News Release

30th April 2002

ADDRESSES TO THE SOVEREIGN ON HER JUBILEE

Michael Fabricant attended upon Her Majesty the Queen and His Royal Highness Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, in Westminster Hall at the Palace of Westminster at 11am this morning (Tuesday 30th April) to witness loyal addresses presented by Lord Irvine, The Lord Chancellor, on behalf of the House of Lords and by The Right Honourable Michael Martin MP, Speaker, on behalf of the House of Commons on Her Golden Jubilee.

Music was provided by the Band of the Grenadier Guards for the procession of the Gentlemen at Arms, Yeoman of the Guard, and the State Trumpeters.

Michael Fabricant says "In accepting the loyal addresses from both Houses of Parliament, Her Majesty the Queen responded by saying that this was the first significant event of the beginning of her Jubilee Celebrations this summer. I hope that everyone will join in with celebrations in the Lichfield Parliamentary constituency and throughout the west midlands. I am praying for a decent summer and I hope that many events will be organised in Lichfield, Burntwood and the villages in the constituency. Other countries envy our monarchy and we should never take what it offers for granted. We should fly the flag, organise barbecues and other events, and generally mark and celebrate this occasion. Only twice before - under the reigns of King George III and Queen Victoria - has a monarch reigned for 50 years".