it is work in progress on the houses of parliament that is scaffolding everywhere but the business of politics goes on and in a short while, the queen will arrive here at the sovereign�*s entrance, ready to open a new session, ready to unveil a new programme of legislation by the government. there will be less of the glittering pageantry of recent years, because of the covid restrictions, but there will be plenty to see, trust me, at the state opening of parliament for 2021. good morning from the houses of parliament, from our room

overlooking the river thames, our home for the next couple of hours, as we mark the opening of a new parliamentary session. it's been a time of national crisis since the last state opening, back in december 2019, and the government's new programme will no doubt include measures to recover from the effects of the terrible pandemic. the queen will attend today's event, her first major event since the death of the duke of edinburgh. her majesty will be accompanied this morning by the prince of wales, but the usual display of ceremonial splendour will be more or less absent because of the current restrictions. the other big difference is that the number of mps and peers here today is rather limited. the queen's speech is being delivered just a few days after the extensive elections in scotland, wales and england, which gave new impetus to the debate on the constitutional future of the united kingdom. earlier this morning, the prime minister borisjohnson left number 10 for the houses of

parliament. will you be delivering on your promises _ will you be delivering on your promises today, _ will you be delivering on your promises today, prime - will you be delivering on your. promises today, prime minister? will you be delivering on your- promises today, prime minister? 1fulfill promises today, prime minister? will he be promises today, prime minister? he be answering his promises? we will find out. back in december 2019, he was celebrating his 80—strong majority and promising to "get brexit done". 17 months later, the uk has left the european union and the government's efforts have been unavoidably devoted to fighting the pandemic. in another part of london, here is the labour leader, sir keir starmer, who is attending his first state opening as leader of the opposition. all smiles. but he's spent the past few days dealing with the fall—out from labour's performance in the english elections. a little later. we'll see mrjohnson and sir keir making their way to the house of lords for the queen's speech, along with a select band of mps. far fewer farfewer in far fewer in number. talking of select bands, with me here in the river room

are representatives of the three biggest parties in the house of commons. gillian keegan is with us, the minister for gillian keegan is with us, the ministerfor apprenticeships gillian keegan is with us, the minister for apprenticeships and skills for the conservatives. welcome. joanna cherry making a return to this programme, thank you, but the scottish national party. the shadow leader of the house of commons for labour, just appointed yesterday, welcome to you. and the band would not be complete without the bbc�*s political editor laura kuenssberg. good to have real with us as ever, laura. before we speak to our guests in a few minutes' time, just for viewers who are wondering what to expect today, apart from this rather scaled back ceremonial, there is nothing scaled—back about the contents of the speech? nothing scaled-back about the contents of the speech? absolutely not. whilst the — contents of the speech? absolutely not. whilst the queen's _ contents of the speech? absolutely not. whilst the queen's speech - contents of the speech? absolutely not. whilst the queen's speech is l contents of the speech? absolutely not. whilst the queen's speech is a curious feature of how our political system works, it really matters because it is the opportunity that comes along every year also for the government of the data sake, here are the things that we are really

committed to doing. here is the menu of laws we going to trying to get through this place, parliament and here are the ways in which we promise to change the lives of voters. that all sounds rather grand and rather a big deal because it is. i think today what we will see as the government coming forward, not just trying to keep the promises they made in their election manifesto in 2019 but also trying to add in a sense of pushing forward after the real health and economic emergency we have all lived through in the last 12 months. but my goodness, promises are much easier to make than to keep and i think a big politicalfeature to make than to keep and i think a big political feature towards the back end of today is how the government will go about keeping the commitments that they make. in just commitments that they make. in 'ust a sentence. — commitments that they make. in 'ust e senenee.t if— commitments that they make. in 'ust a sentence, if viewers i commitments that they make. in 'ust a sentence, if viewers are i commitments that they make. in just a sentence, if viewers are wondering| a sentence, if viewers are wondering what the main point of the speech is, what will be the main feature in legislative terms, what will it be? the government's jargon phrase,

levelling up. what it means is trying to make the country more equal, in terms of opportunity. but again, that is something that is very easy to say but the details of what i promised may really matter. we will pick up on that with guests injust a moment. what we will pick up on that with guests in just a moment. what a we will pick up on that with guests injust a moment. what a remarkable journey we have been on since the last opening. we need to ask about priorities, priorities for the government and other parties, too. i said that this will not be the all—out state ceremonial event we're used to, but it doesn't mean there's none of it on offer. it's more understated and socially distanced, as you'd expect, but some of the familiar elements are still with us. take the yeomen of the guard — the royal bodyguard founded by henry tudor after the battle of bosworth in 1485. they've been performing

their ceremonial search of the cellars of westminster — directly above the cellars where guy fawkes was discovered in 1605. if than usual, there are normally about a dozen but good to see them all the same. member of the parliamentary staff carrying the key to the cellars. we have the ensign and members of the yeomen of the guard following. they process through the great splendid place of the house of lords, dominated by the throne. at the southern end of the palace of westminster, we saw the sovereign's entrance a short while ago. this is where the queen will arrive within the hour, but there'll be no grand carriage procession this year.

it will be one of the royal cars bringing her majesty from buckingham palace to westminster. and inside the magnificent space of the house of lords, a rather different scene to previous years. there will be just 32 peers in ceremonial robes, sitting in strictly allocated places on the long red benches. the doors to the chamber opened at 10:15 but there's none of the usual rush to get a place. possibly the most striking change is this — a single throne under the golden canopy. there used to be a pair of thrones for the queen and her consort. this is where the queen will deliver the speech. the prince of wales and the duchess of cornwall will sit to one side on those state chairs. it's called the queen's speech but it's worth reminding everyone once again that the contents are entirely the government's. the usual arrangement is that the lord chancellor hands the speech to the sovereign,

but to minimise contact, the speech is already in place on the side table. so there is just the start of the scene setting for you. so despite the fact i said it was understated, as you would expect within the palace, there is plenty of colour and it is such a magnificent building inside, despite all the scaffolding outside. so we can still enjoy lots of the scenes as the state opening goes on. minister, can i start with you and say would you agree with laura that the whole point of this speech really, the main kind of thrust of it, is this concept of levelling up? for those viewers watching who is still quite don't know what to make of that, what is it? i don't know what to make of that, what is it? ., don't know what to make of that, what is it?— don't know what to make of that, what is it? ., , ., what is it? i would definitely agree that that has _ what is it? i would definitely agree that that has been _ what is it? i would definitely agree that that has been the _ what is it? i would definitely agree that that has been the key - what is it? i would definitely agree that that has been the key part - what is it? i would definitely agree that that has been the key part ofl that that has been the key part of our programme. we wanted to do that from the 2019 landslide but it was overtaken by the pandemic to stop levelling up effectively as this understanding, and i certainly

understanding, and i certainly understand this, that opportunity and talent are not equally matched in the country. talent is equally spread all over the country but the opportunity to go to a good school, to get the right skills, to get the skills that actually are required by today's employers is something we have not spent enough time and attention on. so it is called, as the secretary of state said, the other 50%, the 50% that don't go to university, making sure they are very good career routes into many different careers that are the careers of the future. that is the crux of that programme. so if you are sat like i was in a knowsley comprehensive school right now, you get the same opportunity as somebody who goes to a much better school or somebody who has perhaps got more network to parents or whatever. it is really about focusing on those people. but also adults. there are a lot of adults who have left our school system or further education system that have not got many

qualifications. all the qualifications. all the qualifications they have got are out of date, as things have changed in the workplace. so it is also about giving those adults another shot at education that is free and provided by the government and then for higher levels of education to have that loan system that easily can be accessed today for younger people to be freely accessed for everybody. so it is really revolutionising our technical education. the last part of it is bringing employers into the heart of the system, so that what you study when you leave is not a waste of time. it is something that will lead to a really brilliantjob, because that is another key part of it. if you put your faith because that is another key part of it. if you put yourfaith in because that is another key part of it. if you put your faith in the system, the system delivers for you. lots of rv was no doubt will think those are noble aims and they are possibly long overdue, some of those reforms. —— lots of our viewers will no doubt think. what is your attitude to those reforms and would you support them? attitude to those reforms and would you support them?— attitude to those reforms and would you support them? these reforms will be mainly targeted _

you support them? these reforms will be mainly targeted on _ you support them? these reforms will be mainly targeted on england - you support them? these reforms will be mainly targeted on england and - be mainly targeted on england and some _ be mainly targeted on england and some in_ be mainly targeted on england and some in england and wales because in scotland _ some in england and wales because in scotland we have devolved parliament and a devolved government. of course, — and a devolved government. of course, the snp have just had a historic— course, the snp have just had a historic fourth election win in a row in — historic fourth election win in a row in scotland, with the largest share _ row in scotland, with the largest share of— row in scotland, with the largest share of the vote we have ever received — share of the vote we have ever received at a scottish election. considerably higher than boris johnson — considerably higher than boris johnson received in his great landslide in december 2019. many— landslide in december 2019. many of— landslide in december 2019. many of the sort of measures gillian was talking — many of the sort of measures gillian was talking about other sort of measures— was talking about other sort of measures the snp have employed in scotland _ measures the snp have employed in scotland over the last 14 years, which _ scotland over the last 14 years, which is — scotland over the last 14 years, which is why our governments have been _ which is why our governments have been so _ which is why our governments have been so popular. but what i would say to _ been so popular. but what i would say to gillian and to her colleagues is that— say to gillian and to her colleagues is that inequality across the united kingdom _ is that inequality across the united kingdom has been exacerbated by the pandemic _ kingdom has been exacerbated by the pandemic. if you really want to tackle — pandemic. if you really want to tackle inequality, then you have to have an _ tackle inequality, then you have to have an investment led recovery, that looks — have an investment led recovery, that looks at the roots of inequality and also looks at the flaws _ inequality and also looks at the flaws in — inequality and also looks at the flaws in our tax system. we need a more _ flaws in our tax system. we need a more progressive tax system, such as

we have _ more progressive tax system, such as we have in— more progressive tax system, such as we have in scotland. we need to tack some _ we have in scotland. we need to tack some of— we have in scotland. we need to tack some of these big companies who are getting _ some of these big companies who are getting away with paying nothing and have made big profits on the back of the pandemic. also we need to look at things— the pandemic. also we need to look at things like saving people from the cliff— at things like saving people from the cliff edge of furlough stopping in september. giving more support to smaller— in september. giving more support to smaller businesses and be self employed and keeping the £20 universal credit uplift. these are the sort — universal credit uplift. these are the sort of— universal credit uplift. these are the sort of things the snp would like to— the sort of things the snp would like to see in the queen speech. let's _ like to see in the queen speech. let's talk— like to see in the queen speech. let's talk about equality and more action _ let's talk about equality and more action. .., ., let's talk about equality and more action. , ,., , let's talk about equality and more action. , ., let's talk about equality and more action. . ., ., action. good points from both of you and we will — action. good points from both of you and we will have _ action. good points from both of you and we will have some _ action. good points from both of you and we will have some time - action. good points from both of you and we will have some time to - action. good points from both of you and we will have some time to pick. and we will have some time to pick up and we will have some time to pick up on them. where will you be standing, where will labour be standing, where will labour be standing on this notion of what the government says there is a radical extension of opportunity for people to pursue education and to pursue degrees or other courses, vocational courses, well into adulthood? the labour courses, well into adulthood? the labour party _ courses, well into adulthood? the labour party is— courses, well into adulthood? the labour party is founded on the principles— labour party is founded on the principles of— labour party is founded on the principles of equality - labour party is founded on the principles of equality and - labour party is founded on the l principles of equality and giving everyone — principles of equality and giving everyone an _ principles of equality and giving everyone an opportunity - principles of equality and giving everyone an opportunity to - principles of equality and giving | everyone an opportunity to fulfil their— everyone an opportunity to fulfil their talents _ everyone an opportunity to fulfil their talents and _ everyone an opportunity to fulfil their talents and contribute - everyone an opportunity to fulfil their talents and contribute to l their talents and contribute to their— their talents and contribute to

