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Key points from the Queen's Speech
A 'lifetime skills guarantee' will be enshrined in law to enable anyone to upgrade their qualifications, regardless of their background;
An immigration overhaul will block asylum for people who have travelled through 'safe' countries such as France and Belgium;
A total ban on online junk food ads will go ahead despite claims ministers were trying to kill off the 'half-baked' idea;
The PM will take back control of the timing of elections and could shorten the length of campaigns, with a row over proposals to require ID for people to vote;
People denied a platform by universities could seek compensation in the courts under government plans to tackle 'cancel culture';
There will be a ban on 'conversion therapy';
The government has renewed its commitment to cut carbon emissions by 78 per cent by 2035 compared to 1990 levels;
New measures will recognise animal sentience and crack down on growing problem of pet theft.
Boris Johnson vowed to 'turbo-charge the Covid recovery' today as he unveiled a Queen's Speech for the 'Blue Wall' with moves to boost jobs, crack down on illegal immigration, and curb 'woke' culture.
The PM warned it is not enough to go back to pre-pandemic ways as the monarch laid out the package of legislation for the next parliamentary session.
In a state occasion stripped of most of the usual pomp and ceremony, the Queen - in her first major duty since the death of Prince Philip - said the country should be 'stronger, healthier and more prosperous than before'.
In an introduction to the new parliamentary programme, Mr Johnson said it is time to 'build back better' - hailing a huge drive to increase skills and 'level up' in areas that have fallen behind. The Tories made huge gains in many of those places in local elections last week, and are hoping to turn the screw on crisis-hit Keir Starmer.
There will also be action to reform the asylum system and crack down on illegal immigration, as well as moves to tackle 'cancel culture' at universities, and an overhaul of the planning system to make building homes 'simpler and faster'.
But the government is already facing criticism after the speech included just nine words about social care provision - something Mr Johnson has promised to fix - and no Bill among the 30 or so slated.
And there is set to be a major backlash after it was confirmed ministers are pushing ahead with 'nanny state' proposals for a total ban on online junk food advertising.
Mr Johnson will face off against Sir Keir in the Commons this afternoon since the extraordinary election results that sent Labour into a tailspin. Rumours have been sweeping Westminster that he now plans to call an early election in 2023 - with the PM set to take back control over the date for polls.
Among the key points from the speech:
© Provided by Daily Mail Around 30 Bills in Boris's new government programme
The Queen's Speech sets out around 30 pieces of legislation, including:
- A Health and Care Bill to better integrate the NHS and social care systems.
- A Planning Bill to make it easier to build new homes, schools and hospitals.
- New laws to scrap the Fixed-term Parliaments Act, meaning it will be easier for Mr Johnson to call an early general election before 2024.
- A Counter-State Threats Bill to introduce a US-style register of foreign agents to help counter espionage and influence from hostile governments.
- The return of the controversial Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill, which saw demonstrations over concerns that it would curtail the right to protest when it was last before Parliament.
- A Higher Education (Free Speech) Bill giving regulators the power to fine universities or students' unions in England if they fail to protect freedom of expression.
The Government also promised a 'levelling-up White Paper' setting out how Mr Johnson intends to meet the promises made to voters in former Labour-voting areas.
A range of measures double down on the agenda that helped the Tories storm more of Labour's former heartlands in the Midlands and the North last week.
Others include reforms to state aid to make it easier for the Government to subsidise industries facing unfair competition, new light-touch freeports and a shake-up of the planning regime to accelerate the rollout of new housing and infrastructure.
In his introduction to the legislative platform, Mr Johnson said: 'Even before COVID-19, there were millions across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland who wanted a new approach.
'They wanted better funded public services, a chance to own their own home, jobs and apprenticeships in their towns, investment in better transport links and local infrastructure. A brighter future for their families, neighbours, high streets and communities.
'So as our vaccination programme helps release us from lockdown, we cannot simply return to the way things were. Now as pubs, shops and restaurants are reopening, and we are seeing our friends and family - our mission must be to build back better than before.'
Mr Johnson - who confirmed last night that England is pushing ahead with coronavirus lockdown relaxations from May 17 - said the government will 'back the amazing work of our NHS in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland'.
Trying to quell the burgeoning row over social care, he said: 'Later in the year we will bring forward proposals to reform adult social care so that every person receives the dignity and security they deserve.
'As the United Kingdom gets back on its feet, we will turbo-charge our economic recovery in every part of our country, increasing and spreading opportunity.'
Addressing Parliament from the throne in the House of Lords, the Queen said: 'My Government will level up opportunities across all parts of the United Kingdom, supporting jobs, businesses and economic growth, and addressing the impact of the pandemic on public services.
'My Government will protect the health of the nation, continuing the vaccination programme and providing additional funding to support the NHS.'
