UNLIKE most MPs, East Yorkshire's Greg Knight did not watch yesterday's Queen's Speech from Parliament – instead he was held "captive" at Buckingham Palace.
In a tradition going back to the 17th century Mr Knight, who is a Government whip, was symbolically locked up in the Queen's London residence to ensure her safe return.
He said: "They treated me very well – I didn't see a dungeon, a cellar, handcuffs or a rack the whole time I was there.
"Instead, they very kindly put me in a comfortable sitting room and I was able to watch the Queen on television. I was also offered some liquid refreshment during the ordeal."
A fresh attempt to curb immigration was the centre piece of the Government's planned new laws, set out by the Queen while Mr Knight watched from Buckingham Palace.
Access to the NHS will be tightened, landlords forced to check immigration status and illegal migrants prevented from obtaining driving licences.
And in other measures, the Liberal Democrats said almost 2,200 small businesses in Hull could benefit from the National Insurance Contributions Bill, which will reduce what many companies pay by £2,000.
In a day of pomp and ceremony at Westminster, the Queen said her Government's "first priority" remained strengthening the UK's economy and to "continue to prioritise measures that reduce the deficit".
She said: "It will also work to promote a fairer society that rewards people who work hard."
But Labour's Shadow Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said the immigration measures in the Queen's Speech did not "tackle important issues on exploitation and illegal immigration".
"Immigration is important for Britain and needs to be controlled and managed so it is fair for all," she said.
Mr Knight made his way to the Palace at 10am yesterday, accompanied by two colleagues, Deputy Chief Whip John Randall and the Comptroller of the Royal Household Alastair Carmichael.
But while they escorted the Queen back to Westminster, Mr Knight was left behind at Buckingham Palace.
He said: "I had a chat with the Queen before she left, and with Prince Charles when they got back.
"I had to go in morning dress. It's a bit of tradition and it's not as if it happens every week.
"When ceremony gets in the way of government it's time to re-examine it, but this only happens once a year and, if anything, it was an honour to be entertained in Buckingham Palace by the Queen's staff."
