The event had a small back to school aspect: the House of Commons resulting from the elections of December 12 sat for the first time, Tuesday, December 17. Lots of noise, quite a few known heads (Theresa May, Ed Miliband, David Davis), but also many new ones who were a little lost but obviously thrilled to experience for the first time the stiffness of the famous green benches in the debate room . No less than 140 new elected officials took their first steps in Westminster, including 109 just for the Conservative camp, following the unquestionable victory of Boris Johnson.
The session was mainly symbolic: the elected officials were sworn in one after the other "To the Queen, to his heirs to his successors", a centuries-old tradition to which all must sacrifice if they want to be able to sit, take part in debates, and receive their emoluments. The chamber’s new speaker, Lindsay Hoyle, was also unanimously confirmed for the strategic position, taking over from John Bercow. The opportunity to install, briefly, his style: more discreet and much less thunderous than that of his famous predecessor.
Then, in a lively speech, Boris Johnson praised this "People's Parliament" with whom he was going to have to work five long years. "I would not want to disrespect those who are no longer with us (the members who are not re-elected), but I think that this Parliament represents a very strong improvement compared to the previous one", launched the Prime Minister.
"It is one of the best parliaments that our country has known, with more women, more blacks and representatives of ethnic minorities, and it is also a much more democratic parliament. Because it will not waste the country's time, in dead ends, divisions and incessant carryovers. "
A reference, obviously, to the previous Chamber, incapable of bringing out a majority for – or against – Brexit, and particularly rebounded against a Prime Minister who tried, in the fall, to suspend it to negotiate with more free hands with Brussels. Boris Johnson confirmed, without going into details, the government's agenda: "I wonder if you can guess, Mr. Speaker, what MPs will do first …", he concluded, apostrophying Lindsay Hoyle. "They will achieve Brexit! " ("Get Brexit done!"), Hundreds of hilarious conservative politicians ended up in his heart. The "Withdrawal Agreement Bill", the text embodying the divorce treaty with the European Union in British law should be examined, and even voted on at second reading on Friday December 20, just before the end of the truce. year.
