Arrival of Parliament's Christmas tree
8 December 2022
UK Parliament’s 2022 Christmas Tree, gifted by Forestry England, has taken centre stage in the heart of the Parliamentary Estate at Westminster.
The tree, transported from Northumberland’s Kielder Forest, stands at 41 feet (12.5m) and was installed in New Palace Yard today by Parliamentary staff. Owing to its size and location, a crane was used to lift the tree into position.
Sir Lindsay Hoyle, Speaker of the House of Commons, said:
“Like so many people, I cannot wait for this year’s normal Christmas – and seeing the arrival of the tree in Parliament means the festivities can begin.
‘We are very grateful to Forestry England for donating the tree – and to keep the anticipation going, we will be waiting until 5 December for the big switch on and Carol service. This will also give me a chance to thank everyone for their hard work during a particularly momentous year.”
The Lord Speaker, Lord McFall of Alcluith said:
“The lighting of the Christmas tree in Parliament for me signals the beginning of a happy and peaceful period across the nation. This Christmas will be the first in many years when we can gather more confidently with our friends, families and colleagues, and I for one can’t wait. We owe huge thanks again to Forestry England for helping bring the Christmas cheer to Parliament.”
Another 25ft (7.6m) tree has been delivered to Westminster Hall and a 12ft tree will stand in the Speaker’s House.
In January the trees will be recycled and sent to be chipped and used for composting.
You can download images of the tree via the below link:
Tree details:
- Provided and transported free of charge by Forestry England.
- From the Kielder Forest, Northumberland, England.
- This year's main tree is a 41ft Sitka spruce and is nearly 40 years old.
- It stands in New Palace Yard close to the Elizabeth Tower, the home of Big Ben.
- Two other smaller trees stand in the medieval Westminster Hall and the Speaker's State Apartments.
- Forestry England has provided Christmas Trees to Parliament free of charge for the last 20 years. All have come from the Kielder Forest in Northumberland.