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90TH BIRTHDAY OF HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN
21 April 2016
Lead MP
David Cameron
Debate Type
General Debate
Tags
Foreign Affairs
Other Contributors: 31
At a Glance
David Cameron raised concerns about 90th birthday of her majesty the queen in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Opened the debate
Today we celebrate the 90th birthday of our country’s longest reigning monarch, Her Majesty The Queen. David Cameron acknowledges her lifelong commitment to service, highlighting key moments such as joining the Women's Auxiliary Territorial Service and her famous Cape Town broadcast at age 21. He notes that she has presided over two-thirds of Britain's history as a full democracy since 1928 and has provided counsel to numerous Prime Ministers and leaders around the world. Her Majesty is recognised for her steadfastness, diplomatic efforts, and religious commitment, playing an invaluable role in representing the United Kingdom on the global stage.
David Cameron
Con
Witney
He emphasises that through extraordinary times such as World War II and significant cultural shifts, Her Majesty has remained a constant strength. As Head of State, she has brought the monarchy closer to the people while maintaining its dignity, evolving it into a modern institution. David Cameron highlights her diplomatic achievements, including state visits that have fostered international relations. He also acknowledges her family’s support throughout her reign.
Jeremy Corbyn
Ind
Islington North
Today, we are talking about a highly respected individual who is 90. Her Majesty has served this country with a clear sense of public service and duty. She became Queen at just 25 and her reign spans nearly 64 years. In that time, our country has become better and more civilised; we have enacted equality legislation, ended colonialism, created the NHS, welfare state, and Open University. Her Majesty has been a defender of the Commonwealth, visiting every member nation, including her historic visit to Ireland in 2011 where she spoke in Irish at the reception held for her.
Nicholas Soames
Con
Bexleyheath and Crayford
I associate myself with the tribute paid by the Prime Minister and congratulate Her Majesty on this milestone. The Queen embodies all our country’s best qualities, providing unparalleled experience and knowledge of government and events worldwide. She has displayed judgment of the first order, great tolerance, and absolute neutrality. Throughout her reign, she has provided a firm hand on the tiller through tumultuous changes. The Queen is a source of powerful influence for this country throughout the world and the most important public figure in the world today.
Angus Robertson
SNP
Moray
It is an honour to co-sponsor today’s motion with the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition, and to follow the right hon. Member for Mid Sussex who spoke so eloquently. The appreciation of Her Majesty by the people of Scotland is enduring due to her lifetime connection and commitment to the country. She has served as Head of State to a remarkable 32 independent countries during her reign and maintains a special relationship with Scotland through regular visits, including planting a cherry tree at Canongate Kirk in Edinburgh after becoming Queen. Her Majesty's presence at significant events like the re-opening of the Scottish Parliament and the Glasgow Commonwealth Games Opening Ceremony highlights her dedication. She is often seen enjoying private time at Balmoral Castle, where she spends her summer breaks, participating in local activities such as the Braemar Gathering. Her love for Scotland extends to her fondness for the Hebrides and the Achamore Gardens visit on Gigha island. The Queen's connections with Scottish companies like Walkers of Aberlour and Baxters of Fochabers are highly valued, and she is known to be an accomplished speaker of Doric. We wish Her Majesty, the Duke of Edinburgh, and her family well for many more years of outstanding public service.
Cheryl Gillan
Con
Chesham and Amersham
I celebrate today as a momentous day to honour our longest-serving monarch, Queen Elizabeth II. Being born on the same date as Her Majesty has been a source of pride throughout my life. As a modern Elizabethan, I am proud to live in her reign and admire her dedication to public service, exemplified by her ceaseless work for the welfare of people across the United Kingdom and Commonwealth countries. She is also an inspiring role model for women worldwide striving for leadership roles. Her ability to draw nations together for mutual support showcases her gentle yet powerful advocacy. Like John Milton’s admiration for Shakespeare, I believe that Queen Elizabeth II has built a lasting monument through her unwavering commitment to duty.
