The mace is absent from the Lords during the State Opening when the monarch is in the chamber in person.
Our next object will be ‘The Benches’. Don’t miss it this Friday.
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The original mace was likely made for the King's Serjeant Sir Roger Harsnet. He would have used it as Serjeant-at-Arms in the House of Lords from 1689 to 1692.
Today, one mace accompanies the Lord Speaker into the chamber. It's placed on the woolsack whenever the House meets.
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Welcome to the House of Lords object series!
Join us as we take a look at objects and symbols around the chamber and how they support the work of the House today.
First up: the mace. A symbol of royal authority, neither House can meet or pass laws without it.
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During the second week of summer recess, we will be sharing a selection of images, illustrating some of the changes to the House of Commons over the years.
Our first image highlights the Commons Chamber in 1905 blended with a picture of the Commons today.
See below ⤵️
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A huge congratulations to the for their historic win this weekend! Our inspiring champions of the #WEURO2022. We are all so proud of you!
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We're loving this beautiful shot of the Elizabeth Tower and statue silhouette. Taken in Parliament Square, the home of many political icons' statues. 📸by londontony48 on Instagram.
Can you tell which Prime Minister this is?
We'd love to hear your guesses in the comments👇
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Testing, testing ... 👷♀️
You can't hear the bells quite yet, but they're on their way.
Get the latest on the Elizabeth Tower conservation project from the senior project leader 👇
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#RootstoParliament celebrates the rich and diverse experiences of the community of people working at the heart of Parliament. With the Birmingham Commonwealth Games taking place this year, colleagues across the estate shared what sports means to them: parliament.uk/business/commo
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Today marks the start of the Birmingham Commonwealth Games 2022! Since its beginnings in 1930, the Commonwealth Games has brought nations together for a fantastic celebration of world-class teamwork, athleticism and friendship. The best of luck to everyone taking part! #B2022
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You'll know when you've seen it... 
Watch our Opening Ceremony live, tonight from 7pm on @BBCONE!
#B2022 
Watch our Opening Ceremony live, tonight from 7pm on @BBCONE!
#B2022 
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We’re live on TikTok!
Follow for news and behind-the-scenes content from the Elizabeth Tower.
For starters, where’s the best spot to get your best selfie with the famous Tower?
tiktok.com/@ukparliament
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Tick, tock …
A new way to stay in touch with the Elizabeth Tower conservation project and Big Ben.
Come back on Wednesday for more.
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Catch up on a busy start to the 2022-23 session in #HouseofLords.
Members have raised concerns and pressed government for action on topics including #CostOfLiving, health and #SocialCare, #LevellingUp, schools, Ukraine and the environment.
📄 See more parliament.uk/business/news/
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Metal dragon sculpture by Augustus Welby Northmore Pugin ©UK Parliament AFC 000059
Saint George, preparatory painting for the Saint George Mosaic, Painting by Edward John Poynter ©UK Parliament WOA 7680
Historic Chairs by Augustus Welby Northmore Pugin ©UK Parliament POW 06431
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In Wales, the red dragon has long been a national symbol. The Tudors included the creature in their coat of arms to represent the Welsh. It was officially adopted on the Welsh flag in 1959.
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In ancient tales, dragons were often slain by noble heroes. St George, the patron saint of England, was one of these heroes.
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Be they fearsome, fire breathing dragons, or the sly and poisonous creatures from European medieval folklore, dragons can be found in furniture, works of art and architecture around the Palace.
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Can you name a creature that you might spot at the Palace of Westminster? We doubt 'dragon' made your list.
It's a surprising find but it's true. Dragons can be seen in furniture, works of art and architecture.
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IPRO also supported the first meeting of the newly constituted UK-EU Parliamentary Partnership Assembly in May 2022.
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UK Parliament also hosted the Assembly’s Annual Session in July 2022, welcoming 323 delegates from 56 parliaments to Birmingham for a week of debate.
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In the past 12 months, IPRO has supported the UK delegation to the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe’s (OSCE) Parliamentary Assembly to attend three statutory meetings and two election observation missions to Kyrgyzstan and Hungary.
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Since summer 2021, IPRO has supported the UK delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly, with MPs chairing two of the five committees and three of its Sub-Committees since summer 2021.