© Provided by Daily MailThe House of Lords was far less crowded than usual today with coronavirus social distancing rules in force
© Provided by Daily MailThe Queen was in day dress for the occasion of the reopening of Parliament today, which has been scaled back
Where is social care plan? Just nine words devoted to key issue in Queen's Speech
Downing Street set itself on a collision course with social care reform campaigners today after the key issue warranted just nine words in the Queen's Speech.
Senior Tories including former health secretary Jeremy Hunt and deputy prime minister Damian Green warned today that ongoing delays over making sweeping changes to the system were causing 'incredible worry' and 'frustration'.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock had tried to reassure the public that change was coming as he insisted the Government was 'committed' to reforms the Tories promised in their 2019 election manifesto.
But the Queen's Speech today contained just a single sentence on the subject, with the monarch noting: 'Proposals on social care reform will be brought forward.'
Care groups, charities and politicians have been long calling for a plan to reform and 'fix' the sector, which the Prime Minister promised in his first speech after being elected in July 2019.
Keir Starmer
© Provided by Daily Mail But the PM and Chancellor Rishi Sunak are said to be at war over how to pay for it.
Mr Johnson is said to back plans set out a decade ago by Sir Andrew Dilnot to cap costs at between £25,000 and £50,000, with the taxpayer covering the rest.
His report also recommended lifting the means-tested threshold for state support from £23,250 to £100,000.
But the Treasury is said to be resisting, saying the cost to the public finances would be huge in the wake of the Covid pandemic.
Mr Hunt said he hoped a cap will be announced when the Government sets out its legislative agenda, calling the prospect of catastrophic care costs 'an incredible worry for people'.
Ministers promise 'lifetime skills guarantee' to get people into well-paid jobs after hammer blow from coronavirus crisis
Every adult will be given access to a flexible loan to pay for higher-level education under plans announced today by Boris Johnson as part of a new 'Lifetime Skills Guarantee'.
Mr Johnson said new education laws set out in the Queen's Speech will provide 'rocket fuel' to the nation's recovery from the coronavirus crisis.
The PM hopes the guarantee will enable people to gain the skills they need to secure well-paid jobs and to access training throughout the course of their lives.
The so-called Lifelong Loan Entitlement to pay for education and training at university or college will be available to people at any point.
It will provide flexible access to the equivalent of up to four years' worth of student loans.
It is part of a wider effort by the Government to 'remove the bias against technical education'.
© Provided by Daily MailBoris Johnson said new education laws set out in the Queen's Speech will provide 'rocket fuel' to the nation's recovery from the coronavirus crisis. The PM is pictured walking past a Job Centre in Truro, Cornwall on April 7 this year
Only 10 per cent of adults aged 20-45 hold a higher technical qualification as their highest qualification compared to 20 per cent in Germany and 34 per cent in Canada.
Mr Johnson said: 'These new laws are the rocket fuel that we need to level up this country and ensure equal opportunities for all.
'We know that having the right skills and training is the route to better, well-paid jobs.
'I'm revolutionising the system so we can move past the outdated notion that there is only one route up the career ladder, and ensure that everyone has the opportunity to retrain or upskill at any point in their lives.'
The Government's plans will also see employers handed a statutory role in planning publicly-funded training programmes with education providers through a so-called 'Skills Accelerator' scheme.
Meanwhile, the Education Secretary will be given more powers to intervene in failing colleges.
Tory war on 'cancel culture': People denied a platform by universities will be able to seek compensation in the courts
The Conservatives opened a new front in their war on 'cancel culture' today, unveiling a new law forcing universities to protect freedom of speech.
The Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Bill will aim to end the so-called 'no platforming' of speakers and academics on campuses.
Regulator the Office for Students will get the power to fine institutions and student unions for breaching new duties designed to foster 'a culture of open and robust intellectual debate'.
People who believe their freedom of speech has been impinged will also get the power to go to court to seek financial compensation.
Universities have been dogged in the past few years by campaigns to block appearances from figures seen as controversial by some students and staff.
© Provided by Daily MailGermaine Greer
© Provided by Daily MailAmber Rudd
They range from far-right figures to the legendary feminist campaigner Germaine Greer, who has been targeted by the pro-trans lobby over her views on people who change gender.
The bill will ensure 'freedom of speech can thrive for all staff, students and visiting speakers', and ensure 'that academic staff feel safe to question and test received wisdom and put forward new ideas and controversial or unpopular opinions, without being at risk of losing their jobs, privileges or promotion'.
Giving the showpiece speech in the House of Lords today, the monarch said that the new law would 'protect freedom of speech'.
Other figures who have been no-platformed include the former home secretary Amber Rudd.
Boris Johnson to take back power to call general elections amid rampant speculation he will call early ballot in 2023 to destroy crisis-hit Labour
Boris Johnson will give prime ministers full control over when to call a general election today amid speculation he is planning to go to the country in 2023 to try to destroy Labour.
