This article is from the source 'guardian' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.theguardian.com/politics/blog/2015/may/27/queens-speech-what-it-means-analysis

The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Queen's speech: what Her Majesty said and what it means Queen's speech: what Her Majesty said and what it means
(about 1 hour later)
My Lords and members of the House of Commons,My Lords and members of the House of Commons,
My government will legislate in the interests of everyone in our country. It will adopt a one-nation approach, helping working people get on, supporting aspiration, giving new opportunities to the most disadvantaged and bringing different parts of our country together.My government will legislate in the interests of everyone in our country. It will adopt a one-nation approach, helping working people get on, supporting aspiration, giving new opportunities to the most disadvantaged and bringing different parts of our country together.
Analysis: Here’s the key marketing message; this is a “one-nation” government, David Cameron is saying, through the mouth of the Queen. But, given that he spent the election campaign suggesting that 5 million of her subjects should have no say in lawmaking if they voted for the wrong party, Her Majesty may feel this is a bit rich. Critics would say that the one nation is actually England, given that is where the vast majority of Conservative MPs come from. Analysis: Here’s the key marketing message; this is a “one-nation” government, David Cameron is saying, through the mouth of the Queen. But, given that he spent the election campaign suggesting that five million of her subjects should have no say in lawmaking if they voted for the wrong party, Her Majesty may feel this is a bit rich. Critics would say that the one nation is actually England, given that that is where the vast majority of Conservative MPs come from.
My government will continue with its long-term plan to provide economic stability and security at every stage of life.My government will continue with its long-term plan to provide economic stability and security at every stage of life.
Analysis: It is always interesting to see how much party propaganda the government can cram into the Queen’s speech. Presumably, Cameron drew the line at forcing her to parrot the phrase “long-term economic plan”, but three-quarters of the slogan has survived.Analysis: It is always interesting to see how much party propaganda the government can cram into the Queen’s speech. Presumably, Cameron drew the line at forcing her to parrot the phrase “long-term economic plan”, but three-quarters of the slogan has survived.
They will continue the work of bringing the public finances under control and reducing the deficit, so Britain lives within its means. Measures will be introduced to raise the productive potential economy and increase living standards.They will continue the work of bringing the public finances under control and reducing the deficit, so Britain lives within its means. Measures will be introduced to raise the productive potential economy and increase living standards.
Related: Queen's speech 2015: Cameron's plan to axe Human Rights Act delayed - Politics liveRelated: Queen's speech 2015: Cameron's plan to axe Human Rights Act delayed - Politics live
Legislation will be brought forward to help achieve full employment and provide people with the security of a job. New duties will require my ministers to report annually on job creation and apprenticeships.Legislation will be brought forward to help achieve full employment and provide people with the security of a job. New duties will require my ministers to report annually on job creation and apprenticeships.
Analysis: This is a reference to the full employment and welfare benefits bill, which, despite the title, seems to be devoted to lowering the benefits cap (the total a non-working family can receive in benefits) from £26,000 to £23,000 a year and freezing most working-age benefits for two years from 2016-17. But ministers will also have to present annual reports to parliament on the progress they are making towards achieving the highest employment in the G7 and creating 3m more apprenticeships.Analysis: This is a reference to the full employment and welfare benefits bill, which, despite the title, seems to be devoted to lowering the benefits cap (the total a non-working family can receive in benefits) from £26,000 to £23,000 a year and freezing most working-age benefits for two years from 2016-17. But ministers will also have to present annual reports to parliament on the progress they are making towards achieving the highest employment in the G7 and creating 3m more apprenticeships.
Measures will also be introduced to reduce regulation on small businesses so they can create jobs.Measures will also be introduced to reduce regulation on small businesses so they can create jobs.
Analysis: This is a reference to the enterprise bill that Sajid Javid, the business secretary, has already announced, intended to cut red tap by at least £10bn. Analysis: This is a reference to the enterprise bill that Sajid Javid, the business secretary, has already announced, intended to cut red tape to save at least £10bn.
Legislation will be brought forward to ensure people working 30 hours a week on the national minimum wage do not pay income tax, and to ensure there are no rises in income tax rates, value added tax or national insurance for the next five years. Legislation will be brought forward to ensure people working 30 hours a week on the national minimum wage do not pay income tax, and to ensure there are no rises in income tax rates, value-added tax or national insurance for the next five years.
