It’s business as usual in Westminster even though Prime Minister Theresa May is yet to strike a deal with the Democratic Unionist Party to shore up her minority government.
Talks between May and the DUP have taken place throughout the week since Election 2017 with no result.
Both sides say they are comfortable with forging their agreement without signing a formal document.
The delay is reportedly due to the tragic Grenfell Tower blaze which has so many dead and injured.
The government has confirmed two other key political dates –
Brexit talks will start on Monday June 21. The preliminary discussions will be between officials in Brussels.
Hectic week ahead
Key topics will include the rights of British expats in the EU after Brexit, trade and any contracted payments due under EU agreements with Britain.
In a hectic week, the Queen’s Speech will go ahead on Wednesday, presumably after the ink has dried on the goatskin vellum parchment the speech is written on.
Animal rights campaigners need not worry – no goats were harmed in making the parchment which is really paper that looks and feels like vellum.
The contents of the speech are not yet known, but have to in place by Saturday as the ink apparently takes three days to dry on the parchment.
Many anticipate that Prime Minister Theresa May will have to drop or water down some of her more controversial manifesto promises that failed to win the support of the electorate and may be at odds with the DUP.
Faith and politics
Meanwhile, the shockwaves from Election 2017 are still undermining British politics.
After the rout of the UK Independence party and the resignation of leader Paul Nuttall, Liberal Democrat leader Tim Farron has stood down arguing that the rigours of life as an MP do not properly allow him to practise his Christian beliefs.
No one has yet thrown their hat into the fray, but the favourite for next leader is former business and equalities secretary Jo Swinson, who regained her seat in the last vote.
“The consequences of the focus on my faith is that I have found myself torn between living as a faithful Christian and serving as a political leader,” said Farron.
“A better, wiser person may have been able to deal with this more successfully, to remain faithful to Christ while leading a political party in the current environment.”
