Parliament is not sitting today because it was prorogued last night. I try to avoid using that word, because journalists are taught that it's best to write in English, but there is not really another phrase to explain what happens when parliament packs up at the end of one session to await the Queen's speech that will begin the next.
Prorogation is accompanied by a quaint ceremony, a sort of state opening in reverse. The MP Tom Harris was there to witness it last night and, if you're interested, he's written a charming description on his blog. He says that it's all nonsense, but he loves it.
Of course it doesn't seem particularly relevant to a 21st century democracy. But what would abolishing it all achieve? Nothing whatsoever. And in the meantime it serves as a useful reminder to MPs (and Lords) that we've inherited a remarkable history and are incredibly privileged to be our democracy's current stewards.
The state opening, with the Queen's speech, is on Wednesday next week. We'll have live coverage and up-to-the-minute analysis on the Guardian politics site.
