The Queens Speeches keep coming thick and fast in the Houses of Parliament this year. But as is tradition, the Queen was once again on hand for the official opening of a new session of Parliament. It was a largely dressed-down affair after the first Christmas election in the United Kingdom since 1923.
Queen Elizabeth and Prince Charles were in attendance for the event, before the Queen read out what her government will do over the duration of their stay in office. The two royals sat at the front of the chambers where both Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Labour party leader, Jeremy Corbyn sat on listening in front of her majesty.
Royal News: Dressed Down Event
This is already the second opening of Parliament that the Queen has had to attend since Johnson has been PM, and he has only been in that position for less than four months. This opening wasn’t as glamorous or royal as the previous opening as there were no shining diamonds on her majesty’s person and the Queen also swapped the horse-drawn carriage for a Bentley.
However, this was a very different opening of Parliament compared to the one that was just two months ago. Back then, Johnson outlined plans that he hoped to get over the line into law, but none of which ever looked likely. The pathway to passing these laws is now much simpler considering the massive majority that he enjoyed in the recent election. That means most of what the Queen read out as plans, will likely become law before too long.
Royal News: What Was Said
After all members of Parliament were in attendance, the Queen began with her speech. The biggest issue that has centred British politics for the past four years was once again the first words that came out of her majesties mouth. She declared that the primary objective for the government was to ensure the safe passage of the United Kingdom out of the European Union.
Johnson, with his majority, will likely now put this into law, and the UK’s exit will be finalised for the 31st January on Friday. As well as this, the government has also pledged to put more money into the NHS, and introduce an Australian-points style for immigration. There were also points made about housing, the education system, and it was revealed that there would be longer prison sentences for violent offenders such as terrorists and knife crime offenders.