their communities. _ their talents and contribute to their communities. for- their talents and contribute to their communities. forthat. their talents and contribute to - their communities. for that equality to be _ their communities. for that equality to be meaningful, _ their communities. for that equality to be meaningful, it— their communities. for that equality to be meaningful, it has— their communities. for that equality to be meaningful, it has to - their communities. for that equality to be meaningful, it has to be - to be meaningful, it has to be started — to be meaningful, it has to be started with _ to be meaningful, it has to be started with investment - to be meaningful, it has to be started with investment in- to be meaningful, it has to be i started with investment in early years _ started with investment in early years the _ started with investment in early years. the last— started with investment in early years. the last labour- started with investment in early. years. the last labour government invested _ years. the last labour government invested in— years. the last labour government invested in sure _ years. the last labour government invested in sure start— years. the last labour government invested in sure start and - invested in sure start and children's— invested in sure start and children's centres- invested in sure start and children's centres which i children's centres which unfortunately _ children's centres which unfortunately over- children's centres which unfortunately over the i children's centres which i unfortunately over the last children's centres which - unfortunately over the last 11 children's centres which _ unfortunately over the last 11 years have sustained _ unfortunately over the last 11 years have sustained many— unfortunately over the last 11 years have sustained many cuts. - unfortunately over the last 11 years have sustained many cuts. that. unfortunately over the last 11 yearsl have sustained many cuts. that has undermined — have sustained many cuts. that has undermined some _ have sustained many cuts. that has undermined some of— have sustained many cuts. that has undermined some of the _ have sustained many cuts. that has undermined some of the language, | have sustained many cuts. that has - undermined some of the language, and i undermined some of the language, and i applaud _ undermined some of the language, and i applaud what — undermined some of the language, and i applaud what gillian _ undermined some of the language, and i applaud what gillian says _ undermined some of the language, and i applaud what gillian says about - i applaud what gillian says about giving _ i applaud what gillian says about giving opportunities _ i applaud what gillian says about giving opportunities to _ i applaud what gillian says about giving opportunities to people i i applaud what gillian says aboutl giving opportunities to people but we don't — giving opportunities to people but we don't start— giving opportunities to people but we don't start from _ giving opportunities to people but we don't start from where - giving opportunities to people but we don't start from where we - giving opportunities to people but i we don't start from where we should be starting — we don't start from where we should be starting it — we don't start from where we should be starting. 11 years _ we don't start from where we should be starting. 11 years of _ we don't start from where we should be starting. 11 years of successive i be starting. 11 years of successive cuts to _ be starting. 11 years of successive cuts to schools, _ be starting. 11 years of successive cuts to schools, colleges. - be starting. 11 years of successive cuts to schools, colleges. my - be starting. 11 years of successive l cuts to schools, colleges. my local further _ cuts to schools, colleges. my local further education _ cuts to schools, colleges. my local further education college - cuts to schools, colleges. my local further education college in - cuts to schools, colleges. my localj further education college in bristol saying _ further education college in bristol saying difference _ further education college in bristol saying difference are _ further education college in bristol saying difference are quite - saying difference are quite difficult _ saying difference are quite difficult and _ saying difference are quite difficult and intractable. if| saying difference are quite i difficult and intractable. if we saying difference are quite - difficult and intractable. if we are going _ difficult and intractable. if we are going to — difficult and intractable. if we are going to solve _ difficult and intractable. if we are going to solve the _ difficult and intractable. if we are going to solve the inequality- going to solve the inequality problem. _ going to solve the inequality problem. we _ going to solve the inequality problem, we need _ going to solve the inequality problem, we need to- going to solve the inequality. problem, we need to recognise going to solve the inequality- problem, we need to recognise some of the _ problem, we need to recognise some of the damage — problem, we need to recognise some of the damage that _ problem, we need to recognise some of the damage that has _ problem, we need to recognise some of the damage that has been - problem, we need to recognise some of the damage that has been done i of the damage that has been done over the _ of the damage that has been done over the last — of the damage that has been done over the last ten _ of the damage that has been done over the last ten years _ of the damage that has been done over the last ten years and - of the damage that has been done over the last ten years and think l over the last ten years and think about— over the last ten years and think about reinvesting _ over the last ten years and think about reinvesting in _ over the last ten years and think about reinvesting in those - over the last ten years and think about reinvesting in those earlyl about reinvesting in those early years _ about reinvesting in those early years centres, _ about reinvesting in those early years centres, in— about reinvesting in those early years centres, in children's - years centres, in children's centres. _ years centres, in children's centres. as— years centres, in children's centres, as well— years centres, in children's centres, as well as - years centres, in children's centres, as well as making| years centres, in children's - centres, as well as making sure our schools— centres, as well as making sure our schools are — centres, as well as making sure our schools are able _ centres, as well as making sure our schools are able to _ centres, as well as making sure our schools are able to do _ centres, as well as making sure our schools are able to do the - centres, as well as making sure our schools are able to do the job - centres, as well as making sure our schools are able to do the job that i schools are able to do the job that they are _ schools are able to do the job that they are very— schools are able to do the job that they are very skilled _ schools are able to do the job that they are very skilled at _ schools are able to do the job that they are very skilled at doing. - they are very skilled at doing. otherwise, _ they are very skilled at doing. otherwise, we _ they are very skilled at doing. otherwise, we then _ they are very skilled at doing. otherwise, we then get - they are very skilled at doing. otherwise, we then get to - they are very skilled at doing. j otherwise, we then get to 18, they are very skilled at doing. - otherwise, we then get to 18, 19, 20 with problems — otherwise, we then get to 18, 19, 20 with problems that _ otherwise, we then get to 18, 19, 20 with problems that could _ otherwise, we then get to 18, 19, 20 with problems that could have - otherwise, we then get to 18, 19, 20 with problems that could have beenl with problems that could have been fixed earlier~ — with problems that could have been fixed earlier.— fixed earlier. thank you for setting out some themes _ fixed earlier. thank you for setting out some themes which _ fixed earlier. thank you for setting out some themes which we - fixed earlier. thank you for setting out some themes which we can - fixed earlier. thank you for setting - out some themes which we can explore a little more as the programme goes on. maybe the best thing is to take

our bearings in the palace of westminster. it is sometimes difficult to know where we are in the palace when we see the events taking place. lots of refurbishment work is going on pretty much everywhere and the evidence is especially visible outside, where the queen elizabeth tower which houses big ben, has been shrouded in scaffolding for months. this entire refurbishment project estimated to cost at least £12 billion by the time it is completed. clearly it is a rather controversial plan because of the cost. but we are talking really about a unesco world heritage site, so those who are saying that the cost is very high but on a building like this, you have to spend their money. that is the heart of the debate for you. the queen will use the sovereign's entrance to enter the palace, at the base of the victoria tower

which houses the parliamentary archive. the royal staircase, there it is rather empty today, but it is normally lined by the household cavalry, sadly not with us today, maybe they are watching at home, and the queen will make her way to the robing room, directly opposite us now. past these busts are former prime ministers, members of the house of lords, and inside that robing room is where the imperial state crown will be placed on a cushion ready for the procession, her majesty not wearing the crown today. she's not wearing the parliamentary robes today. it is scaled back in all kinds of forms. and then the procession will lead through here. now, this is one of my favourite parts of the palace. it's the royal gallery, one of the royal sections of the palace of westminster and here you will have 17 peers and 17 lucky mps sitting on

either side with a great view of the procession. they have all been chosen by ballot. there was a bit of a competition for these places. at the far end of the royal gallery there is room called the prince's chamber and around the prince's chamber, you could spend hours on here looking at these remarkable portraits of the tudors, the wives of henry viii and elizabeth i and all kinds of tudors in there, and then the room itself is dominated by this enormous white marble statue of queen victoria. under the steely gaze of queen victoria, the procession will go into the chamber of the house of lords and then her majesty will deliver the speech from the throne which was built in 1847 byjohn webb to the design of augustus pugin. i mentioned a second throne, it was installed in 1901 for the consort, and it has now been placed in the care of the lord great

chamberlain, so it's in safe keeping. and the lord great chamberlain is the one who will give a signal to summon members of parliament from the other end of the palace of westminster. to come to listen to the speech. they will pass through the space at the heart of the palace, this is the central hub, if you like on the central lobby which connects the two chambers, the elected commons, the unelected lords, and my colleague is keeping an eye on things there. few, it's a very different _ things there. few, it's a very different atmosphere - things there. few, it's a very different atmosphere in - things there. few, it's a very i different atmosphere in central lobby this year, much more muted, much more low—key, few mps, no members of the public, but some things will stay the same. very shortly we will see the speakers procession passed by into the chamber of the house of commons and we will hear that familiar cry of "hats off strangers" although this year that will have a different ring to it because there are no strangers, members of the public. shortly after that, we will see black rod coming from the house of lords into the house of commons to

request that mps come to hear the cream. and, as is traditional, she will have the door slammed in her face, that is the traditional assertion of the independence of the house of commons. we have been speaking to the person who is responsible for shutting that door, the serjeant at arms ugbana oyet and the serjeant at arms ugbana oyet and the new lord speaker, lord mcfall. ijoined parliament in 2012 as the lead electrical engineer. in 2019, i became sergeant—at—arms at the house of commons. what most people are familiar with is the public role of the serjeant—at—arms, which is seen especially on large state ceremonial events. but behind the scenes, i'm working with black rod and the security department

to maintain security of the estate and also for maintaining order. i was a labour mp for 23 years before coming into the house of lords in 2010, and i am the newly elected speaker of the house of lords. i represent all members of the house of lords at the state opening and every member takes this visit of the queen very, very seriously. my role will be ceremonial but there are not many people who on their first day in a newjob have the opportunity to welcome her majesty the queen. so, it's a very welcome occasion for me. covid has had a huge impact on our work. this year, in state opening, we've had to mark, measure and check every location and every spot

to ensure we remain covid—secure throughout the proceedings. it will be a pared down situation here, with a limited number of members but the respect and the tradition for the state opening of parliament will continue. close the door! slamming the door really dates back to the civil war and it's about the independence of the house of commons from the monarch. black rod comes to the commons as the representative of the monarch and we slam the door to show they have no rights, they have no power and they have no authority here. one year, we forgot to take out the glass in the door and, of course, when black rod knocked on the door, the glass was smashed. so each year, we put a big note to remember to remove the glass!

