THE Queen will carry out her annual speech to the House of Lords tomorrow, as she outlines the political agenda of the Government.
But when is the Queen’s speech and how will it be affected by Covid-19 restrictions? Here is everything you need to know.
When is the Queen’s speech?
The Queen is to make her annual speech on Tuesday May 11, where she will outline the political agenda of the Government.
It is the centrepiece of the ceremony marking the official opening of Parliament, for another parliamentary year.
As is tradition, the reigning monarch will deliver the speech from the House of Lords.
The key elements of her speech is expected to take place between 11am and 12:30 pm and normally lasts about 10 minutes.
Poignantly, tomorrow will be Her Majesty’s first official appearance in public in her role as head of state, and first engagement outside of Windsor Castle, since Prince Phillip, the Duke of Edinburgh, died.
What is the Queen expected to say?
The Queen’s speech, which is written for her by government ministers, is expected to announce more than 25 separate bills and pieces of legislation, according to reports.
These will include a number from the current parliamentary session that the government has confirmed will be carried over.
As reported by the BBC, this includes the much-delayed Environmental Bill on post-Brexit rules for protecting nature, and the controversial Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill, which sparked protests when it was debated by MPs earlier this year.
Bills announced in the 2019 Queen’s Speech but not yet introduced, such as the Employment Bill on new workers’ rights, could also be included.
Among other key rumoured bill is the adult social care bill, which is expected to reiterate its longstanding pledge to reform how adult social care in England is funded.
Furthermore, the Queen is expected to announce further policies regarding asylum seekers and legislation regarding the ‘hotly contested’ overhaul of the planning system in England.
Will the Queens speech be affected by Covid?
The usual and pomp and ceremony associated with the prestigious event will be scaled back due to Covid-19 restrictions.
Reports suggest only 74 people in total will be allowed in the main Lords chamber, with a further 34 MPs and peers watching from the Royal Gallery.
Everyone in attendance will have to test negative for Covid beforehand and wear a mask.
A spokesperson for No 10 said: “While we are still in the middle of a pandemic this Queen’s Speech will look quite different.
“But, it is important that we take forward our plans and deliver policies to improve the lives of people across the country through a new parliamentary session.”
How can I watch the Queens speech?
The Queen’s Speech will be shown live on both BBC News and Sky News.
You can watch BBC News online via BBC iPlayer, and Sky News via its YouTube channel.
