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Party juggernaut.
 Are we to understand, Mr. Speaker, roared the amply padded MP,  that the death
of our monarch is the subject of a continuing police investigation? Does this indicate
foul play? If so, what are the circumstances? If not, what, in heaven s name, does
the Prime Minister mean? I would ask the Right Honorable Member for additional
clarification, if it is not too much trouble.
Griffith sat down, glaring across the table at his rival. Amid the shouts of friend and
foe alike, the PM rose to his feet.  I would most happily provide clarification for the
Honorable Gentleman, Mr. Speaker, if that were possible. Unfortunately, I can only
say that inasmuch as King Edward was apparently alone in his residence, further
details of the tragic event must await the results of the official investigation.
The PM sat down, and the clamor resumed.  Mr. Speaker! shouted Charles
Graham, shadow home secretary, and leader of the New Conservatives, one of the
coalition Opposition parties.  I am appalled, Mr. Speaker, that the death of our
nation s monarch should be treated in this callous and irreverent manner. Will the
Government mount a full and thorough inquiry into this tragic affair immediately?
The Prime Minister rose and returned to the dispatch box.  Allow me to reassure the
Honorable Gentleman, Mr. Speaker, that this government is offering its complete
support to those in charge of the investigation. A report is in the offing. If, after
receiving that report, we feel further scrutiny is warranted, I can personally assure
this House that a government inquiry will be conducted.
The Speaker then recognized a backbencher whose name James didn t catch, but
who spoke in a loud voice with an accent that could cut crystal:  Mr. Speaker, will
the Prime Minister please confirm that inasmuch as Edward the Ninth was the
reigning monarch of Britain at the time of his death, that he will be accorded a State
funeral  with all the honor and, may I say, pomp and prestige suitable to such an
occasion  and further, will he confirm in unequivocal terms his understanding that
insofar as Britain is still a monarchy, he will continue to fulfill his sworn obligation,
as the King s Prime Minister, namely, to uphold, defend, and serve the sovereignty
of our nation?
The double-barreled question seemed innocuous enough, but a hushed House
waited as Waring slowly rose once more to the dispatch box.
He cleared his throat.  Mr. Speaker, the Honorable and Gallant Member from
Glenrothes has raised an important constitutional point regarding the funeral, and one
which is currently being assessed by the Home Office. Their recommendation will
form the basis of this government s decision, which will be announced at the earliest
opportunity. In the meantime, I most happily reiterate that as Prime Minister, it is not
only my obligation, but my very great honor, to defend and serve the sovereignty of
this nation.
 Mr. Speaker, the Fife backbencher continued,  should the PM be reminded that
he is living in a dreamworld if he thinks he can bamboozle the great British public
 
 Order! cried Carpenter from his thronelike seat.  The Honorable Gentleman will
rephrase the question.
 Thank you, Mr. Speaker, replied the member from Glenrothes, and continued as
smoothly unruffled as before,  I would merely ask whether it is the Prime Minister s
intention to deprive the nation of the opportunity to mourn their sovereign s tragic
death in a manner befitting the long and illustrious tradition of the monarchy of which
Edward was the representative, or whether the Right Honorable Gentleman will
choose instead to make a cheap political point at the expense of the British people?
The question was aired before the Speaker could cut it off, and the House shook
with the uproar. Speaker Carpenter shouted something, which was lost in the furor.
The BBC voice-over announcer pointed out that, as the question had been ruled
unparliamentary, the PM was not required to answer  and he didn t. Instead,
another question was taken, and a member inquired whether Magna Carta II would
be discontinued now that it had achieved its purpose.
This question, which could not have been far from many minds, silenced the House [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]