The Queen's Speech today set out plans to replace the hated Fixed-term Parliaments Act which limits the ability of ministers to alter the five-year electoral cycle.
It was widely criticised for leading to constitutional chaos before the December 2019 election because Boris Johnson's attempts to call a fresh election earlier were blocked by the opposition and his lack of a majority.
At the State opening of Parliament today the Queen confirmed there would be a Dissolution and Calling of Parliament Bill.
'My Government will strengthen and renew democracy and the constitution,' she said.
'Legislation will be introduced to ensure the integrity of elections, protect freedom of speech and restore the balance of power between the executive, legislature and the courts
The Government said the plans being unveiled would allow the PM 'to decide to put the power back in the hands of the public during critical moments for the country' and prevent 'stalemates in Parliament from paralysing democracy, as happened in the last Parliament'.
There is also speculation that the new bill will also slash the campaigning time ahead of general elections to just a month.
Ministers are facing a backlash over plans to make it compulsory for voters to prove their identity at the polling station.
Former Tory cabinet minister David Davis said it was an 'illiberal solution for a non-existent problem'.
At a Downing Street briefing last night Mr Johnson dismissed the criticism as 'complete nonsense', saying it was 'not unreasonable' to ask people to show ID to help cut voter fraud.
Boris's nanny state? Ban on online junk food ads WILL go ahead despite claims ministers were trying to kill off 'half-baked' idea
Boris Johnson is set to go ahead with plans for a total ban on online junk food ads despite industry experts branding it 'not even half-baked'.
The Queen's Speech includes legislation to impose the restrictions, along with a block on TV ads before the 9pm watershed and ending 'BOGOF' deals for unhealthy foods.
The proposals were put out to consultation before Christmas, but faced opposition from senior Tories and the industry. Critics said the online ads move was 'insane' after research suggested it might only shave a couple of calories a day off children's intake.
There have been claims the restriction could affect avocados, hummus and Marmite - although officials insist it would be targeted at foods high in sugar, salt, fat or calories.
According to the new legislative plan the government 'will restrict the promotions on high fat, salt and sugar food and drinks in retailers from April 2022'.
The Health and Care Bill will also 'include measures to ban junk food adverts pre-9pm watershed on TV and for a total ban online'.
Boris Johnson was once a vocal opponent of state meddling in eating and drinking habits, speaking out against efforts by Jamie Oliver to reform school meals.
© Provided by Daily MailBoris Johnson (pictured running this week) was once a vocal opponent of state meddling in eating and drinking habits, speaking out against efforts by Jamie Oliver to reform school meals
© Provided by Daily MailThere have been claimed the restriction could affect avocados and Marmite - although officials insist it would be targeted at foods high in sugar, salt, fat or calories
Queen performs her first public duty since Philip's death as she heads to State Opening of Parliament in a car instead of carriage and is supported by Charles at scaled-back ceremony
The Queen today carried out her first major public ceremonial duty since the death of her husband Prince Philip a month ago.
Her Majesty arrived at the Houses of Parliament this morning for a scaled-back, socially-distanced State Opening where she will be supported by Prince Charles and will not wear the two-pound Imperial State crown.
Charles's presence at her side this year, so soon after the death of Philip aged 99 on April 9, will be seen as a sign of things to come at future royal engagements.
The Queen wore what royal officials described as 'day dress' - a coat and hat - instead of her ceremonial robes or crown and travelled by car from Buckingham Palace to the Palace of Westminster, rather than by coach.
She was accompanied by a lady-in-waiting and had earlier been driven from Windsor Castle.
The monarch's Imperial State Crown will, as in recent years, be carried separately and placed on a table in the House of Lords when she gives her keynote speech, outlining the government's plans for the year.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson will use the speech to heap pressure on stricken Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer with a legislative agenda aiming to 'level up' jobs and investment in former Labour heartlands.
The PM will try to cement his new 'Blue Wall' vowing people will no longer have to move to London for decent work, and boosting education opportunities for those who have not been to university.
The centrepiece of the ceremony, the Crown Jewels which weigh two pounds and eight ounces, are now too heavy for the 95-year-old Queen to wear at what will be a pared-down 'Covid-appropriate' event.
Elizabeth II, the nation's longest reigning sovereign, last wore the crown - which is made of more than 3,000 gemstones and weighs two pounds and 13 ounces - for the 2016 state opening.
The Queen has formally opened each new session of Parliament on all but two occasions during her 69-year reign - in 1959 and 1963, when she was pregnant with Prince Andrew and Prince Edward.
The decision to operate what is known as a 'reduced ceremonial State Opening' is seen as a sensible option given the pandemic and restrictions still being in place.
