THE death of the Queen has led to the suspension of all political activity in the UK’s four parliaments.
Politics has been put on hold while a 10-day period of mourning takes place, which will last until the Queen’s funeral. The date of which is still to be confirmed by the Palace.
In Westminster, Holyrood, Senedd, and Stormont, all parliamentary business has been shut down, and parties, including the SNP, have instructed members to cease political activity.
In the coming days, King Charles will visit the three devolved nations of the UK to confirm his accession to the throne as part of Operation Spring Tide.
Flags will fly at half-mast across all UK and devolved government buildings.
What happens in the Scottish Parliament?
All business has been suspended and the parliamentary estate is now closed to visitors while preparations ahead of the Queen’s funeral take place.
It is understood that MSPs can submit written motions during this time if they choose, but daily business will grind to a halt. That means no ministerial statements in the chamber, no FMQs, no new legislation and no debates will take place.
They do not have to swear allegiance to King Charles as the oath all MSPs take at the start of the parliamentary term applies to the monarch’s heirs and successors.
The parliament will reopen for MSPs to pay tribute to the Queen through a Motion of Condolence, the date of which is yet to be confirmed.
The Scottish Government, as part of Operation Unicorn, will have a role in organising the funeral celebrations taking place in Edinburgh and for the Queen’s coffin to be moved to the Palace of Holyroodhouse and then St Giles Cathedral in the capital where the public can pay their respects.
Presiding Officer Alison Johnston, in a statement following the Queen’s passing, said: “From the day that this Parliament was established in 1999, Her Majesty showed her unwavering support for the institution and the time and importance she gave to that relationship is hugely appreciated.
"The Parliament will have an opportunity to consider a Motion of Condolence and reflect on the life of this much loved and much respected Monarch whose enduring bond with Scotland and the Scottish people will long be remembered."
What happens in Westminster?
Daily business is also suspended in Westminster, with Friday’s 9.30 am sitting in the House of Commons cancelled. Instead, MPs gathered from noon onwards to pay respect to the Queen, with the session expected to last until 10 pm.
Prime Minister Liz Truss led the tributes, with SNP Westminster leader Ian Blackford who said her “roots in Scotland run deep”.
There will also be a rare Saturday sitting, where senior MPs will take the oath of allegiance to the King from 2 pm, with condolences continuing again until 10 pm.
The session will end with a “formal humble address” to the King at the end, “expressing the deep sympathy of the House” on the Queen’s death, the House of Commons said in a statement.
All MPs will have the option to take the oath to the King when the House returns but are not obliged to.
Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle will determine the timetable for the following days, but it is expected to be significantly reduced until after the state funeral as Parliament adjourns.
This means new laws cannot be passed until Parliament returns, though it could be recalled for the most pressing matters.
Most government announcements, ministerial visits, press releases and conferences will pause during the period of mourning.
What happens in the Senedd and Stormont?
In line with Holyrood and Westminster’s plans, activity in the Senedd, Wales, and Stormont, Northern Ireland, will be paused during the mourning period.
Following the election of Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLA’s) in May 2021, where Sinn Fein was returned as the largest party in a historic first, the DUP refused to appoint a deputy first minister, as is required under the Belfast Agreement. Therefore, Stormont has not been operating at full capacity for an extended period.
However, it will reconvene to allow MLAs to pay tribute to the monarch.
Alex Maskey, Speaker of the Northern Ireland Assembly, said: “I will be liaising with the Party Whips and the Assembly Commission in relation to practical arrangements within Parliament Buildings in the coming days to ensure that the Assembly can pay its condolences.”
Similar arrangements will be put in place in Wales, with the Welsh Government also suspending any political activity.
A note on the Senedd’s parliamentary website reads: “The Senedd is observing a period of national mourning following the death of Her Majesty The Queen.
“Further updates will be available in due course.”
