17 May 2005
The official State Opening of Parliament has taken place today.
At the centre of the event was the Queen’s Speech, which set out the Government’s policies and proposed legislative programme for the new parliamentary session.
Watch the broadcast or read the transcript
- Java player (opens in new window)
- Windows Media Player (opens in new window)
- Real player (opens in new window)
- Read a transcript of the Queen’s Speech
What happens next?
Following the State Opening, the Government’s programme is debated by both Houses.
In the Commons the first motion is that the House send an address to the Queen thanking her for the speech.
The subsequent debate, which lasts several days, is a chance for MPs to speak on any matter of Government policy.
What’s in the Queens Speech?
Although the speech is delivered by the Queen, the content of the speech is entirely drawn up by the Government and approved by the Cabinet.
It contains an outline of the Government’s policies and proposed legislative programme for the new parliamentary session.
The speech is given in the presence of members of both Houses, the Commons being summoned to hear the speech by an official known as ‘Black Rod’.
Background to Queen’s Speech
The State Opening of Parliament takes place when Parliament reassembles after a general election, and then each subsequent year.
The Queen drives in state from Buckingham Palace to Westminster. The Imperial State Crown, the Sword of State and the Cap of Maintenance are transported to London by coach ahead of her.
Only the monarch can call a Parliament together and no business can take place until the Queen reads her speech.
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