THE Queen’s death has united the country and “lifted us out of ridicule”, Michael Portillo has claimed.
The former Conservative Minister said on GB News: “Britain is transmitting a dignified image to the world. Other countries may criticise us, for Brexit and Boris, and you have to be British to understand either one of those, but we are being lifted out of ridicule.
“We should embark in due course on a national debate about the Monarchy. The Queen’s death provides us with another opportunity to update.
“But as we do that, critics of monarchy need to reflect on the scenes of recent days, when every self respecting head of state in the world will wish to be in London
“So many people have been surprised by the mood and how they’ve been frequently brought back to the point of tears. The images on our screens has been one of a public fraught in its loss.
A huge number have been united by the rituals of mourning, despite all the polarizations that exist in our society today.”
GB News, The People’s Channel, will devote its entire programme schedule on Monday to the funeral of Her Majesty the Queen as the people of the United Kingdom and the world say their final farewell to her.
The channel has secured rights to broadcast the funeral in Westminster Abbey live and uninterrupted on television, DAB+ Radio, YouTube, at www.gbnews.uk, and on all its free Apps and other platforms globally.
Monday’s historic coverage will begin at 6am with a specially extended Breakfast programme from Buckingham Palace hosted by Eamonn Holmes and Isabel Webster.
As the funeral procession moves to Westminster Abbey, veteran broadcasters Alastair Stewart and Anne Diamond will be joined by historian David Starkey to provide commentary on the service.
Nigel Farage will be among the crowds in London and Stephen Dixon on the ground in Windsor to hear the people’s views on the atmosphere and emotion of the occasion.
Presenters Mark Longhurst and Gloria De Pierowill host the channel’s coverage throughout the afternoon as the Queen’s coffin leaves the Abbey in a walking procession before making its final journey to St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle.
In the evening, Nigel Farage and Dan Wootton will host special programmes from Buckingham Palace as the formal events draw to a close.
GB News’ regional reporting team will be out across the United Kingdom throughoutto bring local reaction, reflection, and behind-the-scenes stories as the people of Britain pay their final tributes.
