Queen’s Speech latest news LIVE: Prince Charles to deliver speech at State Opening of Parliament focused on boosting economic growth

Prince Charles has opened Parliament for the first time, delivering the Queen’s Speech, after the monarch pulled out of the event for the first time in 59 years.

Buckingham Palace on Monday announced the Queen, 96, would not attend the event due to “episodic mobility problems”. Her son the Prince of Wales will deliver the speech on her behalf and Prince William will also be in attendance.

The speech outlined 38 Bills, including seven measures scrapping EU regulation – covering areas from data reform to gene-editing to financial services.

It also contains measures aiming to crackdown on “guerrilla protests” with jail sentences of up to six months and unlimited fines for those who glue themselves to roads or “lock on” to public transport infrastructure.

The event is an important moment in the political calendar as Boris Johnson seeks to regain the initiative after the rows over lockdown parties and the heavy losses suffered by the Tories in the local elections.

PM to visit Finland and Sweden as they mull Nato membership

14:11 , Daniel Keane

Prime Minister Boris Johnson will visit Finland and Sweden as they mull whether to join Nato.

The PM’s official spokesman said he will travel to Finland on Wednesday before going on to Sweden.

The spokesman said Mr Johnson would have discussions on “broader security issues”.

“It is about not just Ukraine but the security of Europe more broadly. This about meeting other democratic countries and discussing issues such as security which are of importance here and overseas,” the spokesman said.

“We support countries’ democratic capability to decide on things like Nato membership. We understand the positions of Sweden and Finland and that is why the Prime Minister is going to discuss these broader security issues.”

Charles: Priority is to strengthen the economy and help ease the cost of living

14:03 , Daniel Keane

BCC says firms need emergency budget

Story continues

13:49 , Daniel Keane

Responding to the details of the Government’s legislative plan set out in today’s Queen’s Speech, Shevaun Haviland, Director General of the BCC, said many of the measures “will come too late to help many firms”.

“An emergency budget is needed to provide firms with the breathing space they need to raise productivity and strengthen the economy.

“The costs crises facing firms and people in the street are two sides of the same coin. If we can ease the pressure on businesses then they can keep a lid on the price rises being driven by surging energy bills, staff shortages and higher taxes.

“Only after an emergency budget will some of the legislation set out in the Queen’s Speech have a chance to drive our economy forward.”

Downing St to postpone conversation therapy legislation for trans people

13:38 , Daniel Keane

Downing Street said legislation to ban conversion therapy for transgender people will not be introduced while further considerations are under way.

The Prime Minister’s official spokesman said: “It’s about the need to do more work because it’s obviously a complex issue and it needs careful thought.

“The Government will continue doing more policy work on that front before providing further updates.”

DUP urges ‘decisive action’ on Northern Ireland Protocol

13:23 , Daniel Keane

The leader of the DUP has reiterated that without “decisive action” on the Northern Ireland Protocol from the UK Government, he will not nominate ministers to a new Stormont executive.

Sir Jeffrey Donaldson insisted that “words in themselves will not fix this problem” after the Government stopped short of pledging to take action on the protocol in the Queen’s Speech.

“Until we see that decisive action we won’t be moving on the political institutions,” he told reporters.

“I want that to happen quickly; it must happen quickly. It’s in the interests of everyone that we get this sorted out, we find a resolution, and then we can move forward.”

Beergate has had minor impact on Starmer’s ratings

13:09 , Daniel Keane

The Beergate controversy has appeared to impact Sir Keir Starmer’s popularity with the British public – but not drastically.

A YouGov poll published today showed the Labour leader’s rating for “best prime minister” down 1 per cent, with Boris Johnson’s up by the same amount.

Intriguingly, the most common answer given to the question was “Don’t Know” on 35 per cent – highlighting the considerable work to be done by both party leaders.

Watch: Charles delivers Queen’s Speech on her behalf

12:58 , Daniel Keane

Lack of Audit Reform Bill ‘deeply disappointing’, says industry

12:47 , Daniel Keane

John Wood, the CEO of the Chartered Institute of Internal Auditor’s, has criticised the Government for failing to include audit reform in its Queen’s Speech.

