Labour MP Nic Dakin is officially being held hostage in Buckingham Palace.
Yes, you read that correctly – the 70-year-old politician, who is the MP for Scunthorpe, has been ceremonially ‘held hostage’ during King Charles III’s speech to Parliament today (13 May).
But not to worry, as the monarch is currently speaking at the State Opening of Parliament, and this is simply a bizarre symbolic tradition from the 17th century, reportedly used to give the King ‘peace of mind’ that he will safely return after opening Parliament
Traditionally, one MP, normally the vice-chamberlain, which is a role currently held by Dakin, is ‘held hostage’ in the royal residence during the speech, which happens in the House of Lords.
The UK Parliament website explains the tradition as ‘a reminder of the violence and intrigue historically surrounding relationships between the Commons and the Crown’.
It reads: “A Member of the Commons is ceremonially held hostage in Buckingham Palace while the Sovereign attends Parliament, to ensure the King’s safe return.
“This tradition stems from the time of Charles I, who had a contentious relationship with Parliament and was eventually beheaded in 1649 at the conclusion of a civil war between the monarchy and Parliament.
“The hostage is usually the Vice-Chamberlain of the Household – that is, an MP whose office makes him or her officially a member of the Royal Household and, simultaneously, a junior Whip for the Government.”
Dakin penned on X ahead of his big day: “Off to Buckingham Palace to be the ‘hostage’ ensuring HM The King’s safe return when he opens Parliament – a tradition dating back to Charles I. Not sure I’m looking forward to it, but glad to play my part.”
On top of this, before the Sovereign’s arrival at Parliament, the Yeomen of the Guard, the royal bodyguards, also ceremonially search the cellars of the Palace of Westminster for explosives.
This commemorates Guy Fawkes’s ‘gunpowder plot’ of 1605 – the failed attempt by English Catholics to blow up the Protestant King James I and Parliament.
The State Opening of Parliament commemorates the official way the government re-opens parliament after a break and outlines their plans for what they want to achieve.
It kicked off at 11am on Wednesday (13 May) included King Charles’ plans for more than 35 bills and draft bills on the NHS, police reforms, and immigration, among other topics.
The King began by outlining the priorities of Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s Government in his speech, declaring the UK is facing an ‘increasingly dangerous and volatile world’.
He began by saying: “My Lords and members of the House of Commons.
“An increasingly dangerous and volatile world threatens the United Kingdom, with the conflict in the Middle East only the most recent example. Every element of the nation’s energy, defence and economic security will be tested.
“My Government will respond to this world with strength and aim to create a country that is fair for all.
“My ministers will take decisions that protect the energy, defence, and economic security of the United Kingdom for the long-term.”
The monarch added: “They will defend the British values of decency, tolerance and respect for difference under our common flag, and they will harness the potential of the pride felt across this country for its communities.”