the state opening has a very important place in the constitution and it reminds us of our tradition and our history. for me, it's really special. it's a great part of the role. it's a very big day for me personally, but also for the house itself and the country. well, i'm joined now here in central lobby by the liberal democrat mp for richmond park and also the party spokeswoman on transport and business, energy and industry strategy. sarah, you have attended a state opening of parliament before. this must feel very different this time? it this must feel very different this time? ., , this must feel very different this time? . , ., , ., . time? it really does have the nice thing about _ time? it really does have the nice thing about the _ time? it really does have the nice thing about the state _ time? it really does have the nice thing about the state opening - time? it really does have the nice thing about the state opening of| thing about the state opening of parliament is ritual, that sense of continuity but also togetherness when the commons in the lords come together so it does feel very different this year that we can't all be together but nevertheless very important it is still taking

place in the way it always has done. and i think, as much of a spectacle as always, and a sense of tradition is always even if it can't be quite the same. we is always even if it can't be quite the same-— is always even if it can't be quite the same. ~ . , ., the same. we have yet to give the s-eech the same. we have yet to give the speech but — the same. we have yet to give the speech but we _ the same. we have yet to give the speech but we have _ the same. we have yet to give the speech but we have some - the same. we have yet to give the speech but we have some sense i the same. we have yet to give the| speech but we have some sense of the same. we have yet to give the - speech but we have some sense of the priority is the government wants to put forward, the levelling up agenda, an increase in skills, a reform of the planning laws, what do you feel about the agenda? weill. you feel about the agenda? well, obviously we _ you feel about the agenda? well, obviously we welcome _ you feel about the agenda? well, obviously we welcome the - you feel about the agenda? -ii obviously we welcome the news on skills, something liberal democrats have been campaigning for for some time central to our 2090 manifesto, but i do think the planning white paper is going to meet a lot of resistance amongst communities of all sorts. it's very much taking planning controls and decisions away from local communities and that's absolutely not what people want. and i mean, borisjohnson spent last week talking about delivering other people's priorities and get what we see its plans to bring in voter id and the scrapping of the fixed—term parliaments act, absolutely not what i was hearing on the doorstep are

the people's priorities right now. i was going to ask you about the fixed—term parliaments act because that was brought in ten years ago when the lib dems were in coalition government. do you think that shouldn't be a priority? i government. do you think that shouldn't be a priority?- shouldn't be a priority? i don't think it should _ shouldn't be a priority? i don't think it should be _ shouldn't be a priority? i don't think it should be abolished i shouldn't be a priority? i don't think it should be abolished atj shouldn't be a priority? i don't - think it should be abolished at all, not a priority, i think it's really important that parliament has a say as to when general elections are called and it's notjust on the gift of the government or the prime minister to call it at a time convenient to them and i think it's absolutely a case of borisjohnson just wanted to bring more power back to the government and take it away from parliament and we resist that very much. from parliament and we resist that very much-— very much. sarah, thank you very much indeed. _ very much. sarah, thank you very much indeed. mp _ very much. sarah, thank you very much indeed. mp for _ very much. sarah, thank you very much indeed. mp for richmond i very much. sarah, thank you very - much indeed. mp for richmond park. with that, it's back to huw. reeta, thank you very much. we will be back with rito later on. just to give you a sense of timing is here, it's nowjust coming up up to five to 11 so we'll begin to see some of the elements of the ceremony we have today taking place. we've seen the yeoman of the guard and we will see the gentlemen at

arms, the royal bodyguard, and will see the imperial state crown being brought from buckingham palace to the palace of westminster is all about coming up in the next few minutes but before that we lead up to when her majesty will arrive. laura, we had quite a few themes from ourfriends here, just in laura, we had quite a few themes from our friends here, just in the opening statements. do you detect that this forthcoming session, given the government's very solid majority, is going to be anything as politically charged and controversial as the ones we have seenin controversial as the ones we have seen in the last few years? i think it's auoin seen in the last few years? i think it's going to _ seen in the last few years? i think it's going to be — seen in the last few years? i think it's going to be extremely - it's going to be extremely different, no question about that. the last time we sat here for the queen speech it was just after the general election, following an extraordinary period of angst and tension when the government majority was whittled away two prime ministers were ousted by disputes inside the conservative party, and this will be extremely different. the pandemic has put such a freeze

on any kind of business as usual round here. i don't think any of our guests or any politicians or any viewers have a sense of what a political atmosphere, when the government has a huge majority in this place, will feel like. and i think that really will change the terms of political debate, no question about that. but it's also fascinating and i think really important to remember that, while we will hearfrom ministers important to remember that, while we will hear from ministers today after her majesty's beach about the things i want to do, the problem is they want to fix, the political conjuring trick if you like the conservatives have been able to pull off in the last decade is that they have been in charge all through this tie but now we have a prime minister elected with a huge majority who basically presents his government as if it's a new broom. and it's all different and somehow none of the things which have happened in the last decade were down to their own party which is a really fascinating political tension here.— is a really fascinating political tension here. that's got to be a

challenge _ tension here. that's got to be a challenge for — tension here. that's got to be a challenge for the _ tension here. that's got to be a challenge for the opposition, i tension here. that's got to be a - challenge for the opposition, hasn't it? as laura is saying, if the government is able to present itself or a prime minister as a new broom, as a new government, even though the party has been in powerfor all that time, that is where the task is for labour to say hang on a second, you know, you must be drawn into that narrative. because we do have a party that's been in powerfor long time. if they want to do one of these very important thing is, they say they want to do today, they've had 11 years to do some of them, so isn't that the point? i had 11 years to do some of them, so isn't that the point?— isn't that the point? i think you heard that _ isn't that the point? i think you heard that from _ isn't that the point? i think you heard that from me _ isn't that the point? i think you heard that from me in - isn't that the point? i think you heard that from me in the - isn't that the point? i think you . heard that from me in the opening remarks _ heard that from me in the opening remarks earlier which is that i think— remarks earlier which is that i think it's _ remarks earlier which is that i think it's better to a government so they want— think it's better to a government so they want to level up equality when over the _ they want to level up equality when over the last 11 years i've done the exact— over the last 11 years i've done the exact opposite and it will be myjob as shadow— exact opposite and it will be myjob as shadow leader of the house and my colleagues _ as shadow leader of the house and my colleagues in the shadow cabinet to keep exposing that as constructively and as— keep exposing that as constructively and as often as possible but also to offer an— and as often as possible but also to offer an alternative and i think that's— offer an alternative and i think that's really important. an opposition opposes, that's a constitutional duty, the clue is in the name. — constitutional duty, the clue is in the name, but we also have to offer

a different _ the name, but we also have to offer a different vision which gives hope and aspiration to the british people _ and aspiration to the british people. it echoes what they want for their children and grandchildren. and we — their children and grandchildren. and we also show it is possible because — and we also show it is possible because the issue for any opposition is set _ because the issue for any opposition is set out _ because the issue for any opposition is set out that vision but also showed — is set out that vision but also showed credibly how you can achieve it. showed credibly how you can achieve it the _ showed credibly how you can achieve it. the government of course set the agenda _ it. the government of course set the agenda 0ur— it. the government of course set the agenda. ourjob is to expose the holes _ agenda. ourjob is to expose the holes in — agenda. ourjob is to expose the holes in that agenda.— agenda. ourjob is to expose the holes in that agenda. minister, do ou think, holes in that agenda. minister, do you think. you _ holes in that agenda. minister, do you think, you know, _ holes in that agenda. minister, do you think, you know, it's- holes in that agenda. minister, do you think, you know, it's a - holes in that agenda. minister, do you think, you know, it's a matterj you think, you know, it's a matter of trying to establish continuity or is there a great advantage in being able to say, well, you know, this is able to say, well, you know, this is a prime minister who did get his own huge majority last time and, in effect, as you want voters to look at it, it's a new start. you know, you are than open to the accusation that, as a party, not a prime minister, as a party you have not done some of the things which you could have done long before now. well, i think, could have done long before now. well, ithink, to could have done long before now. well, i think, to me it definitely feels _ well, i think, to me it definitely feels like — well, i think, to me it definitely feels like a new start. i only came

here _ feels like a new start. i only came here in— feels like a new start. i only came here in 2017— feels like a new start. i only came here in 2017 so for seven years of the period — here in 2017 so for seven years of the period you are talking about i was working on a different country actually _ was working on a different country actually doing something completely different and are not the 2019 intake — different and are not the 2019 intake are completely different. very much from the working—class north, _ very much from the working—class north, from — very much from the working—class north, from those red walls which became _ north, from those red walls which became tory seats, and there has been _ became tory seats, and there has been complete change actually, it feels like — been complete change actually, it feels like there was a change in the party _ feels like there was a change in the party 0f— feels like there was a change in the party. of course, the majority makes a massive _ party. of course, the majority makes a massive difference. at the beginning of that period there was a coalition— beginning of that period there was a coalition and of course we had to recover _ coalition and of course we had to recover from the financial crash. there _ recover from the financial crash. there has— recover from the financial crash. there has been different things which _ there has been different things which have had to be done in those times— which have had to be done in those times and — which have had to be done in those times and i— which have had to be done in those times and i think there's been a lot of effort _ times and i think there's been a lot of effort over the years when we talk about — of effort over the years when we talk about education on improving our school— talk about education on improving our school system and there are now many _ our school system and there are now many more _ our school system and there are now many more kids who go to good or outstanding skills and ever have before, — outstanding skills and ever have before, so — outstanding skills and ever have before, so a lot of work is being done _ before, so a lot of work is being done. there's also been a lot of work— done. there's also been a lot of work on — done. there's also been a lot of work on access to university, 50% of young _ work on access to university, 50% of young people go to university now. when _ young people go to university now. when i _ young people go to university now. when i left — young people go to university now. when i left school it was less than 10%~ _ when i left school it was less than 10%. there's been a lot of change over— 10%. there's been a lot of change over the _ 10%. there's been a lot of change over the last decades, so what we are talking — over the last decades, so what we

are talking about now is the bet which _ are talking about now is the bet which hasn't been done, and many people _ which hasn't been done, and many people have spoken about doing it, i must _ people have spoken about doing it, i must say _ people have spoken about doing it, i must say i_ people have spoken about doing it, i must say. i was looking at something the other— must say. i was looking at something the other day and someone said when was the _ the other day and someone said when was the first _ the other day and someone said when was the first time it was spoken about— was the first time it was spoken about and — was the first time it was spoken about and it 1884 when william gladstone was prime minister. the same _ gladstone was prime minister. the same with— gladstone was prime minister. the same with a lot of things in politics _ same with a lot of things in politics. there's not really that many — politics. there's not really that many original ideas. what's really original— many original ideas. what's really original is— many original ideas. what's really original is having the ability to deliver— original is having the ability to deliver it _ original is having the ability to deliver it. and the timing being right— deliver it. and the timing being right to — deliver it. and the timing being right to deliver it. one of the most important — right to deliver it. one of the most important thing is when i look at my 'ob important thing is when i look at my job in— important thing is when i look at my job in apprenticeships and skills, 80% of— job in apprenticeships and skills, 80% of the workforce are in work today, _ 80% of the workforce are in work today, that — 80% of the workforce are in work today, that will be the workforce for 2030 — today, that will be the workforce for 2030. then we have lots of ambitious _ for 2030. then we have lots of ambitious green targets as part of our net _ ambitious green targets as part of our net zero, lots of things are changing — our net zero, lots of things are changing in the workplace, 80% of people _ changing in the workplace, 80% of people are there already, so these are the _ people are there already, so these are the challenges of the time. they wouldn't _ are the challenges of the time. they wouldn't have been the right challenge for somebody to stop working — challenge for somebody to stop working on in 2010. possibly not wouldn't — working on in 2010. possibly not wouldn't of been the priority. now with the _ wouldn't of been the priority. now with the time and timing is everything and i think that's why we are going _ everything and i think that's why we are going to make this massive difference and deliver on this

promise _ difference and deliver on this nromise. ,. ., difference and deliver on this nromise. ,. . �* a ., promise. the scene at buckingham palace. promise. the scene at buckingham palace- there _ promise. the scene at buckingham palace. there we _ promise. the scene at buckingham palace. there we have _ promise. the scene at buckingham palace. there we have the - promise. the scene at buckingham palace. there we have the first - promise. the scene at buckingham palace. there we have the first set| palace. there we have the first set of vehicles leaving. this is going to be the cars are bringing the regalia. there you have the unmistakable features of the imperial state crown in the first car. and then we have the other elements of regalia known as the sword of state and the cap of maintenance. this is an escort for the regalia. you might ask why is this an escort, what does it reflect? it reflects the fact these are the emblems of sovereignty. the imperial state crown, certainly, which we will close up. it is only seen at the coronation of the state opening of parliament. it is probably the most