The Queen leaves Windsor Castle on her way to Buckingham Palace in London before the State Opening Of Parliament today
© Provided by Daily Mail Officials are also keen not to encourage crowds - and the scaled-back ceremony is because of the Covid-19 crisis, rather than the death of the Duke of Edinburgh.
Her Majesty will be accompanied by the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall. Charles has previously accompanied the Queen, as has Camilla.
Tradition involving Black Rod will still take place
The State Opening of Parliament is usually the most colourful event of the parliamentary year and is steeped in tradition and customs dating back to the 16th century.
The current ceremony, which marks the formal start of the parliamentary year, dates from the opening of the rebuilt Palace of Westminster in 1852 after the fire of 1834. The Queen's Speech presents the Government's agenda, outlining proposed policies and legislation.
It is also the only regular meeting involving the three constituent parts of Parliament - the Sovereign, the House of Lords and the House of Commons.
The State Opening, which happens on the first day of a new parliamentary session or shortly after a general election, begins with the Queen's procession from Buckingham Palace to Westminster.
The Queen is normally escorted by the Household Cavalry before arriving at the Sovereign's Entrance and proceeding to the Robing Room. She then leads the Royal Procession through the Royal Gallery to the chamber of the House of Lords.
An ancient tradition which will still take place is the one involving the House of Lords official, Black Rod.
Sarah Clarke, Lady Usher of the Black Rod, will see the doors to the Commons shut in her face as she arrives to summon MPs. She has to strike the door three times before it is opened.
It is a practice that dates back to the Civil War and is said to symbolise the Commons' independence from the monarchy.
Members of the House of Commons then follow Black Rod and the Commons Speaker to the Lords chamber, standing at the opposite end to the Throne, known as the Bar of the House, to listen to the speech.
Another amendment for the ceremony today is that the Lord Chancellor Robert Buckland will not hand the speech directly to the Queen as is usually the custom, but place it on a table instead.
Other changes include no military street liners or lining of the Sovereign's staircase and no military band nor Guard of Honour outside the Palace of Westminster or as part of the procession from Buckingham Palace.
There will be no heralds in attendance, only two Yeomen and Gentlemen at Arms, just one bishop representing the group of 26, and only the Lord Chief Justice and the Head of the Supreme Court representing the Judges.
But one ancient tradition which will still take place is the one involving the House of Lords official, Black Rod.
Sarah Clarke, Lady Usher of the Black Rod, will see the doors to the Commons shut in her face as she arrives to summon MPs.
She has to strike the door three times before it is opened. It is a practice that dates back to the Civil War and is said to symbolise the Commons' independence from the monarchy.
Members of the Royal Family are expected to rally round the elderly monarch even more in the coming months and years following the loss of her husband.
Charles has been at his mother's side for the last three state openings - in December 2019, October 2019 and in June 2017.
He stepped in for his father Philip in 2017 after the duke fell ill with an infection, two months before he retired from public duties.
It is the first time the Queen has conducted an engagement outside of Windsor Castle since her husband died - and only the second time she has been at Buckingham Palace since she retreated to Windsor in March last year during the first lockdown.
She briefly visited when she travelled to London to lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior at Westminster Abbey last November.
Philip, the nation's longest reigning consort, spent decades accompanying the monarch to the grand occasion at Parliament, sitting on an ornate golden throne at his wife's side.
The Queen has been continuing with her work as sovereign at Windsor Castle as she mourns the loss of her beloved husband of 73 years.
The Queen marks the beginning of the parliamentary session by delivering the Queen's Speech, which sets out the Government's legislative plans.
The State Opening of Parliament is usually the most colourful event of the parliamentary year and is steeped in tradition and customs dating back centuries.
Prime Minster Boris Johnson leaves Downing Street for the State Opening of Parliament at the Palace of Westminster today
© Provided by Daily Mail But because of the pandemic, the pomp and ceremony has been reduced in 2021 to prevent any spread of coronavirus.
MPs and members of the House of Lords will have to wear masks throughout unless they are exempt, and everyone present will have to take a Covid test beforehand and only be allowed to attend if they have a negative result.
Significantly fewer politicians and peers will be there compared with previous years and no diplomatic or non-parliamentary guests have been invited, with just 108 people attending, including the Queen, rather than up to 600 as is the norm.
There will 74 people in the chamber, including the monarch, Charles, Camilla, the Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle, Prime Minister Boris Johnson and leader of the Opposition Sir Keir Starmer, representatives from the House of Lords and House of Commons and those involved in the ceremonial procession.
There will also be 17 members of the Lords and 17 MPs in the Royal Gallery.
Discussions took place with the Department of Health and Social Care and Public Health England to ensure the event was Covid-secure, with limited attendance, social distancing, masks, good hand hygiene and Covid testing incorporated into the proceedings.
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