MIDDLETON-IN-TEESDALE AND NEWBIGGIN PARISH COUNCIL

Protocol — Operation London Bridge

Author Clerk Meeting date 21 May 2019

1. Background Operation London Bridge has been a codename that referred to the plan for what will happen in the days after the death of Queen Elizabeth II. The plan was originally devised in the 1960s and is updated several times each year. It involves planning from government departments, the , police forces, the Armed Forces, media etc. Some key decisions relating to the plan were made by the Queen herself, although some can only be made by her successor after her death. As the Parish Council is a local authority, it is suggested that, along with many other parish councils and in line with the recommendation of the Society of Local Council Clerks, councillors consider what actions to take immediately following the death of the monarch. 2. A draft protocol A draft protocol is presented at Appendix 1. This is based on that used by other parish councils. Items may be added or removed from the protocol as councillors think appropriate.

Recommendation 1. To consider a draft protocol.

Page 1 of 3 210519-10 Protocol: Operation London Bridge Appendix 1: Protocol: Operation London Bridge

Introduction This is the protocol as agreed by Middleton-in-Teesdale and Newbiggin Parish Council and which will be followed as and when appropriate.

Background Operation London Bridge is the code name of the passing of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II. It is recommended that all parish and town councils (from the very largest to the very smallest) need to consider and plan how they will respond, in terms of: • Announcements • Flags • Websites • Condolence Books • Areas to lay flowers • Church Services • Events • Public Holidays

Official procedures Following the announcement from a period of 10 days state mourning will follow and be followed by a full state funeral. If Middleton-in-Teesdale and Newbiggin Parish Council is holding any event during this period then there needs to be thought given, in advance, as to whether such would proceed.

Actions to be taken by the Parish Council

Announcements Once the proclamation is made from Buckingham Palace then a short message from the Chairman will be added to the website and noticeboards giving details of how and what the Parish Council is doing. (As below)

Flag The Union Flag will be flown at half-mast on the flagpole near the Bainbridge Fountain.

Website The Parish Council will be prepared with suitable words from the Chairman of the Council (see below). The home page will be replaced with a portrait of HM Queen, together with a few words and details of any actions the Parish Council is taking including any postponed/ cancelled events.

Condolence book It is normal practice to use either a hard-backed book or loose leaf. This is then collated/bound, and a letter forwarded to the Private Secretary at Buckingham Palace advising that the Book of Condolence will be in the Church and can be signed at times to be agreed. The book will open as soon as the Proclamation is made and close the day after the State Funeral.

Area to lay flowers The current trend following any notable death or tragic incident is for flowers to be laid. An area pre-designated for this purpose is advisable and that a suggestion is made that flowers should be unwrapped (not in cellophane). It should also be made clear that all flowers will be removed immediately following the state funeral and a decision taken as to where they are put. Advice taken suggests: - a. Defined area will be marked off on the village green, or near the flagpole? b. People asked not to include cellophane or plastic c. All flowers will be removed the day after the State Funeral

Page 2 of 3 210519-10 Protocol: Operation London Bridge d. The Chairman picks up the first flowers e. Put flowers on back of a vehicle f. Flowers will be composted which will be used to plant a commemorative tree

Church Services The Church of England have nominated the Precentor of St Paul’s Cathedral to lead on this. Each diocese will issue incumbents with the information and arrange civic services. Services should be held on the evening before the State Funeral. Middleton-in-Teesdale and Newbiggin Parish Council will work with the Church to arrange this.

Public Holidays The day of the State Funeral will be a Public Holiday unless it falls on a Saturday.

Events Should any planned events fall within the 10 days of state mourning, then they will be postponed. Information will be placed on the noticeboard and website.

A very similar process will be followed by the death of HRH the Duke of Edinburgh.

The following information will be added to the noticeboard and website as and when appropriate.

Middleton-in-Teesdale and Newbiggin Parish Council

Queen Elizabeth 11 (21 April 1926 –

Message from the Chairman of the Parish Council

It is with great sadness that we learn of the death of her Majesty Queen Elizabeth 11. The Parish Council, together with all of our residents, wish to express our thoughts and condolences.

The following arrangements have been made.

Flowers If you wish to lay flowers, then an area is marked off on the village green specifically for this purpose. Can I ask that you remove any cellophane / plastic as we will be composting the flowers afterwards and using the compost to plant a commemorative tree. (All flowers will be removed the day after the State Funeral)

Photo: Joel Rouse (Ministry of Church Service Defence Derivative) A special Church Service will be held in St Mary’s Church on the evening of the day before the State Funeral. Everyone in Middleton-in-Teesdale and Newbiggin is invited to come along.

Condolence book This is now open in the Church.

Chairman of the Parish Council

Page 3 of 3 210519-10 Protocol: Operation London Bridge