prominent symbol of demonic�*s sovereignty and power and to bring that crown into parliament is, in a way, an illustration of the way that this kind of constitution that operates really is functioning, which is the crown in parliament. in other words, the executive and parliament and the monarchy in a kind of three—way equation. so the regalia are on their way and will arrive within a few minutes. then in arrive within a few minutes. then in a short while, her majesty the queen will be leaving buckingham palace for this state opening. i believe it is her 67th state opening of her reign. we canjoin rita once again. iamjoined by i am joined by baronessjones. we know the queen speech will contain an environment bill with targets set

for environmental advances. you must welcome that? — for environmental advances. you must welcome that? l _ for environmental advances. you must welcome that? i do. _ for environmental advances. you must welcome that? i do. we _ for environmental advances. you must welcome that? i do. we have - for environmental advances. you must welcome that? i do. we have seen - for environmental advances. you must welcome that? i do. we have seen the bill before _ welcome that? i do. we have seen the bill before and i hope it is better than _ bill before and i hope it is better than last— bill before and i hope it is better than last time and i hope there is enough _ than last time and i hope there is enough funding and really serious targets _ enough funding and really serious targets. but the rest of the statement that the queen is going to say today, _ statement that the queen is going to say today, i— statement that the queen is going to say today, i am concerned there seems _ say today, i am concerned there seems to— say today, i am concerned there seems to be a lot about issues and measures— seems to be a lot about issues and measures that actually keep our government in for many more decades, which _ government in for many more decades, which is _ government in for many more decades, which is not _ government in for many more decades, which is not good for voters, of course — which is not good for voters, of course for— which is not good for voters, of course. for example, the voter id and changes tojudicial course. for example, the voter id and changes to judicial review and the policing bill, which is incredibly repressive and will stop protests — incredibly repressive and will stop protests. but incredibly repressive and will stop nrotests. �* , ., ., , protests. but these are not designed to kee- protests. but these are not designed to keen the protests. but these are not designed to keep the government _ protests. but these are not designed to keep the government in _ protests. but these are not designed to keep the government in power- protests. but these are not designed| to keep the government in power but to keep the government in power but to prevent fraud, in the case of voter id. , ., ., , ., voter id. there is no fraud, it is a nroblem voter id. there is no fraud, it is a problem to _ voter id. there is no fraud, it is a problem to a _ voter id. there is no fraud, it is a problem to a solution _ voter id. there is no fraud, it is a problem to a solution -- - voter id. there is no fraud, it is a problem to a solution -- and - voter id. there is no fraud, it is a problem to a solution -- and a i voter id. there is no fraud, it is a i problem to a solution -- and a great problem to a solution —— and a great solution _ problem to a solution —— and a great solution to— problem to a solution —— and a great solution to a — problem to a solution —— and a great solution to a problem that does not exist _ solution to a problem that does not exist the _ solution to a problem that does not exist. the government want less and less opposition and i am afraid at the house — less opposition and i am afraid at the house of lords as only place they are — the house of lords as only place they are finding much opposition. we. expect they are finding much opposition. expect the they are finding much opposition. -

expect the levelling up agenda, reforms to the planning laws? i am concerned about _ reforms to the planning laws? i am concerned about the _ reforms to the planning laws? i am concerned about the planning laws because _ concerned about the planning laws because we are seeing quite a lot of disregard _ because we are seeing quite a lot of disregard for environmental and ecological measures in those. let's see exactly— ecological measures in those. let's see exactly what is in there before we start _ see exactly what is in there before we start to — see exactly what is in there before we start to comment. but i basically think this government is not on the side of the greens— government is not on the side of the greens and — government is not on the side of the greens and the environment. we are 'ust out of greens and the environment. we are just out of local _ greens and the environment. we are just out of local elections _ greens and the environment. we are just out of local elections in - just out of local elections in england, national elections in scotland and wales. the greens had a good night in scotland and you made advancesin good night in scotland and you made advances in england as well but your representation here in westminster is very small. how do you make your voices heard? i is very small. how do you make your voices heard?— voices heard? i think the interesting _ voices heard? i think the interesting thing - voices heard? i think the interesting thing for - voices heard? i think the interesting thing for us l voices heard? i think the - interesting thing for us during that election— interesting thing for us during that election campaign and i stayed glued to the _ election campaign and i stayed glued to the television throughout the last day, — to the television throughout the last day, was we took seats from tories _ last day, was we took seats from tories and — last day, was we took seats from tories and from labour. that suggests— tories and from labour. that suggests that our appeal has got broader— suggests that our appeal has got broader and the people are understanding as well that once we -et understanding as well that once we get elected we do what we say and

stick to— get elected we do what we say and stick to our— get elected we do what we say and stick to our manifesto. we have some amazing _ stick to our manifesto. we have some amazing local candidates and i think we will— amazing local candidates and i think we will hear a lot more from them. very— we will hear a lot more from them. very good — we will hear a lot more from them. very good to — we will hear a lot more from them. very good to talk to you, thank you very much. jennyjones, baroness jones for the green party. back very much. jenny jones, baroness jones for the green party.- jones for the green party. back to ou. thank you. here is the scene on whitehall. just passing the foreign office and the treasury, passed the cenotaph. this is the crown being delivered to the palace of westminster first of all. the sword of state and cap of maintenance, all of state and cap of maintenance, all of these emblems of demonic�*s authority will be there in readiness for the queen's derived —— arrival in a fume in its time. —— emblems of the monarch's authority. as the statue of winston churchill. then into the palace of westminster in

one of the royal rolls—royces, one of the state cars. the controller of the lord chamberlain's offers from buckingham palace who is looking after the imperial state crown on its journey. after the imperial state crown on itsjourney. there it is, the crown, which is really the most famous symbol of the sovereign's power to stop with its 3000 precious stones and jewels. stop with its 3000 precious stones andjewels. pass stop with its 3000 precious stones and jewels. pass westminster abbey on the left—hand side. turning into the sovereign's entrance. on a dry and rather cloudy day in central london. then through the main gates,

where we will see the queen arriving in a short while. the crown july will be the crownjuly will be part of this sequence of events, to make sure that the crown itself is taken out and handled carefully. safely retrieved. transferred safely. the crown taken up transferred safely. the crown taken up the royal staircase. and they

will wait their for the other insignia. the cap of maintenance there, which is trimmed with ermine and crimson velvet. that is the cap thatis and crimson velvet. that is the cap that is the reminder of those monarchs being favoured by the pope all those years ago. the pope would give a cap to the monarchs who were in his favour at the time. and then the sword of state, dating back to the sword of state, dating back to the reign ofjames ii. another element of the sovereign's authority. all of them brought into the houses of parliament for a purpose. a very visible purpose, to remind all those present and all those watching of the monarch's

authority and reading that queen speech in the house of lords. very different scene to previous years. normally there would be a dismounted attachment of the household cavalry lining the staircase. lots of them young recruits. they are no longer with us because of the restrictions. hopefully they will be back before long. there you have the most spectacular image of the crown itself. the crown worn by the queen in 1953 on her coronation day and taken into the royal gallery. past the yeomen of the guard, who are standing there ready to accompany it. and it will be taken into the robing room. just

at the far end. you can see the two state trumpeters either side of the doorway. they will be sounding the fanfare when the queen is ready to process to the house of lords a little later on. the yeomen in place. and unlike the crown, these emblems will be placed on display in the royal gallery. they are displayed for a very particular purpose, to remind people of the sovereign's power. they will be carried in the procession when the queen and prince

of wales make their way from the robing room into the house of lords a little later on. i mentioned the prince of wales. here we have clarence house. just off st james's park here we have clarence house. just off stjames's park in here we have clarence house. just off st james's park in central london. this is the prince of wales and the duchess of cornwall making their way. the first of the processions and these are all members of the main procession which will take place a little later on. they are all gathering at the top of the royal staircase, ready for the queen's arrival. that is what we are

now seeing, all of these groups assembling, ready for the queen's arrivaljust before 11:30. and here we have black rod. black rod will be summoning the mps a little later on. and garter king of arms thomas woodcock in his last state opening of parliament, in charge of the heraldic guidelines. and jacob rees—mogg, who is lord president of the council, leader of the house of commons. the latest group. they will go down the staircase ready to greet the queen when she arrives. there we have the 17 peers and mps

lining the royal gallery. and there's the unmistakable of horse guards parade. prince charles and the duchess of cornwall making their way. the new lord speaker lord mcfall, a former labour mp from dumbarton. very well known in the commons, especially during the financial crisis because he chaired the treasury select committee at that time and grilled lots of the bankers who were involved in the controversies of the time. so lord mcfall recently elected to succeed lord fowler. he presides over sessions in the house of lords and actually nominally in charge of security and other arrangements for the house of lords as well, but he is the ultimate authority on events

in the house of lords. lord mcfall would be in place. it is his first state opening. he is ready for her majesty's arrival. the lord high chancellor. this is robert buckland qc. i think i am allowed to say that he is the second lord high chancellor to come from the welsh town of len exley —— llanelli. he is in his post and will be part of the procession again for the state opening. in view once again of the royal staircase and the lord high chancellor has

arrived. and this is the scene outside. prince of wales and the duchess of cornwall being brought to the palace of westminster. they are pretty much on time. just passing parliament square and approaching the palace itself. and if we cross central london and if we go across st james's park central london and if we go across stjames's park and green park, this wonderfully green and beautiful part of central london, we can see buckingham palace once again. approaching the sovereign's

entrance. and in they go, ready for the procession a little later. the prince of wales and the duchess of cornwall. they will be taking their place as the queen takes her place on the throne. being greeted by the marquess of cholmondeley, in charge of the royal parts of the palace of westminster. including westminster hall and the royal gallery and the robing room. exchanging a few words with the garter king of arms. the prince of wales where is the last state opening for thomas woodcock has been imposed several years. —— in post for several years. and there you

have the scene from inside the royal gallery. and if we take a look inside the house of lords, where most of those who have secured places are now in place, and a range of people, there is lord forsyth, michael forsyth, who was the scottish secretary, and john major. angela smith, the former labour minister. and we have lord new be there, the lib dems leader in the lords. he is in place, representing his party. and while

they wait, the mps and other peers are waiting. next door, just about next door in the royal gallery itself. as 70 member parliament, who, unlike the peers and the chamber who are therefore specific reasons, these have been competitive, they put their names into a ballot, so i'm just thinking at this point, it's interesting to note, from the selection of people there who was keen to come. they include for example norman lamont, the former chancellor, lord hannon, the former chancellor, lord hannon, the former chancellor, lord hannon, the former mep, and a range of people from the house of commons and house of lords. i think it's fair to say that, after us, given the fact we can see everything from here, they have not got a bad view. it's

not too bad. they have not got a bad view. it's not too bad-— they have not got a bad view. it's not too bad. they have the best of ou in the not too bad. they have the best of you in the house, _ not too bad. they have the best of you in the house, especially - not too bad. they have the best of i you in the house, especially because there are so few people there this year. normally, for our viewers, we can remind them that this place is absolutely packed during a normal state opening. you can hardly get a seat. at every single nook and cranny is packed. not least the female guests were an enormous hat so if there is a wrong person sitting in front of you you might not be able to see anything at all but how strange it is also to see it like that. quite airy in a sense. can i ask pointed question about this whole business of being at a state opening in the presence of the queen and here you are a long—standing prominent member of the scottish national party campaigning for independence, are you able to appreciate the pageantry evenif you able to appreciate the pageantry even if you disagree with the underlying principles here? absolutely. i'm half irish and many

