Queen opens new term at Holyrood

1 July 2011 Last updated at 12:57 GMT The Queen officially marked the fourth session of the Scottish Parliament

The Queen has performed the official opening of the fourth session of the Scottish Parliament, saying Holyrood had become integral to public life.

Her speech came as part of a day of events to celebrate the occasion.

It was the Queen's first visit to parliament since the SNP's landslide election win in May.

First Minister Alex Salmond said Scotland and the Queen would remain "firm friends", whatever the outcome of his planned independence referendum.

Delivering her speech to politicians and dignitaries in the parliament's main chamber, the Queen, who was accompanied by the Duke of Edinburgh, said: "No-one would ever argue that Scottish politics is the business of the meek, the passive or the faint-hearted."

Continue reading the main story

As we arrived in glorious sunshine on the Royal Mile this morning, the crowds began to gather around the Scottish Parliament's main entrance.

The Queen - wearing a turquoise hat and suit - left the palace with the Duke of Edinburgh, making the short car ride to the Queensbury House entrance of the Scottish Parliament.

Among those outside were some excited, but extremely well behaved, pupils from Royal Mile Primary School.

Six-year-old Aaron Ritchie presented a beautiful posy of cream roses to the Queen.

He told me how he had practised what he would say: "Good morning your majesty."

I met Aaron afterwards and he told me the Queen had said "thank you" to him.

Then came "the riding", where about 2,000 people from all walks of Scottish life processed down the Royal Mile.

They marched under the banners wisdom, justice, compassion and integrity - the words inscribed on the Scottish Parliament mace.

It was colourful and very noisy.

Five-year-old Sarah from Windygates, in Fife, was waiting to see her granddad who had been nominated as a local hero.

She told me how proud she was of him.

And after the riding, everyone headed off for a party in the park outside the parliament.

It was a fun, family atmosphere - a lovely day in the sunshine.

She told the chamber: "Now, in its second decade, the Scottish Parliament is firmly established as an integral part of Scottish public life.

"The maturity of the legislation passed in this chamber and the well-tested processes giving rise to it are evidence of the Scottish Parliament having truly come of age. This is an achievement of which all members, past and present, should be proud."

In a message to MSPs, she added: "To the new and returning members of the Scottish Parliament, I offer the observation that, in return for the authority placed upon you, a very great deal is asked of Scotland's elected politicians, perhaps as much now as ever before.

"As a close observer of every stage of this parliament's life, I remain confident that you will manage to discharge your duty diligently and competently, and serve the interests of the people of Scotland to the best of your ability."

In his address, Mr Salmond praised the Queen's role as "the firmest of friends" to the Scottish Parliament, while expressing his aspiration for Scotland to grow further as a nation.

"This is a country increasingly comfortable in its own skin," said the first minister.

"There is much we share, that is a given, but the nations of these islands are also distinctive, with our own unique history and culture, our own economic challenges and opportunities.

"Some of us believe the best way to articulate that uniqueness and tackle those challenges lies within ourselves - and should be fully expressed through the work of this parliament."

Mr Salmond quoted back to the Queen words she used in her recent state visit to Ireland, describing links between "firm friends and equal partners".

In a reference to the forthcoming referendum on Scottish independence, the first minister added: "However, whatever constitutional path the people of Scotland choose - and it is their choice to make - we will aspire to be, in your words, 'firm friends and equal partners'."

From Democracy Live: Full Holyrood chamber coverage of the Royal opening

The first minister also noted that, during the previous Scottish parliament before the Act of Union in 1707, the Queen's predecessors had "reigned over two sovereign nations - though there was nothing particularly unusual in that arrangement".

As well as speeches in the main chamber, guests and MSPs heard a performance of Robert Burns' "Now Westlin Winds" by award-winning folk singer Karine Polwart, and the reading of a specially-written poem by Scots Makar Liz Lochhead, entitled "Opening the Doors Again!".

Also making a speech, the Scottish Parliament's new presiding officer, Tricia Marwick, welcomed the Queen, while warning that the years ahead would not be easy.

"The people of Scotland are experiencing a time where their incomes and lifestyles have felt the full effects of the difficult economic period through which we have all been living," she said.

"And, during the times ahead, people will, quite rightly look to this parliament for leadership."

Events inside the parliament were followed by the traditional Riding event - a procession down the Royal Mile to the parliament intended to symbolise the parliament's connection with the people of Scotland - featuring 1,500 politicians, performers, members of the public and "local heroes" nominated by MSPs.

There was also an afternoon of free entertainment at Holyrood, featuring choirs, orchestras, and contemporary bands, including Crayons and French Wives.

The Scottish Parliament has now gone into recess until September.

View the original article here

Queen greets Obama on state visit

24 May 2011 Last updated at 16:20 GMT The Queen welcomes President Obama to Buckingham Palace

The Queen has greeted US President Barack Obama, and his wife Michelle, at the start of his first UK state visit.

The Obamas also met Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall and spent 20 minutes with newlyweds the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.