Analysis: Taking people working 30 hours a week out of the minimum wage was one of the Conservatives’ key manifesto promises, although it is not just a measure that will help low earners. It is also an anti-fiscal drag law that could benefit high earners. The tax lock commitment, to prevent rises in income tax, VAT and national insurance, is Cameron’s equivalent of the “Ed Stone” - a legislative proposal, derided as a gimmick by many, intended to ensure that the government will keep its promises. The Financial Times said it was the silliest proposal of the campaign.Analysis: Taking people working 30 hours a week out of the minimum wage was one of the Conservatives’ key manifesto promises, although it is not just a measure that will help low earners. It is also an anti-fiscal drag law that could benefit high earners. The tax lock commitment, to prevent rises in income tax, VAT and national insurance, is Cameron’s equivalent of the “Ed Stone” - a legislative proposal, derided as a gimmick by many, intended to ensure that the government will keep its promises. The Financial Times said it was the silliest proposal of the campaign.
Measures will be brought forward to help working people by greatly increasing the provision of free childcare.Measures will be brought forward to help working people by greatly increasing the provision of free childcare.
Analysis: These plans will be in the childcare bill giving parents free childcare for three - and four-year-olds for 30 hours a week, 38 weeks a year. Interestingly, Yvette Cooper, one of the Labour leadership contenders, is saying Labour should leapfrog the government on this issue and offer parents more.Analysis: These plans will be in the childcare bill giving parents free childcare for three - and four-year-olds for 30 hours a week, 38 weeks a year. Interestingly, Yvette Cooper, one of the Labour leadership contenders, is saying Labour should leapfrog the government on this issue and offer parents more.
Legislation will be introduced to support home ownership and give housing association tenants the chance to own their own home.Legislation will be introduced to support home ownership and give housing association tenants the chance to own their own home.
Analysis: This is a reference to the housing bill, which will make it easier for housing association tenants to buy their own home. Housing experts have been very critical.Analysis: This is a reference to the housing bill, which will make it easier for housing association tenants to buy their own home. Housing experts have been very critical.
Measures will be introduced to increase energy security and to control immigration.Measures will be introduced to increase energy security and to control immigration.
Analysis: It is interesting that immigration, which was such a key issue during the election, gets such a brief mention. Perhaps Cameron, who explained his immigration plans in a speech last week, is being sensitive in the light of the fact that the Queen herself married an immigrant. The proposed energy bill will beef up the powers of the Oil and Gas Authority. Analysis: It is interesting that immigration, which was such a key issue during the election, gets such a brief mention. Perhaps Cameron, who explained his immigration plans in a speech last week, is being sensitive in light of the fact that the Queen herself married an immigrant. The proposed energy bill will beef up the powers of the Oil and Gas Authority.
My government will bring forward legislation to reform trade unions and to protect essential public services against strikes.My government will bring forward legislation to reform trade unions and to protect essential public services against strikes.
Analysis: The trade unions bill will be one of the most controversial in this session of parliament. As well as introducing a 50% turnout threshold for strike ballots and an even stricter one for strike votes in essential services, it will force union members to opt into political funds, instead of allowing them to be run on an opt-out basis. The TUC says the plans would effectively outlaw most strikes.Analysis: The trade unions bill will be one of the most controversial in this session of parliament. As well as introducing a 50% turnout threshold for strike ballots and an even stricter one for strike votes in essential services, it will force union members to opt into political funds, instead of allowing them to be run on an opt-out basis. The TUC says the plans would effectively outlaw most strikes.
To give new opportunities to the most disadvantaged, my government will expand the troubled-families programme and continue to reform welfare, with legislation encouraging employment by capping benefits and requiring young people to earn or learn.To give new opportunities to the most disadvantaged, my government will expand the troubled-families programme and continue to reform welfare, with legislation encouraging employment by capping benefits and requiring young people to earn or learn.
Analysis: Unemployed 18- to 21-year-olds will have to claim a youth allowance under the full employment and welfare benefits bill, with strict conditionality. After six months, they will have to start an apprenticeship or training to continue to receive money. The government claims the troubled-families programme has been a great success, but experts disagree; read this, from Jonathan Portes. Analysis: Unemployed 18- to 21-year-olds will have to claim a youth allowance under the full employment and welfare benefits bill, with strict conditions. After six months they will have to start an apprenticeship or training to continue to receive money. The government claims the troubled-families programme has been a great success, but experts disagree; read this, from Jonathan Portes.
Legislation will be brought forward to improve schools and give every child the best start in life, with new powers to take over failing and coasting schools and create more academies.Legislation will be brought forward to improve schools and give every child the best start in life, with new powers to take over failing and coasting schools and create more academies.
Related: Cameron's one-nation programme laid out at Queen's speechRelated: Cameron's one-nation programme laid out at Queen's speech
Analysis: An education and adoption bill will continue the expansion of academies.Analysis: An education and adoption bill will continue the expansion of academies.
