In the Bretonian Parliament

[pbrione]

The House of Lords was full, every Peer of the Realm was assembled, waiting for the ceremonial state opening of Parliament to begin for the new year.

Suddenly, trumptes were sounded and every Peer rose to their feet, as Queen Carina entered the House, dressed splendidly in her coronation robes and with the Crown of Settlement bourne majestically upon her head. Escorting her were the Royal Heralds of the Order of the Bretonian Empire and the Knights Commander of the Imperial Order of the Legion of Tau.

She took her seat upon the Royal Throne behind the Lord Chancellor and said simply "My Lords, pray be seated." She then turned to the Lord Great Chamberlain and said "Summon the House of Commons." The Lord Great Chamberlain bowed and walked to the doors of the House, from where he signalled to the Gentleman Usher of the Black Rod to go and fetch the Commons.

The House of Lords was silent for a minute. Then, from outside in the lobby of New Westminster Palace the sounds of the MPs of the House of Commons approaching were heard, led by their Seargent-at-Arms, bearing the great Mace of the House of Commons. The Lord Chancellor signalled to the two Assistant Seargents-at-Arms of the House of Lords, who forcefully shut the door in the face of the commons procession. A few moments passed and three loud knocks were heard at the door.

"Who goes there?!" shouted the Lord Chancellor

"Black Rod. In the name of the Sovereign, I command thee to open the door."

"Very well," cried the Lord Chancellor, "let the door be opened!"

The doors were swung open once more and the MPs poured into the already packed House of Lords, filling all remaining space on the floor.

Finally, when all was silent once more, Carina spoke.

My Lords and Members of the House of Commons, my Government's overriding priority is to ensure the continued welfare of the Bretonian people, and the stability of our economy in the face of the continued ravages of war.

My Government will continue to work closely with the Ministry of Defense and the Admiralty Board in managing the conduct of the Tau War, with the hope of bringing that conflict to a quick and satisfactory conclusion.

Legislation will be introduced concerning Martial Law and Conscription on Planet Leeds, and the transformation of the Planet to military purposes in order to increase our defenses.

My Government will continue to support all of it's citizens who have been displaced due to the Tau War, and will expand the refugee camps on New London and Cambridge as needed to accommodate the needs of our people.

Members of the House of Commons, estimates for the public services will be laid before you.

My Government will introduce legislation to open previously closed planets, such as Planet Sprague, for refugee camps and rapid colonization.

My Government will devote resources as needed to emphasize exploration with the intention of increasing Bretonia's resources.

A Bill will be introduced to strengthen the law against bribery.

My Government will open a diplomatic initiative with the leaders of the Molly Republic, with the intention of reaching a mutually beneficial settlement.

My Government will foster closer ties with the Republic of Liberty and the Federal Republic of Rheinland.

A Bill will be introduced to reduce regulatory burdens on business.

My Government will also strengthen key public services, ensuring that individual entitlements guarantee good services and will work to build trust in government institutions.

My Government will introduce legislation to expand and improve on our nation's infrastructure, in order to improve our people's quality of life and the strength of our economy.

Legislation will be brought forward to introduce large-scale recycling and scrap salvaging programs in order to provide materials for shipbuilding.

Other measures will be laid before you.

My Lords and Members of the House of Commons, I pray that the blessing of Almighty God may rest upon your counsels.

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Sir Stanley Nelson




<span style="color:#000066">Charles Canning </span><span style="color:#000066"> Foreign Secretary</span>