Next week Her Majesty The Queen will become the first British Monarch to celebrate a Platinum Jubilee, marking 70 years of service to the people of the United Kingdom, the Realms and the Commonwealth.
To celebrate this unprecedented anniversary, events and initiatives will take place throughout the year, culminating in a four-day UK bank holiday weekend from Thursday 2nd to Sunday 5th June, providing an opportunity for communities and people throughout the United Kingdom to come together to celebrate this historic milestone.
Speaking in Northern Ireland Questions this week Antony Higginbotham MP asked the Minister of State for Northern Ireland Conor Burns MP to confirm that we would use the occasion to celebrate the union. And in particular Northern Ireland's place in it. He said:
Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate our royal union far and wide, with people around the Commonwealth and the World joining us to mark the occasion.
Could the Secretary of State set out the Government’s plans on using the Jubilee to showcase the best of Northern Ireland.
Responding Conor Burns said:
I’m grateful to my honourable friend. Whatever traditional belief you come from in Northern Ireland everyone recognises the immense contribution her Majesty the Queen has made to this United Kingdom.
Her Majesty’s contribution to reconciliation and mutual understanding on the island of Ireland has been beyond compare. And this will be a fantastic opportunity to celebrate her amazing life and achievements.
Speaking after the debate Antony said:
Her Majesty has given more than a lifetime of service, not just to the UK, but to the whole Commonwealth and it’s fitting that communities will be coming together to celebrate this remarkable achievement.