They have laid a wreath on the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior in Westminster Abbey and will attend a state banquet at Buckingham Palace.

It came after David Cameron and Mr Obama spoke of "essential" UK-US ties.

'Common interests'

In a joint article in the Times, Mr Obama and Mr Cameron said of their countries' relationship: "Ours is not just a special relationship, it is an essential relationship - for us and for the world.

Continue reading the main story James Landale Deputy political editor, BBC News

Whenever a US president comes here there is always a slightly tortuous debate on whether or not the relationship is still special or not.

Both sides have decided the best way of avoiding that debate is to come up with a new wording entirely. They have a new adjective. It is now an essential relationship.

In a joint article for the Times newspaper, the prime minister and the president say the relationship between their countries was based originally on what they called emotional connections, sentiment and the ties of people and culture but now it thrives on common interests and shared values.

So what they are trying to focus on here now is more business-like pragmatism rather than any idea of appealing to the mythology of past historic links.

"When the United States and Britain stand together, our people and people around the world can become more secure and more prosperous.

"The reason it thrives is because it advances our common interests and shared values. It is a perfect alignment of what we both need and what we both believe."

The presidential pair's visit to Westminster Abbey included an impromptu meeting with choirboys, when Mr Obama was teased by his wife for his lack of singing talent.

"He insisted on speaking to each one of them and shaking their hands," the Dean, Dr John Hall said.

"He said that he liked to think he could sing and Mrs Obama said 'Well, he can't really, he can dance'."

Mr Obama briefly met the prime minister in Downing Street ahead of talks on Wednesday. They then left together for a surprise visit to the Globe Academy in Southwark, south London.

The leaders' talks are likely to focus on the Middle East and the ongoing conflict in Libya.

David and Samantha Cameron greet Barack and Michelle Obama

In their article, they also vowed not to abandon the protesters fighting for democracy in Arab countries, writing that they would "stand with those who want to bring light into dark, support those who seek freedom in place of repression, aid those laying the building blocks of democracy.

"We will not stand by as their aspirations get crushed in a hail of bombs, bullets and mortar fire.

"We are reluctant to use force, but when our interests and values come together, we know we have a responsibility to act."

BBC diplomatic correspondent Bridget Kendall said the two countries were anxious to play up their closeness.

"Security is the secret glue at the core of the special relationship, and that bond is being strengthened," our correspondent said.

"Behind the flags and formalities, be sure there are tensions, but in this era of tightened budgets and sudden crises, there's a new eagerness to work together."

Mr Obama arrived in the UK from the Republic of Ireland a day ahead of schedule on Monday, to avoid any disruption from a volcanic ash cloud.

After the president was welcomed by Prince Charles and his wife at the US ambassador's residence Winfield House in Regent's Park, his cavalcade made its way to Buckingham Palace where he joined the Queen.

They briefly met the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge before moving to the palace gardens where there was a ceremonial welcome, including a 41-gun salute.

There was an exchange of gifts, with the Obamas presenting the Queen with a collection of memorabilia and photographs from her parents' 1939 visit to the US.

They also received a selection of letters from the royal achives, between past US presidents and English monarchs.

When President Obama was shown letters and artefacts charting Britain's loss of the American colonies, he joked: "That was only a temporary blip in the relationship."

The royal newlyweds spent 20 minutes with the Obamas, but will not attend the state banquet

Michelle Obama was also given an antique brooch made of gold and red coral in the form of roses.

Number 10 barbecue

The Obamas have now returned to Buckingham Palace, where they are due to meet Labour leader Ed Miliband.

In the evening there will be a state banquet at the palace, where they will stay overnight.

Charles Anson, former press secretary to the Queen, told the BBC the banquet would be a "glittering" affair and one that was "full of warmth" as well as formality.

Wednesday's itinerary will include talks with the prime minister before Mr Obama is joined by his wife and British and American military veterans for a barbecue at Number 10.

They will visit the Houses of Parliament and give a speech about US foreign policy to MPs in Westminster Hall, before a return banquet at Winfield House, where the Queen will formally say farewell.

The state visit to the UK is the 101st to be hosted by the Queen but only the third involving a US president in 100 years. The last US president to visit officially was George Bush in 2003.

Send your pictures and videos to yourpics@bbc.co.uk or text them to 61124 (UK) or +44 7725 100 100 (International). If you have a large file you can upload here.

Read the terms and conditions

View the original article here

Queen lays wreath on Irish visit

17 May 2011 Last updated at 14:55 GMT The Queen arrived wearing symbolic emerald green outfit.

The Queen has laid a wreath at the Republic of Ireland's Garden of Remembrance during the first visit to the country by a British monarch.

The act is significant as the garden, in Dublin, is dedicated to people who fought for Irish independence.

Dozens of protesters gathered nearby amid one of the biggest ever security operations in the country.

Earlier, the Queen was welcomed by President Mary McAleese after flying into Baldonnel military airbase.

Earlier it emerged that a pipe bomb found on a bus bound for Dublin on Monday had been made safe by an Irish army team.

