Scottish Parliament Is Set to Convene

Scotland’s first parliament in 300 years will meet for the first time May 12 and be officially inaugurated by Queen Elizabeth II on July 1, the British government announced. At their first meeting in Edinburgh, the 129 members of the new parliament, to be elected May 6, will choose a presiding officer, who will act as speaker, and a deputy presiding officer. Scots voted overwhelmingly in September to take control of most domestic affairs with their own parliament, the first since Scotland joined with England in 1707. Scotland will remain in the United Kingdom.