X-Nico

Constitutional conventions of the United Kingdom

The monarch will grant a dissolution of Parliament if requested (1832 to 2011 – the Lascelles Principles in 1951 informally outlined the principles and issues that might lead to a refusal of a dissolution).

Court of the Lord Lyon

Other ceremonies in which the HM Officers of Arms take part include; the announcement of the dissolution of Parliament from the Mercat Cross on the Royal Mile in Edinburgh, the inauguration of the governors of Edinburgh Castle, and the ceremonial opening of the annual meeting of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland.

Dissolution of the Parliament of the United Kingdom

Fixed term parliaments were introduced by the Fixed-term Parliaments Act 2011 following the Conservative – Liberal Democrat Coalition Agreement promulgated after the 2010 election, thereby abolishing the ability of the Prime Minister to unilaterally call an election prior to the expiry of the five-year term.

•

Members of Parliament cease to be so, as soon as it is dissolved, and, although they and their staff continue to be paid until polling day, they may not enter the Palace of Westminster.

•

Prior to the Fixed-term Parliaments Act 2011, Parliament would expire after a five-year term, as laid down in the Septennial Act 1715 (as amended by the Parliament Act 1911).

•

It is then read out by the Common Crier (aka Mace-bearer) of the City on the steps of the Royal Exchange in the heart of the City, having been handed to him by the Common Serjeant of the City, ahead of its being also read out in the London boroughs.

see also