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Level 3 – Intermediate
The House of Lords votes for more casual clothes
The British Lord Chancellor, who is the highest judge in the country and the speaker of the House of Lords, is obliged to wear the traditional 17th-century costume of his predecessors, because it is supposed to emphasise the importance and dignity of his office. But the present Chancellor thinks that these clothes are out of date and impractical. He says that the tight, black breeches, the heavy wig, the long, heavy robe and the buckled shoes are embarrassing and look silly. "The wig weighs an absolute ton. It is very uncomfortable," he told a parliamentary committee.
The question of abandoning the Chancellor's traditional costume created a passionate debate in the House of Lords. The Lords finally voted for a change to less official clothes for most occasions, and the Lord Chancellor will be able to wear a black business suit, tie and ordinary socks and shoes for everyday use. However, when he presides over the House, he will have to wear the wig and robe; and for state occasions, such as the opening of Parliament, he will still have to wear the full ceremonial dress.
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Answer the questions below to check how well you understand the text.
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C2 Mastery