Gerald Kaufman
Lab
Manchester Gorton
Today is not about the Elizabeth on our coins but about Her Majesty the Queen in our hearts. Turning 90 is a marvellous signpost, and I recall celebrating King George V’s silver jubilee while recovering from tonsil removal at age five. Over generations, the royal family has faced challenges, yet Her Majesty's dedication to service has sustained and increased the monarchy's potency. She has united the nation in ways never seen before, making people feel part of a national family through her personal presence and interactions. This celebration is not just about recognising her position but celebrating the person who brings joy and unity among us.
Peter Bottomley
Con
Worthing West
Two memorable occasions stand out: Queen Elizabeth II visiting Durrington High School in 1999 and Drapers Academy in Harold Hill on 26 October 2012. She provides a focus for voluntary, civil, and military service. My friend's police constable warrant was equal to chief constables' appointments, symbolizing unity under the monarchy. During World Wars I and II, changing Prime Ministers without national breakdowns exemplifies the value of accepted royal leadership. The Queen’s example helps lead through challenging times while providing pleasure to those serving others dutifully.
Nigel Dodds
DUP
Belfast North
We gather today not only to rejoice in the Queen having lived a long and glorious life, but to celebrate the reign that encompasses so much of it as well as the lives of almost everyone over whom she rules today. We must remember that the Queen was not born to this role... In deserved and romantic fashion, the Queen saw a dashing young hero enter her life after the war... For that and so much more, we from Northern Ireland are immensely grateful.
Gerald Howarth
Con
Aldershot
I am delighted to join my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister in saluting Her Majesty’s extraordinary, dedicated service to the nation and to the Commonwealth... It is she they serve, and that bond between the sovereign and the men and women of the armed forces is a very special one, not least because in her is personified the ideal of service and duty... We owe Her Majesty a great debt of gratitude.
John Bercow
Con
Buckingham
In the extremely unlikely event that the hon. Gentleman is chastised, he can always advise the Whip to sample the joys of riparian entertainments—it is something I often did myself in years past.
Jim Fitzpatrick
Lab
Poplar and Canning Town
I was first presented to Her Majesty in 2003... When I expressed my anxiety at this experience a short time later to the then head of our armed forces, Sir Mike Jackson, he said, “Jim, you shouldn’t have worried.” I said, “Shouldn’t I, Mike?” and he said, “No, if anything had happened to Her Majesty, we would just have shot you.”... When I was being driven down in the Government car to Windsor castle, on a beautiful, sunny Easter Monday, I wondered, “How many people does Her Majesty entertain to lunch on an Easter Monday?” There were six of us: her private secretary, three equerries, me and Her Majesty. I was totally unprepared.
David Amess
Con
Southend West
Expressed deep admiration for Queen Elizabeth II, highlighting her role as a monarch rather than a president and emphasising the joy she brings to people's lives. He shared personal anecdotes about attending centenarian parties and receiving telegrams from the Queen.
Paul Flynn
Lab
Newport
Acknowledged his republican stance but expressed deep affection for Queen Elizabeth II, praising her humility and example in Croke Park during a visit to Ireland. He also highlighted her service and distinction despite being an octogenarian.
Henry Bellingham
Con
North West Norfolk
Paid tribute to the Queen's dedication to duty, highlighting her commitment to Sandringham and visits to local communities in Norfolk. He emphasised her role in strengthening the monarchy and her importance to the Commonwealth.
Tim Farron
Lib Dem
Westmorland and Lonsdale
Praised Her Majesty's service, noting her constancy through transformative changes in Britain and the world. Emphasised the value of a constitutional monarchy as above politics with strong public support.
Nigel Huddleston
Con
Droitwich and Evesham
Honoured Her Majesty's service to the UK, highlighting her steady influence through political changes. Noted the Queen's adaptability in embracing modern technology such as social media.
