Oral Answers to Questions

Nickie Aiken Excerpts

Thursday 27th April 2023 Commons Chamber

[Mr Louie French (Old Bexley and Sidcup) (Con)]

2. What steps her Department is taking to encourage community participation in the celebration of the coronation of His Majesty King Charles III.

[Nickie Aiken (Cities of London and Westminster) (Con)]

10. What steps her Department is taking to encourage community participation in the celebration of the coronation of His Majesty King Charles III.

[The Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (Lucy Frazer)]

Many people across the UK will take part in what will be a very special coronation weekend. My Department has worked with local authorities, charities and community groups to ensure that there is something for everyone. There will be street parties and big lunches, and hopefully people can watch it on a big screen, if there is one near them. An interactive map on coronation.gov.uk highlights what is happening in people’s local communities across the weekend.

--- Later in debate ---

[Lucy Frazer]

I encourage as many people as possible to take part in my hon. Friend’s competition, and I congratulate his constituency. I thank the residents, businesses and volunteers who are truly embodying the spirit of the coronation. I am delighted to hear that so many events will take place, with communities coming together for street parties for the coronation. I hope that all the residents of Old Bexley and Sidcup have a great celebration.

[Nickie Aiken]

In 10 days’ time, the world will tune in to watch the coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla at Westminster Abbey in my constituency of the Cities of London and Westminster. The people of the two cities are very proud that we have been involved in the coronation of our monarch since 1066, but it is not just about the ceremony; it is about the work that goes on behind it to make it what it will be, and the procession that we will see across Westminster. Will my right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State join me in thanking all those involved in making the coronation what it will be? The street cleaners, the unsung heroes who will tidy up—

[Mr Speaker]

Order. I think we have got the message. Come on, Secretary of State!