Her Majesty The Queen has delivered her speech setting out the Government’s legislative agenda upon the state-opening of Parliament.
While many traditions were still observed, current coronavirus restrictions meant the event was much more dressed down than usual. The speech, which took place shortly after 11:30 on Tuesday morning, was to set out the Government’s agenda for the forthcoming parliamentary session.
MPs will debate the content of the speech in the coming days.
What were some of the key announcements in the speech?
The speech was delivered by the Queen but as usual, written by the Government. Among the priorities mentioned were;
- ‘Deliver a national recovery from the pandemic that makes the United Kingdom stronger, healthier and more prosperous than before’
- ‘Level up’ opportunities across the country
- Provide additional funding for the NHS and support the health and wellbeing of the nation – particularly focusing on mental health, obesity and social care.
- Deliver a lifetime skills guarantee
- Ensure support for businesses reflects the UK’s strategic interests and drives economic growth
- Reduce unnecessary bureaucracy in the voluntary sector
- Increase sentences for violent offenders and deliver proposals to support victims and protect women and girls against violence
- Biggest spending increase in the armed services for 30 years
- Lead the global effort to ensure recovery from the pandemic through hosting the G7 summit
- Provide aid where it has the greatest impact in alleviating poverty and human suffering
- Create jobs in green industries, protect the environment and make environmental targets binding
- Help more people own their own home and modernise the planning system
- Increase rights for renters
- Lead the world in life sciences and pioneer new treatments for cancers
- Strengthen economic ties across the union
- Prioritise early years education. address lost learning and ensure young people receive a high-quality education
- Ensure the integrity of elections and free speech
- Lead the way in internet safety, especially for children