Ochil and South Perthshire
Celebrated Her Majesty’s leadership over 64 years, praising her exemplary conduct under public scrutiny. Shared personal experience of receiving an OBE from the Queen, emphasising the importance of a monarch above politics in fostering national unity.
Ian Paisley Jnr
DUP
North Antrim
Expressed joy in extending birthday wishes to the Queen, highlighting her visits to Northern Ireland despite personal threats. Noted a significant change in attitudes towards the monarchy in Northern Ireland and praised her success in witnessing reconciliation efforts.
Maggie Throup
Lab
Erewash
Paid tribute to Queen Elizabeth II's commitment to public duty, mentioning businesses in Erewash that received royal awards. Invited the Queen to visit and open Ilkeston train station during celebratory events.
Angus MacNeil
SNP
Na h-Eileanan an Iar
MacNeil emphasised the Queen's connection to Scotland, particularly the Outer Hebrides. He shared personal experiences and recounted her visit there in 2013 when she turned 87. MacNeil encouraged others to follow the Queen’s example by visiting the islands.
North East Hampshire
Jayawardena highlighted Her Majesty's lifelong commitment to the Commonwealth, noting its influence on shared history and values. He focused on Sri Lanka and praised her reign overlapping with 14 Prime Ministers of Ceylon and now Sri Lanka.
Stuart Donaldson
Con
West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine
Donaldson mentioned his constituency's ties to the royal family, including Ballater having a high concentration of royal warrant holders. He shared an anecdote about Her Majesty encountering American tourists near Balmoral.
Michael Ellis
Con
Northampton North
Ellis spoke on the Queen's remarkable devotion to duty and public service, highlighting special tributes by Parliament for her jubilees. He shared a humorous anecdote about the design of a stained glass window dedicated to Her Majesty.
John Bercow
Con
Buckingham
Bercow acknowledged previous speakers without specific remarks.
Michael Ellis
Con
Constituency Unknown
Expressed gratitude to Prince Philip for his steadfast support to the Queen and, by extension, the country. Wished Her Majesty a happy birthday.
Mary Glindon
Lab
Newcastle upon Tyne East and Wallsend
Congratulated the Queen on her 90th birthday, recalling two occasions when she visited Tyneside: in 1967 to open the first tunnel and in 2012 for the opening of Tyne Tunnel 2. Emphasised the pride felt by her family and constituents in the monarchy.
Adam Afriyie
Con
Windsor
Highlighted the deep connection between Windsor constituency and the royal family, noting the Queen's role as a beacon for social cohesion. Congratulated Her Majesty on her birthday and praised her consistent presence in an ever-changing world.
Arfon
Wished the Queen a happy 90th birthday, noting her remarkable service and model devotion to duty. Highlighted her enduring influence compared to fleeting political figures, using a humorous anecdote from Professor Dewi Seaborne Davies.
Conor McGinn
Lab
St Helens North
Wished the Queen a happy birthday on behalf of his constituents, mentioning a 90-year-old constituent Norah Collins. Emphasised Her Majesty's contribution to improving relations between Britain and Ireland.
Chris Bryant
Lab
Rhondda and Ogmore
Bryant recounts a personal story about meeting Queen Elizabeth in his constituency, highlighting the impact she has had on constituents. He also mentions her ability to live with change while being powerless to affect it herself. He reflects on significant social changes during her reign such as the increase in women MPs and improvements for disabled people.
Therese Coffey
13:11:00
Coffey concludes the debate by commending the Queen's influence, service to the nation and Commonwealth. She mentions the Queen’s broadcast during World War II and her role as a steady hand in uncertain times. Coffey highlights the Queen's leadership and the celebration of her 90th birthday through social media and traditional beacons lighting.
Government Response
Government minister concluded by celebrating the Queen’s 90 years of service, highlighting her leadership and influence. She noted the celebration through social media hashtags and traditional beacons lighting.
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