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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.
Image shows a close up of the mace.
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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.
Image shows a close up of the mace.
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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.
Image shows the mace placed on the woolsack in the House of Lords chamber.
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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👇
Image shows a statue silhouette in the foreground, with an arch of tree leaves and a glowing Elizabeth Tower in the background. The sky is blue and full of clouds.
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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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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 🤐
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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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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.
Historic Chairs by Augustus Welby Northmore Pugin ©UK Parliament POW 06431
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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.
Metal dragon sculpture by Augustus Welby Northmore Pugin ©UK Parliament AFC 000059
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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.
UK delegation to the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe’s Parliamentary Assembly.
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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.
NATO Parliamentary Assembly
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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/
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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/
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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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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!
Image shows an artistic drawing of a secret ballot in action in 1873.
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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.
Image showing an old sign with the words 'polling station'.
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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
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