Proposers and seconders of the Loyal Address since 1900

This tables provides details of the proposers and seconder of the Loyal Address since 1900.

Following the State Opening of Parliament, the Government’s legislative programme as presented in the King’s Speech is debated by both Houses of Parliament. The King’s Speech marks the start of a new parliamentary session. Although the speech is given by the King, the content of the speech is drawn up by the Government and approved by the Cabinet.

The speech is delivered by the King from the Throne in the House of Lords in the presence of members of both Houses. The Commons is summoned to hear the speech by an official known as Black Rod. In a symbol of the independence of the Commons, the door to the Commons chamber is slammed in his face and not opened until Black Rod has knocked on the door three times with his staff of office. 

Traditionally, a Member of the Commons is ceremonially held hostage in Buckingham Palace while the Monarch attends the Palace. See State Opening: Elements unseen by the public on the parliament website.

House of Commons 

The Debate on the Address normally lasts for five to six days. The motion is phrased as “An Humble Address” to His Majesty thanking him for his gracious speech. The task of moving the motion is regarded as an honour and is given to two government backbenchers. They are normally a contrasting pair with very different constituencies, one a relative newcomer and the other a long-serving Member. By convention, their speeches are not contentious and contain both humour and flattering references to their constituencies.

The Commons Library briefing on the King’s Speech 2023 identifies issues and bills proposed for the King’s Speech on 7 November 2023 or require legislation in the forthcoming parliamentary session.

House of Lords

The House of Lords also moves a motion that a humble address be presented to the Monarch as an expression of thanks for the “Most Gracious Speech”. Movers and Seconders of the motion since 1979 are listed in the Lords Library briefing: Sovereign’s Speech: Movers and Seconders.

Parliament: facts and figures

• Browse all briefings in the series

This series of publications contains data on various subjects relating to Parliament and Government. Topics include legislation, MPs, select committees, debates, divisions and Parliamentary procedure.

Feedback