“We are deeply disappointed there was no mention of audit reform in the Queen’s Speech. Without legislation to put the audit regulator on a statutory footing with the legal powers it needs to do its job effectively, there is a real risk that it will not be fit for purpose,” he said.

“There is also a risk of further corporate collapses linked to audit and governance deficiencies as we have seen time and again with BHS, Carillion, and Patisserie Valerie, a risk that is now being exacerbated by the difficult financial challenges many businesses are grappling with.

“Audit reform is looking increasingly half-baked and half-hearted, and we urge the Government to swiftly respond to the White Paper it issued over a year ago, committing to a clear timetable setting out exactly when legislation will now be passed.”

Media Bill to privatise Channel 4

12:39 , Daniel Keane

Boris Johnson has cemented the Government’s intention to privatise Channel 4, saying the sale will “unleash the potential of the UK’s creative sector”.

The Government said the Media Bill will enable a change of ownership to give the broadcaster “the tools it needs to succeed in the future as a public service broadcaster while protecting its distinctiveness”.

The main elements section of the Bill mentions allowing the broadcaster to switch from a “statutory corporation to a new corporate structure that could be sold” and “other changes concerning Channel 4’s obligations and remit to ensure the sustainability of the broadcaster”.

Further benefits of the Media Bill, the Government says, will be ensuring due prominence for content from public service broadcasters, so that it is always “carried and easy to find for UK audiences on connected devices and major online platforms” and also on other devices like smart TVs, set-top boxes and streaming sticks.

UK Finance welcomes Queen’s Speech crackdown on economic crime

12:25 , Daniel Keane

Responding to the Queen’s Speech delivered in parliament today, David Postings, Chief Executive of UK Finance, said: “We strongly welcome the announcement in the Queen’s Speech that the government will bring forward a Financial Services Bill and a further Economic Crime Bill, which we see as two key pieces of legislation for financial services.

“The Financial Service Bill provides the opportunity to tailor the UK’s regulatory framework and so create a more competitive financial services sector post-Brexit, supporting jobs and investment across the country.

“The Economic Crime Bill will be critical in helping to address money laundering and the growth in fraud and scams, which are now the most prevalent type of crime in the UK. This Bill should focus on measures that prevent fraud happening in the first place and provide greater enforcement powers to tackle those who commit economic crime.

“We look forward to working with the government and parliament on the development of the detailed proposals in both Bills.”

Pictured: Charles and Camilla in the royal procession

12:13 , Daniel Keane

(POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

All of the bills summarised (Part 2)

12:06 , Daniel Keane

– An Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Bill will aim to make it harder for “kleptocrats, criminals and terrorists” to engage in money laundering, corruption, terrorism-financing, illegal arms movements and ransomware payments. It will provide Companies House with more effective investigation and enforcement powers.

– A National Security Bill will bring in new offences to tackle state-backed sabotage, foreign interference, the theft of trade secrets and assisting a foreign intelligence service.

– The Online Safety Bill will introduce a duty of care on online companies, making them responsible for protecting users and tackling illegal content, and will include protections for democratic and journalistic content.

– The Transport Bill which will create a new public body, Great British Railways, to modernise the UK’s rail services and introduce new passenger service contracts to ensure operators focus on punctual and reliable trains. It will also seek to boost the number of electric vehicle charging points to boost the transition from petrol and diesel by 2030 and cut harmful emissions.

– A Media Bill will pave the way for the sale of Channel 4.

All of the bills summarised (Part 1)

12:05 , Daniel Keane

Our political editor Nicholas Cecil and deputy political editor David Bond have an analysis of the Queen’s Speech here.

Here’s their summary of the main bills being introduced:

– A Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill will pave the way for further devolution of powers to local communities and unlock powers for local councils to bring empty premises back into use and regenerate high streets, extend al fresco dining and give residents more of a say over changing street names.

– An Energy Security Bill will look to protect households from surging prices by reducing the UK’s reliance on foreign imports, made more pressing by the Ukraine war and sanctions against Russia. It will also extend the Ofgem energy price cap to prevent suppliers from overcharging customers.

– The Renters Reform Bill will abolish so-called “no fault” Section 21 evictions and strengthen landlords’ rights of possession, and will seek to provide a “fair and effective market” for both tenants and landlords.

