Summary

  • The PM and Labour leader Keir Starmer are debating the government's agenda

  • Prince Charles earlier delivered the Queen's Speech in Parliament, setting out the government's agenda for the coming year

  • He said the government's priority "is to grow and strengthen the economy and help ease the cost of living for families”

  • But Labour says Boris Johnson's administration is not up to the challenge as inflation soars and families struggle

  • In all, 38 bills and draft bills have been announced as Johnson seeks a reboot after disappointing local election results

  • Bills include measures to tackle empty high street premises and address the levelling up agenda

  • There are also proposals to remove EU laws and a public order bill to clamp down on disruptive protests

Live Reporting

Edited by Brian Wheeler

  1. What is the Queen’s Speech?

    Queen Elizabeth II accompanied by the Prince of WalesPA Media

    The Queen’s Speech is part of the ceremony that marks the start of the parliamentary year, known as the State Opening of Parliament.

    As the name implies, the Queen - as head of state - makes a speech to MPs and peers in the House of Lords, the upper chamber of Parliament.

    However it is ministers - rather than the Queen - who write the speech, which sets out the agenda of the government and the laws that it wants to introduce.

    Above all, the speech provides the government with an opportunity to highlight its priorities for the months ahead.

    Famous for its pomp and pageantry, the ceremony usually begins with a procession in which the Queen travels from Buckingham Palace to Westminster by carriage.

    But this year Buckingham Palace has confirmed Prince Charles will deliver the speech instead of the Queen, who has pulled out with mobility problems.

  2. Good morning

    Queen Elizabeth II accompanied by the Prince of WalesPA Media

    Hello and welcome to our coverage of the State Opening of Parliament and the Queen’s Speech.

    The event marks the formal start of the parliamentary year and the Queen's Speech sets out the government's legislative agenda for the coming session.

    Prince Charles will deliver the address to Parliament at 11:30 BST, after the Queen pulled out with mobility problems.

    The speech is expected to feature pledges to cut the cost of living and boost economic growth, and will be followed by a statement from Prime Minister Boris Johnson and a debate in Parliament.

    We’ll bring you news, reaction, and analysis from our team in Westminster as events unfold.