the UK Parliament are responsible for maintaining party discipline and ensuring that members vote in line with their party's position. They also handle communication between the government and the backbenchers, managing the legislative process and ensuring a majority vote.

How is the Whips Office structured in terms of hierarchy?

The Whips Office is structured with the Chief Whip at the top, followed by the Deputy Chief Whip. There are three Government Whips who are officially members of Her Majesty's Household, including the Treasurer of the Household, the Comptroller of the Household, and the Vice-Chamberlain. Below them are the Lord Commissioners of the Treasury, who have certain signing privileges, and junior Whips who are non-departmental ministers.

What is the Vice-Chamberlain's role in Her Majesty's Household?

The Vice-Chamberlain is one of the three Whips who serve as members of Her Majesty's Household. This role involves participating in ceremonial duties, carrying a white staff, attending garden parties, and even staying at Buckingham Palace as a 'hostage' during the State Opening of Parliament to ensure the Queen's safe return. The Vice-Chamberlain also communicates daily with the Queen, informing her of the events in the House of Commons.

What historical significance does the role of Vice-Chamberlain hold?

The role of Vice-Chamberlain dates back to the reign of Edward III. It is a prestigious position, with only five women having held it. The Vice-Chamberlain carries out ceremonial duties that are deeply rooted in tradition, such as the annual State Opening of Parliament and presenting the Queen with reports on parliamentary proceedings.

What are some of the ceremonial duties associated with the Vice-Chamberlain?

Ceremonial duties include carrying a white staff during formal occasions, attending garden parties, and walking alongside the Queen's equerries to introduce suitable guests. The Vice-Chamberlain also participates in the State Opening of Parliament and remains at Buckingham Palace as a safeguard during the Queen's speech.

Why does the Vice-Chamberlain stay at Buckingham Palace during the State Opening of Parliament?

The Vice-Chamberlain stays at Buckingham Palace as a form of 'hostage' to ensure the Queen's safe return after the State Opening of Parliament. This tradition dates back to when it was believed that the Vice-Chamberlain would be detained in case militant anti-monarchists tried to abduct the Queen during her speech.

How does the Vice-Chamberlain communicate with the Queen?

The Vice-Chamberlain writes a daily letter to the Queen, which is placed in her red box every night. This letter contains reports on the day's events in the House of Commons, often with light-hearted gossip in addition to formal updates.

What does the speaker highlight about the challenges of the Vice-Chamberlain's role?

The speaker humorously notes the challenge of wearing high heels as part of the formal attire required for the Vice-Chamberlain's role, especially when walking backwards in the House of Commons to report the Queen’s answers to parliamentary addresses.

How does the speaker describe democracy in their closing remarks?

The speaker quotes Winston Churchill, describing democracy as 'the worst form of government, except for all those other forms that have been tried from time to time.' The speaker emphasizes that while democracy is imperfect, it should be valued and nurtured, especially given the sacrifices others make around the world to secure the right to vote.

What is the speaker’s message regarding voting in a democracy?

The speaker encourages the audience to value the right to vote, especially since many people around the world risk their lives for that right. They urge individuals to appreciate and use their voting rights, especially when some might take it for granted or consider not voting.