Upon landing at the military airbase, just outside Dublin, the Queen emerged wearing an outfit of symbolic emerald green.

The monarch later emerged from dinner wearing a white outfit.

God Save The Queen was played when she arrived at the Garden of Remembrance to lay the wreath - regarded as a highly symbolic act as the garden commemorates Irish people who fought over the centuries against British rule.

A one-minute silence followed the laying of the wreath, after which the Irish Tricolour was raised from half to full mast and the country's national anthem was played.

Meanwhile, riot police officers jostled with demonstrators at two separate protests on streets several hundred yards from the garden.

National anthems

The sounds of protesters could be heard during the laying of the wreath and black balloons were released by some demonstrators.

The Queen then went on to Trinity College to be shown the Book of Kells, an ancient illuminated manuscript in Latin, containing the four gospels of the New Testament.

The monarch will then go on to a reception to meet Trinity scholars, musicians and artists.

Continue reading the main story Mark Simpson BBC Ireland Correspondent

The Queen, dressed in Irish green, finally set foot on Irish soil at 1203 BST.

It was one small step for the Queen - one huge moment in British-Irish history.

It is 100 years since a British monarch has been in Ireland. Many thought a king or queen would never be welcomed back.

Instead, Ireland rolled out the red carpet for her nearest neighbour.

Whatever the security concerns, this has been a landmark moment in Dublin. In truth, it's one that most people living in Ireland today thought they would never see.

At Baldonnel airbase, the royal party was greeted by an Irish Air Corps guard of honour and presented with flowers by a south Dublin schoolgirl, eight-year-old Rachel Fox.

The Queen and Duke of Edinburgh were then driven in a bombproof and bulletproof car, with a 33-motorcycle escort, to Aras an Uachtarain - the official residence of the Irish president in Dublin's Phoenix Park. The visit is taking place following Mrs McAleese's invitation.

The Queen shook hands with the president at the front of the residence before moving inside to meet the Taoiseach (prime minister) Enda Kenny.

The Irish flag and the union jack flew side by side at the gates to the building, where both countries' national anthems were played.

A 21-gun salute and an Air Corps flypast also marked the Queen's arrival.

She and Prince Philip signed the visitors' book in the residence's lavish state ballroom, before having lunch with the president and her husband.

King George V was the last monarch to visit the country, in 1911, when what is now the Republic was then part of the UK.

Ahead of the visit, UK Prime Minister David Cameron said: "One hundred years on from the last time a British monarch visited Ireland, I think there is a great sense of history and occasion."

He added: "I think the real effect... will be a marker that just as we are solving some of the problems there have been between us in the past, just as we are helping each other through these difficult economic times, now is a great moment for people in Britain and people in Ireland to remember what it is we share."

Mr Cameron will join the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh for part of their trip on Wednesday, while Foreign Secretary William Hague is following the usual practice of accompanying the royals throughout their visit.

The president and the Queen, who have met a number of times, chatted animatedly

There were scuffles between police and republicans protesting against the visit in the centre of Dublin at Tuesday lunchtime.

Up to 200 supporters of the Eirigi socialist republican party later retreated to stage a rally nearby.

The Queen will attend events at Trinity College Dublin, the National War Memorial Gardens in Islandbridge and Croke Park stadium.

Croke Park is the home of Gaelic games where in 1920, during the Irish War of Independence, British forces fired into the crowd at a football match, killing 14 spectators and players.

The Queen is also to make a speech at a state dinner at Dublin Castle.

There are also plans for the Queen and Prince Philip to visit the Irish National Stud in County Kildare, as well as the Rock of Cashel in County Tipperary and a technology park in Cork.

Controlled explosion

The bomb on the bus was found in a holdall in the luggage compartment on Monday night during a check in Maynooth, County Kildare, to the west of Dublin.

Continue reading the main story

The Irish president's dressed in pink. No clash. Must have checked in advance”

End Quote Peter Hunt Royal correspondent, BBC News About 30 people who were on board the bus were taken off and transported to Dublin in another vehicle.

The device was later made safe in a controlled explosion carried out by an Irish army bomb disposal team.

A coded bomb threat relating to London had been received on Sunday, the first issued by Irish dissidents outside Northern Ireland in 10 years, officials said.

However, the threat level for Northern Ireland-related terrorism in Britain remains unchanged at substantial. In Northern Ireland it is severe.

The cost of the security operation has been estimated at 30 million euros (?26m), with measures including:

Deployment of more than 6,000 Irish police and Defence Forces personnel onto the streets of DublinIncreased surveillance of known republican dissidents A ring of steel, comprising 25 miles of crowd-control barriers, installed around the Irish capitalChecking of thousands of manhole covers and lamp-posts, and parking bans imposed on 30 city centre streets

Send your pictures and videos to yourpics@bbc.co.uk or text them to 61124 (UK) or +44 7725 100 100 (International). If you have a large file you can upload here.

Read the terms and conditions

View the original article here