– A Non-Domestic Rating Bill will seek to modernise the business rates system with more frequent revaluations based on more accurate data, aiming to drive growth by making rates bills more responsive to economic changes.

– A Public Order Bill will make it illegal to obstruct major transport works, including disrupting the construction or maintenance of projects, such as HS2. Stop-and-search powers for police will be extended to search for and seize articles related to protest-related offences.

– A Brexit Freedoms Bill, two years after the UK left the EU, will look to repeal and reform regulations on businesses that were inherited from Brussels. The Government claims the Bill will cut £1 billion of “burdensome EU red tape” and 1,400 pieces of EU derived law that have been transferred into UK law.

– A Bill of Rights will aim to ensure there is a “proper balance” between the rights of individuals, national security and “effective” government, with ministers stressing it will strengthen freedom of speech, Britain’s common law traditions and reduce reliance on Strasbourg case law.

PM and Starmer walk through lobby side by side

11:58 , Daniel Keane

(POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

‘Are we adjourned’, quips PM

11:55 , Daniel Keane

Boris Johnson could be heard asking “are we adjourned?” as MPs returned to the House of Commons after the Queen’s Speech.

The Prime Minister exited the chamber immediately and could be heard mentioning lunch, while other MPs spent time mingling in the Commons.

The Commons will resume at 2.30pm to debate the speech.

The speech itself lasted nine minutes – starting at 11.34am and ending at 11.43am.

The Prince of Wales, the Duchess of Cornwall and the Duke of Cambridge have also left Parliament.

Queen’s Speech: What does it lack?

11:53 , Daniel Keane

Very little in the Queen’s Speech will come as a surprise to Britons, as its contents were briefed last and this morning.

However, it sets the stage for a debate on the cost of living crisis – with Sir Keir Starmer likely to highlight the Government’s failure to provide more support to struggling families.

There is no windfall tax on the soaring profits of energy giants, which has been demanded by opposition parties and others campaigning to ease the cost-of-living crisis.

Instead, ministers highlighted a £22 billion package already announced while hinting at further support in the future.

Also absent was legislation to implement the Government’s threat to tear up the post-Brexit deal on Northern Ireland’s trading arrangements.

MPs make their way back to Commons chamber

11:49 , Daniel Keane

Members of parliament are making their way back through the lobby to the House of Commons chamber.

A debate on the contents of the speech will follow.

Charles returns Queen’s Speech to Lord Chancellor

11:46 , Daniel Keane

The Prince of Wales has now returned the speech to the Lord Chancellor and Justice Secretary Dominic Raab.

Prince Charles, the Duke of Cambridge and the Duchess of Cornwall are now exiting the chamber with the Imperial State Crown.

The royal procession is now making its way through the gallery towards the Norman Porch.

Legislation will strengthen the rights of tenants, says Charles

11:44 , Daniel Keane

The Government will introduce legislation to strengthen the rights of tenants and ensure better quality, safer homes, Prince Charles says.

“Legislation will also be introduced to ban conversion therapy, and an independent regulator of English football will be established,” he adds.

Charles: Ministers will ‘encourage agricultural innovation’

11:43 , Daniel Keane

Prince Charles says that ministers “will encourage agricultural and scientific innvoation at home” and the Government will seek to unlock the benefits of Brexit.

He goes on: “Legislation will unlock the potential of new technologies to promote sustainable and efficient farming and food production.

“It will protect the integrity of the UK’s borders and ensure the safety of its people. Ministers will take action to prevent dangerous and illegal channel crossings, and tackle criminal gangs who profit from facilitating them.

“Legislation will be introduced to ensure the police have the powers to make the streets safer.”

‘Reforms to schools will help children fulfil their potential’

11:40 , Daniel Keane

Charles says that “reforms to education will help every child fulfill their potential, wherever they live”.

He adds that this will “raise standards and improve the quality of schools and higher education”.

(POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

Charles: Govt will ‘drive economic growth to improve living standards’

11:39 , Daniel Keane

Standing in for the Queen, Charles told Parliament: “Her Majesty’s Government will drive economic growth to improve living standards and fund sustainable investment in public services.