of my— absolutely. i'm half irish and many of my irish — absolutely. i'm half irish and many of my irish relatives will be enjoying _ of my irish relatives will be enjoying the pageantry today. and of course _ enjoying the pageantry today. and of course the _ enjoying the pageantry today. and of course the union of the crimes is quite _ course the union of the crimes is quite separate from the union of the parliaments. the big issue in scotland _ parliaments. the big issue in scotland at the moment is whether the union— scotland at the moment is whether the union of the parliament should continue — the union of the parliament should continue. and of course, we have 'ust continue. and of course, we have just come — continue. and of course, we have just come in— continue. and of course, we have just come in my party, has received a resounding — just come in my party, has received a resounding mandate on the back of a resounding mandate on the back of a manifesto — a resounding mandate on the back of a manifesto to hold a second independence referendum. and so, in this queen's _ independence referendum. and so, in this queen's speech today i would like to— this queen's speech today i would like to see — this queen's speech today i would like to see some recognition, some recognition — like to see some recognition, some recognition from the conservative government that scotland has two governments, a government in edinburgh — governments, a government in edinburgh that has been re—elected for the _ edinburgh that has been re—elected for the fourth time in a row with an unprecedented mandate from the people _ unprecedented mandate from the people to do things very differently from the _ people to do things very differently from the way boris johnson wants to do things— from the way boris johnson wants to do things and also, crucially, to hold _ do things and also, crucially, to hold a _ do things and also, crucially, to hold a second independence referendum and so i would like to see this _ referendum and so i would like to see this government, if they are making — see this government, if they are making a — see this government, if they are making a new start as gillian says, to make _ making a new start as gillian says, to make a — making a new start as gillian says, to make a new start in relation to edinburgh, — to make a new start in relation to edinburgh, and to respect the

scottish— edinburgh, and to respect the scottish government and to treat this as _ scottish government and to treat this as the — scottish government and to treat this as the partnership of equals it was designed to be when the union of the parliaments took place in 1707. back at _ the parliaments took place in 1707. back at buckingham palace we have her majesty the queen. she is leaving in a vehicle we don't often see the queen using, i think it's fair to say, on days like this. but it is a set of special circumstances, governing today's event. i think it's also fair to say that. passing by queen victoria memorial on this very familiar ceremonial route, along the mall and its passing green park on one side and flanking stjames's park on the other. i think they will probably follow the same route, which is along the mall, down the approach road on to horse guards parade, where normally of course we have the queen's birthday parade injune and trooping the colour, that took place in windsor last year, a very

scaled—back event, nonetheless successful. so through horse guards parade and the arch, and then down into the area around whitehall. the queen of course, who celebrated her 95th birthdayjust three weeks ago, on the 21st of april, and, by our calculation, it is the 67th state opening of parliament of her reign and when you put it in those terms it really does stop you in your tracks, doesn't it, to think about the span of her reign, and think about what the queen has seen in her lifetime? to think about the changes she is seen in her lifetime. not just in the uk, momentous changes here, but around the world. i'm not just in terms of politics and how society functions, but in terms of science and medicine and technology too, so it really is a span of decades that us in the world change

fundamentally. here she is, her majesty, once again undertaking her duty, hersense majesty, once again undertaking her duty, her sense of duty is unshakeable. and on her way to horse guards, past the guards memorial there on the right—hand side of the cavalcade. ready to cross the expansive horse guards and they will be in parliament in a few minutes' time. but in central lobby, the inspector ready to tell strangers to take their hats off, in other words, nonmembers. to show respect for the speaker. waiting for the signal. the speaker's the spea ker�*s procession the speaker's procession happens

every day at the commons is in session. this same procedure. speaker. hats off strangers. very familiar scene for those who watch the state opening but for all of those visitors who come to the houses of parliament. the sergeant at arms leading the speaker, sir lindsay hoyle, the mp for chorley originally enacted as a labour mp but now of course not a party aligned mp as speaker. his father

was a labour mp before him. he's now a member of the house lords, so the announcements of the speakers on the way down towards the members' lobby of the house of commons. preceded by the serjeant at arms. we heard from him a while ago. past winston churchill on the left and lloyd george on the right. and into the chamber, where there will be prayers and that will signal the closing of the doors and here is the cream. she is arriving —— here is the queen arriving at the sovereign's entrance. we have the victoria tower on the banks of the river thames. the union flag flying, soon to be replaced by the royal standard. that is the sign that the cream has arrived in the palace of

westminster. there we have the royal standard. flying in the breeze. and the union flag being taken down. and as soon as the queen leaves later we will have the reverse of that process, so the royal standard now signalling to anyone who was passing in london and indeed to the rest of the country if they are watching these pictures, that the queen is at the palace of westminster and is ready for the state opening of 2021. the london eye in the background on the left. the old county hall, saint thomas hospital, crossed the riverfrom the old county hall, saint thomas hospital, crossed the river from the houses of parliament. and a good image there are big ben shrouded in that scaffolding. the garter king of

arms, normally leading the heralds and her majesty having made her way up and her majesty having made her way up to the robing room with the 7th marquess of cholmondeley. inside the royal gallery those taking part in the procession, including the lord speaker and the lord high chancellor, will start to form up along with black rod ready for this to take place. and the duke of norfolk, who was in charge of all great state events involving state openings and combinations and funerals. one of the great offices of state. the state of is in place. ready to sound the fanfare. —— state trumpeter is.

so, a shorter wait probably than usual because the cream will not be wearing the state rooms. or the crown. a few last minute conversations before the procession is under way. as laura was saying earlier, those present in the royal gallery will have the best view of the day, i suspect. because they will be within a few feet of her majesty as she makes her way down to the house of lords. the prince of wales and the duchess of cornwall too. we have representatives here of the armed forces, the royal household, and, of course, the great offices reflecting the tradition of the royal family and the great royal palaces going back over centuries.

on either side of the door, rather poignantly on the left, a great portrait of prince philip, duke of edinburgh whose funeral took place just a few weeks ago. and that funeral indeed was the last major public engagement undertaken by the queen before today. her portrait just on the right—hand side. and then, as the trumpeters are ready to sound the fanfare, we also have a portrait of king george vi. the queens father. he died at a young age and of course that meant the queen ascended the throne at a very young age. magnificent portraits of the battles of waterloo and trafalgar. they line

the walls of the royal gallery. and the walls of the royal gallery. and the procession is about to get under way. so this state opening of parliament of may 2021 gets under way with the prince of wales are campaigning her majesty the queen —— accompanying.

in procession behind the imperial state crown, which is the great symbol of the queen's authority. the duchess of cornwall just following behind the prince and her majesty. the queen will enter the house of lords and, in a pattern which is now extremely familiar to her majesty, given that this is a 67th state opening, having passed the statue of queen victoria, enter the lords and will take her place on the great friend. —— throne. and will then give the signalfor the friend. —— throne. and will then give the signal for the house of commons to be summoned. the crown being brought into the

house of lords. everyone stands. and they will await the queen's signal. my lords, pray be seated. this signal has been given and it has been received in the central lobby. black rod on her way to

summon the mps. the monarch's representative. and in the tradition, will have to knock on the door of the house of commons. a reminder of the days when the monarch tried to arrest some members of parliament. some members of parliament. black rod! mr speaker, the queen commands thism _

a few words lost there but we are familiar, of course, with the words of black rod to attend her majesty in the house of peers. in other words, they are summoned. serjeant—at—arms and black rod leading the way. there we have the prime minister on the left—hand side and the government benches. the speaker lindsay hoyle, part of this rather small group of mps making their way today. the prime minister followed by sir keir starmer, the labour leader. and there we have the home secretary, priti patel. ian blackford for the scottish national party.

i willjust bring laura in here because normally, laura, the prime minister and opposition leader would be chatting and walking together so this is a very different set up? it is. they would be walking together but sometimes not chatting which is sometimes also interesting when you saw the level of tensions between the main opposition and the governing party. butjust watching borisjohnson governing party. butjust watching boris johnson with governing party. butjust watching borisjohnson with keir starmer several paces behind, both of them of course in the last few days dealing with the aftermath of a huge set of election results from right across the country. the conservatives having huge success in much of england and the labour party having a very difficult time to stop thatis having a very difficult time to stop that is not to say the government is free of headaches. that constitutional argument we have already been referring to is on the government because my mind. also interesting to see the new labour chief whip, alan campbell, in his place with the veteran chief whip

nick brown having being removed as part of this reshuffle and labour�*s turmoil in recent days must be on the mind of keir starmer also. so, the social distancing very much in evidence. they would normally be crowded into the central place. my my lords and members of the house of commons. my government's priority is to deliver a national recovery from the pandemic that makes the united kingdom stronger, healthier and more

prosperous than before. to achieve this, my government will level up opportunities across all parts of the united kingdom, supporting jobs, businesses and economic growth and addressing the impact of the pandemic on public services. my government will protect the health of the nation, continuing the vaccination programme and providing additionalfunding to vaccination programme and providing additional funding to support the nhs. my ministers will bring forward legislation to empower the nhs to innovate and embrace technology. patients will receive more tailored and preventative care closer to home. measures will be brought forward to support the health and well—being of the nation, including to tackle obesity and improve mental health. proposals on social care reform will be brought forward. my

government will build on the success of the vaccination programme to lead the world in life sciences, pioneering new treatments against diseases like cancer and securing jobs and investment across the country. my ministers will oversee the fastest ever increasing public funding for research and development and pass legislation to establish an advanced research agency. following the unprecedented support provided to businesses during the pandemic, proposals will be brought forward to create and supportjobs and improve regulation. my government will strengthen the economic ties across the union, investing in and improving national infrastructure. proposals will be taken forward to

transform connectivity by rail and bus and to extend 5g mobile coverage and gigabit capable broadband. legislation will support a lifetime skills guarantee, to enable flexible access to high—quality education and training throughout people 's lives. measures will be introduced to ensure that support for businesses reflects the united kingdom's strategic interest and drives economic growth. laws will simplify procurement in the public sector. eight new free ports will create hubs for trade and help regenerate communities. my government will ensure that the public finances are returned to a sustainable path once the economic recovery is secure.

measures will be brought forward to ensure that children have the best start in life, prioritising their early years. my ministers will address last learning during the pandemic and ensure every child has a high quality education and is able to fulfil their potential. my government will help more people to own their own home while enhancing the rights of those who rent. laws to modernise the planning system so that more homes can be built will be brought forward, along with measures to end the practice of ground rents the new leasehold properties. my ministers will establish in law a new building safety regulator, to ensure that the tragedies of the past are never repeated.

