What is goatskin paper, does it contain goat and why is it used for the Queen’s Speech?
THE paper used to print the Queen's Speech got on political reporters' goat after it emerged no animal hide is used in its making — despite being called goatskin.
It hit headlines after Government sources revealed the speech - used to outline the PM's agenda for the year - would be pushed back amid Tory turmoil following the shock General Election hung Parliament.
What is goatskin paper?
Goatskin paper is a thick and ornate parchment on which the Queen's Speech is written.
While it was traditionally made from real goat skin, its modern form contains no animal hide at all.
But it keeps its name because it has a watermark in the shape of a goat.
Westminster veterans still refer to "going goat" to mark the moment the Speech needs to be ready by so that the ink can have time to dry before being sent to the Queen for her approval.
Why is it used in the Queen's Speech?
The posh paper is used for the special occasion of the State Opening of Parliament.
On it is written the Queen's Speech, which sets out the Government's plans and legislative priorities for the year ahead.
But after the 2017 snap election led to a hung Parliament, it was reported that Theresa May would push back the speech from the original date of June 19.
It was thought she needed time to organise a deal with Northern Ireland's DUP to support the Conservatives in a minority government in case they made ultimatums over Tory policies.