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IPRO has supported UK Members of both Houses of Parliament to take an active role in PACE who have contributed to 107 debates or questions, and presented four reports and two opinions.
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Since February 2022, IPRO has welcomed 143 in-person visitors from 15 countries spanning Europe, Africa, North America, Asia and Australasia.
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The House of Commons Interparliamentary Relations Office (IPRO) engages with overseas parliamentarians and officials, as well as supporting the work of UK delegations to Parliamentary Assemblies.
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In today's #LifePeersLifeStories film, we hear from Lord Hayward about his career in political polling, campaigning for gay rights and visiting for Pride Day . Find out more and watch now ⬇️
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In the #LifePeersLifeStories series, we hear from Lord Hayward about his campaigning on equality and gay rights.
As a dedicated rugby fan and member of @HLSportandRec, we see him visit @Harlequins Pride Day @QuinsPride.
See more and watch film in full parliament.uk/business/news/
See more and watch film in full parliament.uk/business/news/Show this thread
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In today's #LifePeersLifeStories from , we join former teacher .
Find out more about his areas of expertise and the projects he's proud to work on. 👇
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Watch @LordHastings discuss his journey from #teacher to working on projects strengthening #BlackCommunities to the BBC and the #HouseofLords.
Find out more in the latest #LifePeersLifeStories parliament.uk/business/news/1
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LIVE at 12: the last Prime Minister's Questions before the rises for recess.
Watch on Twitter as MPs put questions to Prime Minister ⬇
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We’ll be live streaming PMQs from 12 midday.
Today is the last PMQs before the House rises for summer recess.
We'll also be live streaming the statements from @KitMalthouse and @SteveBarclay.
You can also watch live on Parliament TV: parliamentlive.tv/Event/Index/e4
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Our second member in #LifePeersLifeStories is leading palliative care expert Baroness Finlay of Llandaff.
⬇️ Hear about her work at and contribution to the #HouseofLords.
📄 Find out more and watch film in full parliament.uk/business/news/
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In the new series #LifePeersLifeStories Baroness Finlay of Llandaff returns to @VelindreCC where she plays a leading role in improving cancer care in Wales.
She uses her platform in #HouseofLords to raise awareness of palliative care.
Watch in full parliament.uk/business/news/
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See the Grand Staircase, the Crimson Drawing Room, the State Dining Room and more, with a guided tour this September.
All profits from the tours will go to the Speaker’s Art Fund, (registered charity number 1105968). Tickets are going fast so book now:
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Are you on the hunt for a new adventure?
You're invited to visit The State Apartments in Speaker's House. 👇
©UK Parliament/Jessica Taylor
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The Secret Ballot Act is now considered to be a milestone in British democracy.
Want to know more? Don't miss our free online event tonight 'The 1872 Ballot Act': teams.microsoft.com/registration/n
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The Secret Ballot Act allowed people to vote in secret by placing an ‘X' on a ballot paper next to their choice of candidate's name. Britain's first secret ballot took place in Pontefract in August 1872.
Fun fact, the seal on the ballot box was made with a liquorice stamp!
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Before 1872, votes were cast in public. Before 1872, votes were cast in public, which created all sorts of opportunities for bribery or intimidation.
The Chartists, a working class based mass movement, wanted secret ballot voting.
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Today marks 150 years since the introduction of the Secret Ballot Act in 1872.
But what was this Act and how did it change UK voting forever? 🧵👇
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Introducing the brand new video series #LifePeersLifeStories.
Hear from different #HouseofLords members to find out more about their experience and expertise. Watch a brand new video every day this week 👇
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Hear from members about their community work, contribution to #HouseofLords and journey to being a life peer in our new series #LifePeersLifeStories.
First up, Baroness Armstrong of Hill Top
See more and watch films in full parliament.uk/business/news/
twitter.com/LordSpeaker/st
First up, Baroness Armstrong of Hill Top
See more and watch films in full parliament.uk/business/news/
twitter.com/LordSpeaker/st8
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Want to know more?
Explore the history of violence during Victorian elections at our free online event 'The 1872 Ballot Act'.
Don't miss it on Monday 18th July at 6pm BST: teams.microsoft.com/registration/n #TowerBallot
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