measures will be brought forward to address racial and ethnic disparities and barn conversion therapy. legislation will support therapy. legislation will support the voluntary sector by reducing unnecessary bureaucracy and releasing additional funds for good causes. my government will create and invest in green industries to create jobs, while protecting the environment. the united kingdom is committed to achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 and will continue to lead the way internationally by hosting the cop26 summit in glasgow. legislation will set binding environmental targets. legislation will also be brought forward to ensure the united kingdom has and promotes the highest standards of

animal welfare. my animal welfare. my government will strengthen and renew democracy and the constitution. legislation will be introduced to ensure the integrity of elections, protect freedom of speech and restore the balance of power between the executive legislature and the courts. my ministers will promote the strength and integrity of the union. measures will be brought forward to strengthen devolved government in northern ireland and address the legacy of the past. my legacy of the past. my government will introduce measures to increase the safety and security of its citizens. legislation will increase sentences for the most serious and violent offenders and ensure the timely administration ofjustice. proposals

administration of justice. proposals will administration ofjustice. proposals will be brought forward to address funds, includes —— violence, including against women and girls and to support victims. measures will be brought forward to establish a fairer immigration system that strengthens the united kingdom's borders and deters criminals who facilitate dangerous and illegal journeys. my journeys. my government will lead the way in ensuring internet safety for all, especially for children, whilst harnessing the benefits of a free, open and secure internet. my open and secure internet. my ministers will provide our gallant armed services with the biggest spending increase in 30 years, taking forward their programme of modernisation and reinforcing the united kingdom's

commitment to nato. my ministers will honour and strengthen the armed forces covenant, placing it in law. measures will be introduced to provide national insurance contribution relief for employers of veterans. legislation will be introduced to counter hostile activity by foreign states. my ministers will implement the integrated review of security, defence, development and foreign policy. then united kingdom will host the g7 summit and lead the global effort to secure a robust economic recovery from the pandemic. my economic recovery from the pandemic. my ministers will deepen trade ties in the gulf, africa and the indo pacific. my pacific. my government will continue to

provide aid where it has the greatest impact on reducing poverty and alleviating human suffering. my government will uphold human rights and democracy across the world. it will take forward a global effort to get 40 million girls across the world into school. members of the house of commons, estimates for the public services will be laid before you. my lords and members of the house of commons, other measures will be laid before you. i pray that the blessing of almighty god may rest upon your councils. match this the lord high chancellor.

he acknowledges the queen has ended the reading of the queen's speech. and the 7th marquess of cholmondeley brings back the imperial state crown for the procession through the princes gallery and then to the royal gallery and then the robing room. relatively brief in terms of duration as the queen's speech usually is, but that touched a lot of things, and there was some brief sentences there which actually were references to major pieces of legislation, certainly major potential areas for legislation, which we will discuss in a moment. peers are on their feet. as the queen leaves. and the procession, led by the crown, through the

prince's chamber and through the royal gallery itself. the prince of wales escorting his mother, her majesty the queen, followed by the duchess of cornwall. the crown, which will be returned to the tower of london. as will the other regalia that we saw earlier, the sword of state and the cap of maintenance. the queen looking carefully around

the royal gallery and no doubt reflecting on the fact it's not fun of 600 diplomatic guests and representatives of the armed forces as it normally is, it's a very, very different site and feeling, and here we have the members returning. that is sir geoffrey donelson there from the unionists of northern ireland as one of the small band of mps who made their way. ed davey for the lib dems, ian black than for the snp, and in they come back into the chamber. the chamber of court in the next few days will be dealing with the content of the queen's speech and there will be a debate. the prime minister, having just nipped out part of the speakers chair, back to where the prime minister is a suite of offices lies, just behind there in the corridors behind the chair. no doubt, reflecting on a rather brief ceremonial event today. but i have to say, laura, and i will come to our guests as well, i'm up

to several things and we won't have time to discuss all of them, but a couple of things i wanted to pick up. my government will strengthen and renew democracy and the constitution, the new democracy, which is quite a big idea, and the constitution, and legislation will be introduced to ensure the integrity of elections. does that refer to id? i integrity of elections. does that refer to lb?— refer to id? i think it refers to two things. — refer to id? i think it refers to two things, first _ refer to id? i think it refers to two things, first of _ refer to id? i think it refers to two things, first of all - refer to id? i think it refers to two things, first of all the - two things, first of all the conservative manifesto said there would be a review ofjudicial review essentially looking at whether the balance between people taking things to court that might bleed into the political arena and what actually happens in this place. during the brexit debate, joanna was part of those legal efforts, we remember the tensions between those court cases at the supreme court and what happened in parliament, so the conservatives want to take a look at that. the second point, the question of a voter id, and whether they would have to register to vote. the government wants to push ahead with

that but the opposition has concerns. in that but the opposition has concerns-— that but the opposition has concerns. . ., , concerns. in a few moments we will see her majesty _ concerns. in a few moments we will see her majesty the _ concerns. in a few moments we will see her majesty the queen - concerns. in a few moments we will see her majesty the queen leaving | see her majesty the queen leaving the robing room and going back downstairs to the car to go back to buckingham palace. no doubt back to windsor if the past few months are anything to go by. that's where she has spent most of the last year. lots of it of course shielding with the duke of edinburgh. they were at windsor together during the pandemic. one suspects that's what's going to happen indeed, but it is remarkable when you think that the queen reading the contents of yet another speech, she has read so many, at least 67 of them, but she is 95, just celebrated her birthday, and just appeared with all the usual authority and grace. i thought it was just something to reflect on when you think what she has been through over the last few months.

people watching i think it's worth reflecting, laura, will be thinking that as someone who knows what duty is. �* �* , ., that as someone who knows what duty is. and it's a remarkable feat, isn't it? i _ is. and it's a remarkable feat, isn't it? | think _ is. and it's a remarkable feat, isn't it? | think that's - is. and it's a remarkable feat, isn't it? i think that's always l is. and it's a remarkable feat, - isn't it? i think that's always what part of today's ceremony is about, actually, continuity, and that tension between the continuity of the monarchy and very often, particularly in the last few years, the real turbulence you can have politically. with the duke of edinburgh's passing recently, we checked at that point through his lifetime, he had lived through 20 prime ministers, that's quite something when you think about it. i think he was born when lloyd george was in downing street. so, for the queen not to just have been was in downing street. so, for the queen not tojust have been here making a speech on so many occasions, but in terms of the span of a lifetime, the enormous political tensions to live through. i think this is prime minister number 14 for the queen, so again,

it'sjust something, number 14 for the queen, so again, it's just something, especially for younger viewers, who think tony blair is prehistory, doesn't apply to us i'm afraid, maybe not all of us, when you think of the fact the queen came to the throne when winston churchill was at number ten, it's a remarkable thing. here she is today at the age of 95, unveiling yet another programme of legislation. nora, you mentioned renewing democracy. i'm coming back to it because it's something which will cause a bit of debate. i did mention id. on the way here today i happen to note that lots of activity on social media was to do with, hang on social media was to do with, hang on a second, we can't be compelled to buy some form of id if that is the only way in which we can vote, because clearly, we don't need to pay to vote. now, how does this debate happen?— pay to vote. now, how does this debate ha- nen? . ., debate happen? what the government has been discussing _ debate happen? what the government has been discussing and _ debate happen? what the government has been discussing and looking - debate happen? what the government has been discussing and looking at - has been discussing and looking at as i understand it for some time is whether or not there is a big enough

concern around fraud and elections that they should be an additional measure when you turn up to put your cross on the ballot paper, some form of identification required? it happens already in northern ireland. what there has been a discussion of under some form of three identification, nobody would be asked to pay, free identification encase people don't have a drivers license or passport, because not everybody does, particularly in younger voters. the government seems determined to push on with this plan but there is controversy around it among the opposition parties, i'm sure will hear in a moment, that anything which could be a deterrent to voters, particularly in communities and age groups where voting is not perhaps such a common habit, isn't something part of the social expectation, anything which is a deterrent is therefore not what people who believe in this place and access to democracy should be pursuing. i have to say the government is intent on doing it, there's been a longer session which has gone on and there has been various considerations over the last

few years about the extent of this problem or not a problem, but it was interesting when reeta was talking to baroness jones, interesting when reeta was talking to baronessjones, the green leader of the house of lords, she said basically there is not any fraud in her view and therefore they are trying to solve a problem which does not exist, but there's lots of strong words being thrown around here. some people accusing the government of voter suppression, which of course is something the minister here would today be boris johnson dismissed that yesterday as being complete nonsense.— being complete nonsense. because n-eole being complete nonsense. because people have _ being complete nonsense. because people have been _ being complete nonsense. because people have been using _ being complete nonsense. because people have been using the - being complete nonsense. because people have been using the usa i people have been using the usa example saying this is a way of, if you are inclined, of restricting voting. you are inclined, of restricting votina. , you are inclined, of restricting voting-- l'm _ you are inclined, of restricting voting.- i'm sure - you are inclined, of restricting voting. yes. i'm sure clearly that's not our voting. yes. i'm sure clearly that's not your stated _ voting. jazz i'm sure clearly that's not your stated intention, i know that, but do you have fears around it? ., ., �* ., , that, but do you have fears around it? .,., l that, but do you have fears around it? i it? no, and i'm not sure many people would. if| it? no, and i'm not sure many people would- lfl go — it? no, and i'm not sure many people would- lfl go to _ it? no, and i'm not sure many people would. if i go to collect _ it? no, and i'm not sure many people would. if i go to collect a _ it? no, and i'm not sure many people would. if i go to collect a parcel- would. if i go to collect a parcel of the _ would. if i go to collect a parcel of the post office now i need to take _ of the post office now i need to take my— of the post office now i need to take my driving licence and passport, pretty much everything i do i passport, pretty much everything i do i need — passport, pretty much everything i do i need to prove who i am. i personally— do i need to prove who i am. i personally think there is a case

even _ personally think there is a case even for— personally think there is a case even for looking at having id online because _ even for looking at having id online because we know there is a lot of fraud _ because we know there is a lot of fraud online and we know that is affecting — fraud online and we know that is affecting people, as well. we are 'ust affecting people, as well. we are just seeing _ affecting people, as well. we are just seeing the — affecting people, as well. we are just seeing the prince _ affecting people, as well. we are just seeing the prince of - affecting people, as well. we are just seeing the prince of wales i affecting people, as well. we are i just seeing the prince of wales and the duchess leaving. they are using the duchess leaving. they are using the staircase to go down past the regalia room, the room at the bottom where normally they held on to the crown and other regalia before they are put on display, so passed that room and turning left and then the cars will be there ready to take them back, in this case, to clarence house. there we have lord mcfall, the new lord speaker, and the lord high chancellor and the prince of wales exchanging a few words again with the garter king of arms thomas woodcock. the duchess down to the sovereign's entrance here and the 7th marquess of cholmondeley, just exchanging a few words with the prince, and then we have the duke of

norfolk on the left—hand side, who, as i said earlier, is in charge of the great state events including the state opening but more particularly maybe coronations and investors and great weddings and funerals —— investiture is. a few words with the duke of norfolk. the earl marshal is a hereditary role. centuries old in terms of the functions that the royal family shares out. so the prince and the duchess are leaving and, minister, you werejust saying you think forms of id are now so much part of our life that they are pretty much unavoidable, but clearly, there raised that cost question, so what would you say to viewers on that?—

