'Do you know who I am?' Queue-jumping spat at British parliament

0 Comments | AFP, October, 2007

LONDON (AFP) — There's nothing Britons hate more than a queue-jumper but the time-honoured tradition of respect and courtesy no longer seems to apply if you're an elected member of the "Mother of all Parliaments".

A row has broken out in London SW1 after the Serjeant at Arms, parliament's enforcer whose work wear includes buckled shoes, knee-length breeches and black tights, decreed honourable members should be given priority over lowly staff.

Signed by the Serjeant at Arms Peter Grant Peterkin and Sue Harrison, director of catering services, it was recommended by the lower House of Commons' administration committee and approved by the Speaker, Michael Martin.

"Staff and other users should be prepared to give way to Members when queuing for retail and...