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#Brexit bills are dominant in Queen’s Speech

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Queen Elizabeth II delivered the Queen’s Speech today (21 June) at the State Opening of Parliament. The speech covered a two-year period instead of one. The topics that dominated were Brexit and Britain’s future outside of the European Union, writes Denitsa Tsekova.

The event was less ceremonial than usual because of the short notice. The Queen was accompanied by the Prince of Wales, as the Duke of Edinburgh was admitted to hospital on Tuesday (20 June). This occasion marks the beginning of the Parliamentary year.

The speech highlighted that there will be 24 bills, eight of which are about Brexit and its consequences. This includes the Great Repeal Bill to overturn the 1972 Act and convert current EU law in UK law. This act is in power from the moment the UK entered the European Economic Community.

The Queen said: “My government's priority is to secure the best possible deal as the country leaves the European Union.”

Other bills will include the Armed Forces Bill and International Sanctions Bill. The Queen also reviewed a counter-terrorism strategy and is to launch a full public inquiry into the Grenfell Tower Fire.

“In the light of the terrorist attacks in Manchester and London, my government’s counter-terrorism strategy will be reviewed to ensure that the police and security services have all the powers they need, and that the length of custodial sentences for terrorism-related offences are sufficient to keep the population safe,” the Queen said.

The Queen contradicted the Conservative's proposal to consult on opening new selective schools, by saying: “My government will continue to work to ensure that every child has the opportunity to attend a good school and that all schools are fairly funded. My ministers will work to ensure people have the skills they need for the high-skilled, high-wage jobs of the future, including through a major reform of technical education.”

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The Queen introduces the Data Protection Bill, which will “require major social media platforms to delete information held about them at the age of 18". It would also give more power to the police and the judiciary to exchange information with UK’s international partners in the fight against terrorism.

MPs will begin debating the Queen's Speech in the afternoon of 21 June.

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