viewers on that? there won't be a cost, so either _ viewers on that? there won't be a cost, so either you _ viewers on that? there won't be a cost, so either you use _ viewers on that? there won't be a cost, so either you use your- viewers on that? there won't be a l cost, so either you use your driving license _ cost, so either you use your driving license or— cost, so either you use your driving license or passport, or go to your local— license or passport, or go to your local authority and there will be another— local authority and there will be another form of id you can get. if you another form of id you can get. you don't another form of id you can get. if you don't have a passport or driving licence would have to buy one of those, so there is another option again? those, so there is another option auain? . those, so there is another option auain? , , those, so there is another option aain? , , ., again? yes, absolutely, and if you think about _ again? yes, absolutely, and if you think about it— again? yes, absolutely, and if you think about it you _ again? yes, absolutely, and if you think about it you have _ again? yes, absolutely, and if you think about it you have to - again? yes, absolutely, and if you think about it you have to register| think about it you have to register to vote _ think about it you have to register to vote and — think about it you have to register to vote and you get your card, and the only— to vote and you get your card, and the only part of it is when turn up you don't— the only part of it is when turn up you don't have to say who you are, you don't have to say who you are, you don't— you don't have to say who you are, you don't have to say who you are, you don't have to say who you are, you don't have to show who you are, so what _ you don't have to show who you are, so what it _ you don't have to show who you are, so what it is — you don't have to show who you are, so what it is as just tightening it up so what it is as just tightening it up so _ so what it is as just tightening it up so somebody can say they were somebody— up so somebody can say they were somebody else, taking their details, which _ somebody else, taking their details, which could happen by the way. if you look— which could happen by the way. if you look at — which could happen by the way. if you look at systems and designing a system. _ you look at systems and designing a system, you can see a hole in that system. _ system, you can see a hole in that system. so — system, you can see a hole in that system, so what we are looking to do is improve _ system, so what we are looking to do is improve the system. you have to do it— is improve the system. you have to do it for— is improve the system. you have to do it for almost everything now to -et do it for almost everything now to get a _ do it for almost everything now to get a pass— do it for almost everything now to get a pass on or whatever. but it won't _ get a pass on or whatever. but it won't cost — get a pass on or whatever. but it won't cost the voter anything. does labour won't cost the voter anything. does labour have — won't cost the voter anything. does labour have concerns _ won't cost the voter anything. lire" labour have concerns about this? won't cost the voter anything. does i labour have concerns about this? we have great concerns gillian is talking — have great concerns gillian is talking about _ have great concerns gillian is talking about having - have great concerns gillian is talking about having to - have great concerns gillian is talking about having to go i have great concerns gillian isi talking about having to go and have great concerns gillian is - talking about having to go and get another— talking about having to go and get another piece _ talking about having to go and get another piece of— talking about having to go and get another piece of proof _ talking about having to go and get another piece of proof and - talking about having to go and get another piece of proof and votingl another piece of proof and voting isn't by— another piece of proof and voting isn't by collecting _ another piece of proof and voting isn't by collecting a _ another piece of proof and voting isn't by collecting a parcel, - another piece of proof and voting isn't by collecting a parcel, it's . another piece of proof and voting isn't by collecting a parcel, it's a| isn't by collecting a parcel, it's a right. _ isn't by collecting a parcel, it's a right. it's — isn't by collecting a parcel, it's a right, it's something _ isn't by collecting a parcel, it's a right, it's something every- isn't by collecting a parcel, it's a i right, it's something every citizen

should _ right, it's something every citizen should endure _ right, it's something every citizen should endure with _ right, it's something every citizen should endure with a _ right, it's something every citizen should endure with a minimum i right, it's something every citizen i should endure with a minimum number of obstacles. _ should endure with a minimum number of obstacles, putting _ should endure with a minimum number of obstacles, putting more _ should endure with a minimum number of obstacles, putting more obstacles. of obstacles, putting more obstacles on people's— of obstacles, putting more obstacles on people's way— of obstacles, putting more obstacles on people's way will— of obstacles, putting more obstacles on people's way will discourage - on people's way will discourage voting. — on people's way will discourage voting. it — on people's way will discourage voting. it will_ on people's way will discourage voting, it will be _ on people's way will discourage voting, it will be in _ on people's way will discourage voting, it will be in my- on people's way will discourage voting, it will be in my view- voting, it will be in my view discriminatory— voting, it will be in my view discriminatory and - voting, it will be in my view discriminatory and it - voting, it will be in my view discriminatory and it could i voting, it will be in my view. discriminatory and it could be, there — discriminatory and it could be, there is— discriminatory and it could be, there is a _ discriminatory and it could be, there is a risk— discriminatory and it could be, there is a risk of— discriminatory and it could be, there is a risk of it _ discriminatory and it could be, there is a risk of it because - discriminatory and it could be, there is a risk of it because we need _ there is a risk of it because we need to— there is a risk of it because we need to know_ there is a risk of it because we need to know at _ there is a risk of it because we need to know at the _ there is a risk of it because we need to know at the moment i there is a risk of it because we i need to know at the moment how people _ need to know at the moment how peorrte are — need to know at the moment how people are supposed _ need to know at the moment how people are supposed to _ need to know at the moment how people are supposed to know - need to know at the moment how i people are supposed to know about it, people are supposed to know about it. how _ people are supposed to know about it. how to _ people are supposed to know about it. how to get— people are supposed to know about it. how to get it. _ people are supposed to know about it, how to get it, what _ people are supposed to know about it, how to get it, what processes. it, how to get it, what processes they— it, how to get it, what processes they would — it, how to get it, what processes they would have _ it, how to get it, what processes they would have to _ it, how to get it, what processes they would have to go _ it, how to get it, what processes they would have to go through. i it, how to get it, what processes- they would have to go through. now, if this— they would have to go through. now, if this is— they would have to go through. now, if this is a _ they would have to go through. now, if this is a way— they would have to go through. now, if this is a way of— they would have to go through. now, if this is a way of introducing - they would have to go through. now, if this is a way of introducing id - if this is a way of introducing id cards _ if this is a way of introducing id cards through _ if this is a way of introducing id cards through a _ if this is a way of introducing id cards through a different - if this is a way of introducing id cards through a different route| if this is a way of introducing id i cards through a different route the goverhmeht— cards through a different route the government should _ cards through a different route the government should be _ cards through a different route the government should be honest- cards through a different route the i government should be honest about cards through a different route the - government should be honest about it and if— government should be honest about it and if it's— government should be honest about it and if it's hot. — government should be honest about it and if it's not, there's _ government should be honest about it and if it's not, there's a _ government should be honest about it and if it's not, there's a problem - and if it's not, there's a problem here _ and if it's not, there's a problem here. , , ., and if it's not, there's a problem here. , ,, ., here. just a second, because we are seeinu the here. just a second, because we are seeing the last _ here. just a second, because we are seeing the last element _ here. just a second, because we are seeing the last element of- here. just a second, because we are seeing the last element of the - seeing the last element of the ceremony today. this is the last section of pageantry, if you like, because we are now seeing the crown and the sword and other cap being taken back to tower of london and there we have the royal guard, the yeoman of the guard set up by henry tudor. the gentlemen at arms created by henry viii in 1506, i think, although if i've got that wrong i'm sure there will be expert people telling me that within seconds on

social media. i think it was 1506, but they are called the nearest guard, the more senior call of royal bodyguards, so dundee royal staircase they will soon be leaving. you have been concerns about this issue? i you have been concerns about this issue? ., , ., , you have been concerns about this issue? ., , .,, ., . you have been concerns about this issue? ., , ., . issue? i do, but as we notice as we come to the _ issue? i do, but as we notice as we come to the end _ issue? i do, but as we notice as we come to the end of _ issue? i do, but as we notice as we come to the end of today _ issue? i do, but as we notice as we come to the end of today with - issue? i do, but as we notice as we come to the end of today with the l come to the end of today with the theatre _ come to the end of today with the theatre but i toned down sombre approach — theatre but i toned down sombre approach to it, which reflects the year we — approach to it, which reflects the year we have just had, approach to it, which reflects the yearwe havejust had, i'm approach to it, which reflects the year we have just had, i'm really stunned — year we have just had, i'm really stunned the government thinks this is such— stunned the government thinks this is such a _ stunned the government thinks this is such a priority, it certainly not what's _ is such a priority, it certainly not what's coming on the doorstep, very little evidence of systematic fraud, fixing _ little evidence of systematic fraud, fixing a _ little evidence of systematic fraud, fixing a problem which doesn't exist only got— fixing a problem which doesn't exist only got big problems that do exist, i only got big problems that do exist, i mean. _ only got big problems that do exist, i mean. it's— only got big problems that do exist, i mean, it's not what was coming up on the _ i mean, it's not what was coming up on the doorstep when i was knocking, whether— on the doorstep when i was knocking, whether people with voting labour or tory. _ whether people with voting labour or tory. they— whether people with voting labour or tory, they were telling me about crime, _ tory, they were telling me about crime, cuts — tory, they were telling me about crime, cuts to police, schools, public— crime, cuts to police, schools, public health services suffering 11 years _ public health services suffering 11 years of— public health services suffering 11 years of tory rule, they were not saying _ years of tory rule, they were not saying if— years of tory rule, they were not saying if only we had an id card and ithink— saying if only we had an id card and i think that's a real problem. | i think that's a real problem. i very i think that's a real problem. very much i think that's a real problem. i very much agree and i think she hit

the nail— very much agree and i think she hit the nail on — very much agree and i think she hit the nail on the _ very much agree and i think she hit the nail on the head _ very much agree and i think she hit the nail on the head at— very much agree and i think she hit the nail on the head at the - very much agree and i think she hit the nail on the head at the end - very much agree and i think she hit i the nail on the head at the end when she said _ the nail on the head at the end when she said whereas _ the nail on the head at the end when she said whereas the _ the nail on the head at the end when she said whereas the evidence - the nail on the head at the end when she said whereas the evidence of- the nail on the head at the end whenj she said whereas the evidence of the problem? _ she said whereas the evidence of the problem? i_ she said whereas the evidence of the problem? idon't— she said whereas the evidence of the problem? i don't see _ she said whereas the evidence of the problem? i don't see evidence - she said whereas the evidence of the problem? i don't see evidence of- problem? i don't see evidence of this problem _ problem? i don't see evidence of this problem and _ problem? i don't see evidence of this problem and i— problem? idon't see evidence of this problem and i think- problem? i don't see evidence of this problem and i think we - problem? i don't see evidence of. this problem and i think we should be in _ this problem and i think we should be in the _ this problem and i think we should be in the business _ this problem and i think we should be in the business of— this problem and i think we should be in the business of extending. this problem and i think we should| be in the business of extending the franchise _ be in the business of extending the franchise as — be in the business of extending the franchise as we _ be in the business of extending the franchise as we recently— be in the business of extending the franchise as we recently have - be in the business of extending the franchise as we recently have done | franchise as we recently have done in scotland. — franchise as we recently have done in scotland, not _ franchise as we recently have done in scotland, not bringing _ franchise as we recently have done in scotland, not bringing in- in scotland, not bringing in nteasures_ in scotland, not bringing in measures which— in scotland, not bringing in measures which restrict. in scotland, not bringing in- measures which restrict people in exercising — measures which restrict people in exercising their— measures which restrict people in exercising their right _ measures which restrict people in exercising their right to _ measures which restrict people in exercising their right to vote. - measures which restrict people in exercising their right to vote. the election— exercising their right to vote. the election we — exercising their right to vote. the election we just _ exercising their right to vote. the election we just had _ exercising their right to vote. the election we just had in _ exercising their right to vote. the election we just had in scotland, i election we just had in scotland, 16-year-olds _ election we just had in scotland, 16—year—olds and _ election we just had in scotland, 16—year—olds and 17—year—olds . election we just had in scotland, - 16—year—olds and 17—year—olds voted and so _ 16—year—olds and 17—year—olds voted and so did _ 16—year—olds and 17—year—olds voted and so did refugees _ 16—year—olds and 17—year—olds voted and so did refugees and _ 16—year—olds and 17—year—olds voted and so did refugees and foreign - and so did refugees and foreign nationals — and so did refugees and foreign nationals. that— and so did refugees and foreign nationals. that is— and so did refugees and foreign nationals. that is the _ and so did refugees and foreign nationals. that is the sort- and so did refugees and foreign nationals. that is the sort of. nationals. that is the sort of approach _ nationals. that is the sort of approach we _ nationals. that is the sort of approach we have _ nationals. that is the sort of approach we have in - nationals. that is the sort ofl approach we have in scotland nationals. that is the sort of- approach we have in scotland and i think— approach we have in scotland and i think boris— approach we have in scotland and i think borisjohnson's_ approach we have in scotland and i think boris johnson's governmentl think boris johnson's government would _ think boris johnson's government would be — think boris johnson's government would be better— think boris johnson's government would be better looking _ think boris johnson's government would be better looking at - think boris johnson's government. would be better looking at extending the franchises — would be better looking at extending the franchises in _ would be better looking at extending the franchises in the _ would be better looking at extending the franchises in the way— would be better looking at extending the franchises in the way we - would be better looking at extending the franchises in the way we have . the franchises in the way we have done, _ the franchises in the way we have done, rather— the franchises in the way we have done, rather than _ the franchises in the way we have done, rather than introducing - done, rather than introducing nreasures— done, rather than introducing measures that _ done, rather than introducing measures that could - done, rather than introducing measures that could stop - done, rather than introducing i measures that could stop people done, rather than introducing - measures that could stop people from exercising _ measures that could stop people from exercising their — measures that could stop people from exercising their democratic _ measures that could stop people from exercising their democratic right. - exercising their democratic right. back— exercising their democratic right. back at— exercising their democratic right. back at the — exercising their democratic right. back at the sovereign's _ exercising their democratic right. back at the sovereign's entrancel exercising their democratic right. i back at the sovereign's entrance for the departure of the crown and the regalia. but in reverse order. and again, we can see that there is a heavy presence of the most senior figures here, from the household and from the officers here at

