Wednesday, 9 May 2012

The Queen's Speech has identified how the Government hopes to focus on economic reforms and family-friendly policies in the year ahead.


Addressing MPs and peers, Her Majesty said measures would be taken to improve the regulation of banks, and reforms to the Enterprise Bill will make life easier for businesses.
The Queen opened her 69th Speech by saying it would be ministers' "first priority... to reduce the deficit and restore economic stability".
She went on to talk about voter-friendly measures, such as improving the lives of children and families.
"My Government will propose measures to improve provision for disabled children with special educational needs. New arrangements will be proposed to support children involved in family law cases, reform court processes for children in care and strengthen the role of the Children's Commissioner," she said.
"Measures will be proposed to make parental leave more flexible so both parents may share parenting responsibilities and balance work and family commitments."
:: Live Updates: Coverage and analysis from Sky News political correspondent Sophy Ridge.
After last week's drubbing by Labour in the local government elections, both Conservative and Lib Dem ministers are hoping the Speech will relaunch the coalition Government.
So the aim is to promote a series of voter-friendly measures, such as curbing electricity prices and protecting farmers and grocers from rip-offs by big supermarket chains.


Some bitterly controversial proposals did not feature in the Queen's Speech, however.
Legislation on high speed rail, fiercely opposed by many Conservative MPs whose constituencies will be affected, will be introduced next year, as was always planned.
And a law on gay marriage, strongly backed by David Cameron and George Osborne but bitterly opposed by many Conservative MPs, will also come later, since it is still at the consultation stage.
In the Commons clash between the party leaders after the Queen's Speech, Ed Miliband is expected to claim that voters in the UK have had enough of austerity, just like those in France.
:: Watch live coverage of the Queen's Speech on Sky News HD, iPad and online, which will stream live pictures and host a live blog with twitter updates.
More to follow...

Cleaning staff prepare the Sovereign's Entrance at the Houses of Parliament
Cleaning staff prepare the Sovereign's Entrance at the Houses of Parliament

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