A place for lace

Sir Lindsay Hoyle, the Speaker of the House of Commons, this week met the skilled lacemaker who fashioned the jabot and cuffs for one of his predecessors 40 years ago. For the next State Opening of Parliament he will don these ornate Honiton lace trimmings. That is good news – not least in encouraging a craft that once adorned Queen Victoria’s wedding dress. The wearing of very formal dress (as seen on judges, heralds or monarchs) takes attention away from the personality of the wearer and emphasises the role of high office. That is important for a Speaker, yet it is something the previous holder, John Bercow, seemed not to understand, supposing instead that sporting a snazzy tie might make people love him. It failed. So hear, hear to Mr Speaker Hoyle. Who knows? One day he might put on a horsehair wig.