Queen outlines PM’s plans in State Opening of Parliament
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The Queen outlined the Prime Minister’s agenda for the upcoming year following the Conservatives’ General Election win.
During the State Opening of Parliament, the Queen read out a speech prepared by the Government which had the NHS and Brexit at its heart.
Boris Johnson said he wanted to use the set-piece parliamentary occasion to push an agenda also centered on law and order, infrastructure and education.
The Government will enshrine in law a commitment on NHS funding, with an extra £33.9 billion per year provided by 2023/24, Mr Johnson said.
On Brexit, the Queen said “My government’s priority is to deliver the United Kingdom’s departure from the European Union on 31 January”.
She added “My ministers will bring forward legislation to ensure the United Kingdom’s exit on that date and to make the most of the opportunities that this brings for all the people of the United Kingdom.”
“Thereafter, my ministers will seek a future relationship with the European Union based on a free trade agreement that benefits the whole of the United Kingdom. They will also begin trade negotiations with other leading global economies.”
This was the second time in three months that she has performed this duty. The last Queen’s Speech was in October when Johnson unsuccessfully tried to pass his Brexit deal.
In her speech she pledged that “modern, fair, points-based immigration system” the PM is so keen on, saying it will “welcome skilled workers from across the world to contribute to the United Kingdom’s economy, communities and public services”.
The Queen then said the government will bring forward measures to “support working families”, including raising the National Insurance threshold and increasing the National Living Wage.
And she promised her government will increase levels of funding per pupil in every school “to ensure every child has access to high quality education”.
Other measures pledged by the Conservatives include encouraging flexible working, introducing the entitlement to leave for unpaid carers, new rules to protect tenants and support home ownership, and legislation to improve internet safety.
