Queen Elizabeth presents government programme

Queen Elizabeth has set out the British government’s programme for the year ahead. She has officially opened parliament and carried out the traditional duty of reading out a speech on behalf of the government. Anti-terrorism, immigration, housing and Europe are some of the big policy areas.

The Queen said: “My government will seek a consensus on changes to the law on terrorism so that the police and other agencies have the powers they need to protect the public while preserving essential rights and liberties. My goverment will continue to work to build a prosperous and secure European Union better able to respond to the challenges of Globalization. Legislation will be brought foward to enable parliament to aprove the European Union Reform Treaty.” Observers say Prime Minister Gordon Brown is seeking to reverse a slide in the polls for his Labour Party.

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