In England, my government will secure the future of the National Health Service by implementing the National Health Service’s own five-year plan, by increasing the health budget, integrating healthcare and social care, and ensuring the National Health Service works on a seven-day basis. Measures will be introduced to improve access to general practitioners and to mental healthcare.In England, my government will secure the future of the National Health Service by implementing the National Health Service’s own five-year plan, by increasing the health budget, integrating healthcare and social care, and ensuring the National Health Service works on a seven-day basis. Measures will be introduced to improve access to general practitioners and to mental healthcare.
Analysis: This is a reference to the plan drawn up by Simon Stevens, NHS England chief executive. Cameron unveiled his plans to make the NHS fully operational seven days a week in his first big speech after the election. Experts have said this will be harder than he thinks. Analysis: This is a reference to the plan drawn up by Simon Stevens, the NHS England chief executive. Cameron unveiled his plans to make the NHS fully operational seven days a week in his first big speech after the election. Experts have said this will be harder than he thinks.
Measures will also be brought forward to secure the real value of the basic state pension, so that more people live in dignity and security in retirement. Measures will be brought forward to increase the rights of victims of crime.Measures will also be brought forward to secure the real value of the basic state pension, so that more people live in dignity and security in retirement. Measures will be brought forward to increase the rights of victims of crime.
Analysis: These pension plans were developed by the coalition in the last parliament.Analysis: These pension plans were developed by the coalition in the last parliament.
To bring different parts of our country together, my government will work to bring about a balanced economic recovery. Legislation will be introduced to provide for the devolution of powers to cities with elected metro mayors, helping to build a northern powerhouse.To bring different parts of our country together, my government will work to bring about a balanced economic recovery. Legislation will be introduced to provide for the devolution of powers to cities with elected metro mayors, helping to build a northern powerhouse.
Analysis: The northern powerhouse is George Osborne’s priority. Interestingly, it is being presented as another measure that will bring the country together.Analysis: The northern powerhouse is George Osborne’s priority. Interestingly, it is being presented as another measure that will bring the country together.
My government will continue to legislate for high-speed rail links between the different parts of the country.My government will continue to legislate for high-speed rail links between the different parts of the country.
Analysis: This is a reminder that the HS2 legislation has still not gone through parliament. The bill has been carried over from the last parliament. We are still not entirely sure that HS2 will ever happen, and it is conceivable that a new Labour leader could turn the party against it.Analysis: This is a reminder that the HS2 legislation has still not gone through parliament. The bill has been carried over from the last parliament. We are still not entirely sure that HS2 will ever happen, and it is conceivable that a new Labour leader could turn the party against it.
My government will bring forward legislation to secure a strong and lasting constitutional settlement, devolving wide-ranging powers to Scotland and Wales. Legislation will be taken forward giving effect to the Stormont House agreement in Northern Ireland.My government will bring forward legislation to secure a strong and lasting constitutional settlement, devolving wide-ranging powers to Scotland and Wales. Legislation will be taken forward giving effect to the Stormont House agreement in Northern Ireland.
My government will continue to work in cooperation with the devolved administrations on the basis of mutual respect.My government will continue to work in cooperation with the devolved administrations on the basis of mutual respect.
Analysis: The Wales bill and the Northern Ireland bill will attract little attention at Westminster, but the SNP wants to amend the Scotland bill, which will introduce the devolution measures set out in the Smith commission, to give Holyrood even more new powers.Analysis: The Wales bill and the Northern Ireland bill will attract little attention at Westminster, but the SNP wants to amend the Scotland bill, which will introduce the devolution measures set out in the Smith commission, to give Holyrood even more new powers.
My government will bring forward changes to the standing orders of the House of Commons. These changes will create fairer procedures to ensure that decisions affecting England, or England and Wales, can be taken only with the consent of the majority of members of parliament representing constituencies in those parts of our United Kingdom.My government will bring forward changes to the standing orders of the House of Commons. These changes will create fairer procedures to ensure that decisions affecting England, or England and Wales, can be taken only with the consent of the majority of members of parliament representing constituencies in those parts of our United Kingdom.
Analysis: This is a reference to the “English votes for English laws” (Evel) plans set out by the Conservatives before the election.Analysis: This is a reference to the “English votes for English laws” (Evel) plans set out by the Conservatives before the election.
My government will renegotiate the United Kingdom’s relationship with the European Union and pursue reform of the European Union for the benefit of all member states. Alongside this, early legislation will be introduced to provide for an in/out referendum on membership of the European Union before the end of 2017.My government will renegotiate the United Kingdom’s relationship with the European Union and pursue reform of the European Union for the benefit of all member states. Alongside this, early legislation will be introduced to provide for an in/out referendum on membership of the European Union before the end of 2017.
Analysis: After years of talk, parliament is finally passing legislation for an in/out referendum. This is, without doubt, the defining bill of the session.Analysis: After years of talk, parliament is finally passing legislation for an in/out referendum. This is, without doubt, the defining bill of the session.
