The other state opening of Parliament ritual (starring Dennis Skinner)

Forget the pomp around the state opening of Parliament, carriages and ermine, the ritual we’re all interested in is the annual interjection by the Beast of Bolsover, our own Dennis Skinner. He was on good form today and brought the house (and House) down with his cry of “Coalition’s Last Stand!” The Speaker you’d expect to laugh but even Black Rod can be seen to grin broadly.