“This will be underpinned by a responsible approach to the public finances, reducing debt while reforming and cutting taxes.

“Her Majesty’s ministers will support the Bank of England to return inflation to its target.”

Charles begins Queen’s speech

11:38 , Daniel Keane

Prince Charles has begun the Queen’s Speech.

He says that the Government will “grow and strengthen the economy and help ease the cost of living crisis for families” and “level up in all parts of the country”.

He adds: “Ministers will continue to support the police to make the streets safer and reduce the Covid backlogs… and continue to support the people of Ukraine.”

Starmer and PM crack a joke

11:36 , Daniel Keane

Sir Keir Starmer and prime minister Boris Johnson appeared to be engaged in jovial conversation as they entered the Lords’ chamber, with the Labour leader cracking a joke.

This is despite some rather fiery exhanges between the pair over the partygate scandal in the past few weeks, where attacks have frequently turned personal.

Pictured: The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cambridge walks past the The Household Cavalry

11:34 , Daniel Keane

(PA)

Black Rod enters House of Commons

11:33 , Daniel Keane

Black Rod has entered the members lobby and banged three times on the door of the House of Commons, before entering the room.

She summons MPs to enter the House of Lords upon the command of the monarch.

Royal procession begins

11:30 , Daniel Keane

The state trumpeteers have signalled the beginning of the royal procession, with the imperial state crown now being carried into the chamber of the House of Lords.

Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall are following closely behind.

Charles arrives at Palace of Westminster

11:25 , Daniel Keane

(Getty Images)

Pictured: Crown is carried into palace

11:20 , Daniel Keane

(PA)

Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall arrive for ceremony

11:16 , Daniel Keane

The Duchess of Cornwall and the Prince of Wales are now entering the Palace of Westminster to the tune of the national anthem.

They will join the Duke of Cambridge in the robing room shortly.

Charles will then lead the royal procession into Parliament to begin the ceremony.

Duke of Cambridge enters Palace of Westminster

11:12 , Daniel Keane

The Duke of Cambridge is being escorted into the Palace of Westminster, joined by Black Rod – who will summon MPs from the House of Commons.

He will wait in the robing room, where the Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall will arrive shortly.

(Sky News)

Home Office ministers ‘must tackle shameful collapse in prosecutions’

11:09 , Daniel Keane

Sarah Jones, shadow policing minister, has criticised the Government’s public order bill after it was briefed ahead of the Queen’s Speech.

She said: “Home Office ministers should be asking themselves why they are taking no action to tackle the shameful collapse in prosecutions, put more rapists behind bars or crack down on criminal fraudsters scamming the vulnerable.

“After more than a decade of Tory government victims of crime are being let down. The government is completely out of ideas, and it is communities across the country who are paying the price.”

PM leaves Downing St for Queen’s Speech

11:07 , Daniel Keane

(PA)

Imperial Crown transported to Palace of Westminster

11:01 , Daniel Keane

The Regalia – the Imperial State Crown, the Cap of Maintenance and Sword of State – were transported to the Palace of Westminster in three state limousines ahead of the Queen’s speech.

In past years the symbolic items would have travelled in a carriage but this year vehicles are being used and a state limousine will also carry the royal party later.

(REUTERS)

Queen watching ceremony from Windsor Castle

10:53 , Daniel Keane

The Queen is understood to be watching the proceedings on television from Windsor Castle.

She will have her weekly phone audience with Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Wednesday.

Pictured: Yeoman of the guard take part in the traditional ‘Ceremonial Speech’

10:52 , Daniel Keane

(POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

Good morning

10:42 , Daniel Keane

Good morning and welcome to our live coverage of the Queen’s Speech.

Prince Charles will set out the Government’s legislative agenda from 11.30am and will be standing in for the Queen, who pulled out due to “episodic mobility problems”.

The ceremony will begin with Prince Charles leading the royal procession into Parliament and the House of Lords, with the imperial state crown carried in front of him.

A senior officer – named the Black Rod – will then summon MPs from the House of Commons.

Prince Charles will then read out the speech in the House of Lords. The monarch will then leave the chamber and a new parliamentary session will begin.

A debate between Prime Minister Boris Johnson and the Labour party on the contents of the speech will follow.