Summary

  • The Queen set out the government's priorities at the State Opening of Parliament

  • She said the government would "deliver a national recovery from the pandemic that makes the United Kingdom stronger, healthier and more prosperous than before"

  • She also said the government would "strengthen the economic ties across the union, investing in and improving national infrastructure"

  • Other topics covered included education, women's rights, freeports, internet safety, the environment, modernising planning laws, and discouraging asylum seekers crossing the English Channel

  • Prime Minister Boris Johnson earlier said the government's plans would put "rocket boosters" under its "levelling up" agenda

  • Labour has called on the government to deliver "action" rather than "rhetoric"

  • MPs criticised the lack of detail on plans to reform social care

  • The State Opening was the Queen's first major public engagement since the death of her husband, the Duke of Edinburgh

  • Some ceremonial aspects of the event were pared back this year due to coronavirus restrictions

Live Reporting

Edited by Johanna Howitt

  1. Analysis

    What can we expect in the Queen's Speech?

    Iain Watson
    Political correspondent

    Boris Johnson claims that his new legislative programme will add "rocket boosters" to his government’s pledge to spread opportunity more evenly across the UK.

    One bill – to be introduced as soon as next week – will include a flexible loan scheme allowing anyone over 16 in England to fund up to four years study on full or part time courses at university or college over their lifetime.

    There will also be new planning laws aimed at increasing the supply and affordability of housing and the controversial Police Crime Sentencing and Courts Bill will be re-introduced.

    Plans for adult social care will be mentioned – but possibly without the detail campaigners have been hoping for.

  2. PM heads for Parliament

    Prime Minster Boris Johnson left Downing Street a short moment ago for the State Opening of Parliament.

    He appeared to be carrying a copy of the Queen's Speech

    Prime Minster Boris Johnson left Downing Street a short moment ago for the State Opening of Parliament.Reuters

  3. Good morning

    The Queen will not be wearing ceremonial dress for today's eventReuters

    Things will look a little different to previous events due to coronavirus

    Hello and welcome to our live coverage of the State Opening of Parliament.

    The Queen's Speech is the official opening of the next session of Parliament.

    The Queen will be in Westminster in an hour or so to formally deliver the government's priorities for the year ahead.

    We'll bring you all the events with analysis from our political correspondents and the BBC Reality Check team

    Do stay with us.