Queen's Speech 'addresses cost of living pressures' says Ledbury MP Bill Wiggin

The speech, which sets out the laws the Government wants to get through Parliament in the coming year, took place during the State Opening of Parliament this week.

This year’s speech was notable because for the first time since 1963, the Queen was not in attendance. Instead, the address was given by Prince Charles.

A total of 38 new bills were set out including the Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill, which aims to ensure “all parts of the country share equally in our nation’s success”, and the Social Housing Regulation Bill, which promises to improve social housing for tenants.

Other bills are focussed on improving the UK economy post-Brexit, delivering a cheaper energy network and implementing new trade agreements.

Sir Bill Wiggin has backed the Queen's Speech

Among the more controversial bills is the Public Order Bill, which will give the police greater powers to stop and search, and to break up protests, with “interfering with key national infrastructure” becoming a specific offence.

Welcoming the speech, Sir Bill said: “It is the central mission of this Conservative Government to deliver on the priorities of the British people – providing the framework for the economy to prosper, supporting families with the cost of living.

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“That is why I was pleased to see this new agenda, showing how we will strengthen our economy, regenerate towns and cities, support people into high-skill and well-paid work, seize Brexit freedoms to deliver for British businesses and cut red tape within our public services to deliver value for money for taxpayers.

“This Queen’s Speech addresses costs of living pressures and goes further to support long-term growth in our economy, increases safety across communities and spreads opportunity across the UK.”