Martin Partington: Spotlight on the Justice System

At page 40 of the book, it is stated that the Queen’s speech – which starts each session of a Parliament – is usually delivered in November. This used to be the case.Readers of the book who also take note of what is happening in Parliament may therefore be puzzled as to why in 2012 the speech was delivered in May.

The reason is that, following enactment of the Fixed-Term Parliaments Act 2011 – which will result in future General Elections normally being held in May (see p 30 of the book), it has been decided that the Queen’s speech should also be delivered in May – i.e. roughly on the anniversary of the Election that started the Parliament.