I attended the funeral of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in my new role as Deputy Prime Minister. As a government minister, I have been following the protocol of not making any announcements during the period of national mourning. Now that has concluded, I would like to pay tribute to Queen Elizabeth and the dedicated service she gave us all throughout her extraordinary reign. Just three months ago, we had been celebrating her Platinum Jubilee.
It is telling that just two days before she died, she appointed her 15th Prime Minister – such was her commitment to her Coronation vows. In a rarity in Parliament, the Speaker allowed ministers to offer a tribute on behalf of the constituents of Suffolk Coastal. You can watch my contribution here - https://youtu.be/856CgpU3uik.
I was also pleased to join the people of Felixstowe and Mayor Sharon Harkin in placing a floral tribute to mark the Queen's passing, after the Proclamation for King Charles III.
My thoughts and prayers remain with the Royal Family at this deeply sad time, as they continue their period of mourning.
