Reading from the throne in the House of Lords, Her Majesty delivered her speech, in what was her second since Boris Johnson became Prime Minister. In the speech, the Queen listed a raft of new proposals as Mr Johnson now has an 80-seat majority to vote through his policies.
Her Majesty opened her speech declaring that the Government will go forth to take the UK out of the EU.
She also stated: “My Government will embark on an ambitious programme of domestic reform which delivers on the people’s priorities.
“For the first time, the NHS’ multi-year funding settlement will be enshrined in law.”
Termed the NHS Funding Bill, the Queen revealed the £33.9billion per year budget for the NHS by 2023/24.
An additional £1billion for social care every year of the new Parliament will ensure people “dignity and security they deserve and that no-one who needs care has to sell their home to pay for it”.
In what she deemed as “modern and fair”, Her Majesty also spoke of the Government’s NHS visa.
She also said her Government would abolish hospital parking fees “those in greatest need”.
The Queen also reminded the public the “integrity” of the United Kingdom will be safeguarded.
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A review into the criminal justice system will also take place amid claims it is “crumbling”.
Moreover, she also revealed that certain environmental policies and targets will now be enshrined in law.
Her Majesty also insisted her Government will commit to NATO’s 2 percent requirement.
The Queen also said talks would take place on the dissolved Parliament in Northern Ireland.
She added: “My Government will work with international partners to work to global peace.”
The Government will also strengthen the response to “hostile states” in light of the 2018 Salisbury attack.
She also stated: “My ministers will promote the United Kingdom’s interests, including freedom of speech, human rights and the rule of law.
“My government will work closely with international partners to help solve the most complex international security issues and promote peace and security globally.
“It will stand firm against those who threaten the values of the United Kingdom, including by developing a sanctions regime to directly address human rights abuse, and working to ensure that all girls have access to 12 years of quality education.”
While concluding: “I pray that the blessing of Almighty God may rest upon your counsels.”
On the release of the extensive list of proposals, Councillor David Williams, chairman of the County Councils Network and leader of Hertfordshire County Council said: “Today’s confirmation of an uplift in NHS funding, alongside the additional £1bn per year for social care, is extremely welcome for our communities.
“However, the government must recognise that the health service and adult social care are two sides of the same coin; we support their aims for a consensus over funding and reform for care services and we urge ministers to begin these discussions as soon as possible.
“As the largest social care providers in the country, it is imperative that counties must be an integral part of these cross-party discussions.
“A fairer distribution of finance for councils, alongside additional funds, will go a long way to helping level up the left-behind areas in shire counties.”