Measures will also be brought forward to promote social cohesion and protect people by tackling extremism. New legislation will modernise the law on communications data, improve the law on policing and criminal justice, and ban the new generation of psychoactive drugs.Measures will also be brought forward to promote social cohesion and protect people by tackling extremism. New legislation will modernise the law on communications data, improve the law on policing and criminal justice, and ban the new generation of psychoactive drugs.
Analysis: The home affairs correspondents will be busy but, then again, they always are; no department produces as many laws as the Home Office. My colleague Alan Travis summarised them earlier. (See 9.51am.) Analysis: The home affairs correspondents will be busy but, then again, they always are; no department produces as many laws as the Home Office. My colleague Alan Travis summarised them here.)
My government will bring forward proposals for a British bill of rights.My government will bring forward proposals for a British bill of rights.
Analysis: The key word here is “proposals”. Elsewhere in the speech the Queen talks about “measures” (ie laws), but now it sounds as if all we’re going to get is a consultation document.Analysis: The key word here is “proposals”. Elsewhere in the speech the Queen talks about “measures” (ie laws), but now it sounds as if all we’re going to get is a consultation document.
Members of the House of Commons, estimates for the public services will be laid before you.Members of the House of Commons, estimates for the public services will be laid before you.
Analysis: This is phrased like this because the House of Lords does not deal with budgetary matters.Analysis: This is phrased like this because the House of Lords does not deal with budgetary matters.
My Lords and members of the House of Commons, my government will continue to play a leading role in global affairs, using its presence all over the world to re-engage with and tackle the major international security, economic and humanitarian challenges.My Lords and members of the House of Commons, my government will continue to play a leading role in global affairs, using its presence all over the world to re-engage with and tackle the major international security, economic and humanitarian challenges.
My ministers will remain at the forefront of the Nato alliance and of international efforts to degrade and ultimately defeat terrorism in the Middle East.My ministers will remain at the forefront of the Nato alliance and of international efforts to degrade and ultimately defeat terrorism in the Middle East.
Related: Queen's speech: your guide to all the parliamentary pomp and pageantryRelated: Queen's speech: your guide to all the parliamentary pomp and pageantry
The United Kingdom will continue to seek a political settlement in Syria and will offer further support to the Iraqi government’s programme for political reform and national reconciliation.The United Kingdom will continue to seek a political settlement in Syria and will offer further support to the Iraqi government’s programme for political reform and national reconciliation.
My government will maintain pressure on Russia to respect the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine, and will insist on the full implementation of the Minsk agreements.My government will maintain pressure on Russia to respect the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine, and will insist on the full implementation of the Minsk agreements.
My government looks forward to an enhanced partnership with India and China.My government looks forward to an enhanced partnership with India and China.
Analysis: Towards the end of the speech the Queen summarises foreign affairs matters. Essentially, she is just saying it is business as usual.Analysis: Towards the end of the speech the Queen summarises foreign affairs matters. Essentially, she is just saying it is business as usual.
Prince Philip and I look forward to our state visit to Germany next month and to our state visit to Malta in November, alongside the Commonwealth heads of government meeting. We also look forward to welcoming His Excellency the president of the People’s Republic of China and Madame Peng on a state visit in October.Prince Philip and I look forward to our state visit to Germany next month and to our state visit to Malta in November, alongside the Commonwealth heads of government meeting. We also look forward to welcoming His Excellency the president of the People’s Republic of China and Madame Peng on a state visit in October.
My government will seek effective global collaboration to sustain economic recovery and to combat climate change, including at the climate change conference in Paris later this year.My government will seek effective global collaboration to sustain economic recovery and to combat climate change, including at the climate change conference in Paris later this year.
My government will undertake a full strategic defence and security review and do whatever is necessary to ensure that our courageous armed forces can keep Britain safe [armed forces bill].My government will undertake a full strategic defence and security review and do whatever is necessary to ensure that our courageous armed forces can keep Britain safe [armed forces bill].
My government will work to reduce the threat from nuclear weapons, cyber attacks and terrorism. Other measures will be laid before you. My government will work to reduce the threat from nuclear weapons, cyber-attacks and terrorism. Other measures will be laid before you.
My Lords and Members of the House of Commons, I pray that the blessing of Almighty God may rest upon your counsels.My Lords and Members of the House of Commons, I pray that the blessing of Almighty God may rest upon your counsels.
Analysis: The Queen ended with a roundup of her travel plans and a reference to defence, where the government has still not committed to keeping defence spending at 2% of GDP. The “other measures” is a reference to the fact that the Queen’s speech is just provisional. See 8.57am. Analysis: The Queen ended with a roundup of her travel plans and a reference to defence, where the government has still not committed to keeping spending at 2% of GDP. The “other measures” is a reference to the fact that the Queen’s speech is just provisional.