westminster. and the sword is being placed in the car, ready for thatjourney back. back to buckingham palace initially and then the tower of london, where they are kept usually. there was a time, by the way, when the crown jewels would be brought down to the palace of westminster on the river, by barge. some of the officers in charge of this part of the ceremony were technically known as barge masters, even when the barge had long disappeared. but they are safely in their cars and on their way back. i think while we are watching the crown and symbol of authority leaving westminster, could you help us on this part of the

debate: does the government sense that there is so much fraud that it is an issue? i that there is so much fraud that it is an issue?— is an issue? i think it is an obvious — is an issue? i think it is an obvious hole _ is an issue? i think it is an obvious hole in _ is an issue? i think it is an obvious hole in the - is an issue? i think it is an. obvious hole in the system. is an issue? i think it is an - obvious hole in the system. it's 'ust obvious hole in the system. it's just an — obvious hole in the system. it's just an obvious hole in the system. it's just an obvious hole in the system. it's an— just an obvious hole in the system. it's an individual right, as thangam said but— it's an individual right, as thangam said but it's — it's an individual right, as thangam said but it's an individual right of us being — said but it's an individual right of us being part of a franchise and you have to _ us being part of a franchise and you have to register and be on the electoral— have to register and be on the electoral roll. the only thing is that last — electoral roll. the only thing is that last part when you go to exercise _ that last part when you go to exercise your vote, that you just prove _ exercise your vote, that you just prove you — exercise your vote, that you just prove you are you. from my perspective, when you look at designing systems, that actually is a better— designing systems, that actually is a better design of the system. so it would _ a better design of the system. so it would make sure that there wasn't any voter— would make sure that there wasn't any voter fraud. i would make sure that there wasn't any voterfraud. i mean, there has been _ any voterfraud. i mean, there has been talk— any voterfraud. i mean, there has been talk about there being but this would _ been talk about there being but this would close that loophole and that i think is— would close that loophole and that i think is important. it is important to have _ think is important. it is important to have trust in the system. it isn't _ to have trust in the system. it isn't the — to have trust in the system. it isn't the number one priority... is isn't the number one priority... is there isn't the number one priority... is there evidence that... where is the evidence there is no trust in the

system more trust has declined? scotland, people are embracing democracy. this is a way or a potential route to stopping them taking part in democracy. in northern ireland, people have had to do this for a long time because there was widespread evidence of voter fraud and voter abuse to do with particular circumstances there, which thankfully don't exist in scotland, england or wales. which thankfully don't exist in scotland, england orwales. it which thankfully don't exist in scotland, england or wales. it is astonishing to see the government putting so much effort into a new system for which they are unable to point to any evidence that it is required. if there was evidence of significant mischief here then i think all responsible politicians would need to sit down and think what we do about it. but we know from other countries like the usa that this can be a deterrent. abs, that this can be a deterrent. a quick word? we _ that this can be a deterrent. a quick word? we have - that this can be a deterrent. a quick word? we have to - that this can be a deterrent. a quick word? we have to think| that this can be a deterrent. a - quick word? we have to think about wh this quick word? we have to think about why this priority- — quick word? we have to think about why this priority. there _ quick word? we have to think about why this priority. there are - quick word? we have to think about why this priority. there are a - why this priority. there are a certain— why this priority. there are a certain number— why this priority. there are a certain number of— why this priority. there are a certain number of bills - why this priority. there are a certain number of bills that i

why this priority. there are a . certain number of bills that can take _ certain number of bills that can take parliamentary— certain number of bills that can take parliamentary time, - certain number of bills that can take parliamentary time, why i certain number of bills that can| take parliamentary time, why is certain number of bills that can - take parliamentary time, why is this top of— take parliamentary time, why is this top of the _ take parliamentary time, why is this top of the list? _ take parliamentary time, why is this top of the list? it _ take parliamentary time, why is this top of the list? it is _ take parliamentary time, why is this top of the list? it is not _ take parliamentary time, why is this top of the list? it is not that- take parliamentary time, why is this top of the list? it is not that many. top of the list? it is not that many of us _ top of the list? it is not that many of us that— top of the list? it is not that many of us that we _ top of the list? it is not that many of us that we have _ top of the list? it is not that many of us that we have a _ top of the list? it is not that many of us that we have a limited - top of the list? it is not that many. of us that we have a limited amount of us that we have a limited amount of time, _ of us that we have a limited amount of time, why— of us that we have a limited amount oftinre, why is— of us that we have a limited amount of time, why is this _ of us that we have a limited amount of time, why is this even _ of us that we have a limited amount of time, why is this even making - of us that we have a limited amount| of time, why is this even making the cut? l— of time, why is this even making the cut? ~ , of time, why is this even making the cut? ~' , g: ii of time, why is this even making the cut? ~' , g; :: , , ve cut? i think it is 30 bills. very evidence _ cut? i think it is 30 bills. very evidence of— cut? i think it is 30 bills. very evidence of a _ cut? i think it is 30 bills. very evidence of a problem - cut? i think it is 30 bills. very evidence of a problem ratherl cut? i think it is so bills. very - evidence of a problem rather than the big _ evidence of a problem rather than the big problem _ evidence of a problem rather than the big problem is— evidence of a problem rather than the big problem is the _ evidence of a problem rather than the big problem is the housing. the big problem is the housing crisis _ the big problem is the housing crisis and _ the big problem is the housing crisis and environment - the big problem is the housing crisis and environment crisis . the big problem is the housing . crisis and environment crisis that barely— crisis and environment crisis that barely touch _ crisis and environment crisis that barely touch the _ crisis and environment crisis that barely touch the sides _ crisis and environment crisis that barely touch the sides of- crisis and environment crisis that barely touch the sides of the - barely touch the sides of the speech _ barely touch the sides of the seech. , , barely touch the sides of the seechn , , barely touch the sides of the seech. , , ., ., barely touch the sides of the seech. , , ., speech. just pausing for a second, we watch the _ speech. just pausing for a second, we watch the cars _ speech. just pausing for a second, we watch the cars leaving - speech. just pausing for a second, we watch the cars leaving and - speech. just pausing for a second, we watch the cars leaving and i - we watch the cars leaving and i think today has been the queen's most high profile engagement since the funeral of the duke of edinburgh. he was by her side at many state openings, beginning in 1952. we looked back through the archive at their attendance together across the decades.

here in central lobby i am joined by liz savill roberts, the westminster

leader of plaid cymru. he spoke in the mp5 tribute to the duke of edinburgh after his death. your reflections on the event today? i reflections on the event today? i think many people will see that somebody who once accompanied the queen— somebody who once accompanied the queen is— somebody who once accompanied the queen is a _ somebody who once accompanied the queen is a tradition is no longer with— queen is a tradition is no longer with us — queen is a tradition is no longer with us. however people feel about the royal— with us. however people feel about the royal family, your heart cannot but go _ the royal family, your heart cannot but go out — the royal family, your heart cannot but go out to a wife who has lost a husband _ but go out to a wife who has lost a husband and a son who has lost his father _ husband and a son who has lost his father and — husband and a son who has lost his father. and these traditions which are so— father. and these traditions which are so familiarto father. and these traditions which are so familiar to us are changing regardless — are so familiar to us are changing regardless. fits are so familiar to us are changing regardless-— are so familiar to us are changing retardless. ~ , ., , ,, ., . ., regardless. as to the substance of the queen's _ regardless. as to the substance of the queen's speech, _ regardless. as to the substance of the queen's speech, what - regardless. as to the substance of the queen's speech, what did - regardless. as to the substance of the queen's speech, what did you | the queen's speech, what did you make of it? for the queen's speech, what did you make of it?— the queen's speech, what did you makeofit? ., , ., _, , make of it? for somebody from wales, it seems, i make of it? for somebody from wales, it seems. i am — make of it? for somebody from wales, it seems, i am sad _ make of it? for somebody from wales, it seems, i am sad to _ make of it? for somebody from wales, it seems, i am sad to say, _ make of it? for somebody from wales, it seems, i am sad to say, bland - make of it? for somebody from wales, it seems, i am sad to say, bland and i it seems, i am sad to say, bland and noncommittal possibly had the prime minister— noncommittal possibly had the prime minister in _ noncommittal possibly had the prime minister in 2019 standing on the steps _ minister in 2019 standing on the steps of— minister in 2019 standing on the steps of downing street and promising to fix social care once and for— promising to fix social care once and for all _ promising to fix social care once and for all. social care is devolved in wales— and for all. social care is devolved in wales but as things stand and the way that— in wales but as things stand and the way that matters are financed, we need _ way that matters are financed, we need to _ way that matters are financed, we need to be — way that matters are financed, we need to be unable to provide social care that _ need to be unable to provide social care that has become so obvious we desperately need after the last

terribly— desperately need after the last terribly difficult and terribly sad year~ _ terribly difficult and terribly sad year to — terribly difficult and terribly sad year. to be able to do that properly for the _ year. to be able to do that properly for the nation of wales, we need this place — for the nation of wales, we need this place to move effectively, to set an— this place to move effectively, to set an example and put the funding in place _ set an example and put the funding in place. we have also seen this talk about— in place. we have also seen this talk about levelling up and yet we also have — talk about levelling up and yet we also have the government here that is centralising more than ever before — is centralising more than ever before it _ is centralising more than ever before. it is one thing to make the political— before. it is one thing to make the political offers, another thing to actually — political offers, another thing to actually really bring about levelling up and strengthening our communities in wales and across the uk. ., ~ , ., y communities in wales and across the uk. ., y . uk. thank you very much indeed. liz savill roberts _ uk. thank you very much indeed. liz savill roberts from _ uk. thank you very much indeed. liz savill roberts from plaid _ uk. thank you very much indeed. liz savill roberts from plaid cymru. - savill roberts from plaid cymru. huw. yes, the fixing social care line which did have a lot of impact at the time, raising expectations really. nothing in here i saw about that. ., ., ., ., ., ., that. no, nothing more than a vague es, we that. no, nothing more than a vague yes. we know _ that. no, nothing more than a vague yes. we know we _ that. no, nothing more than a vague yes, we know we have _ that. no, nothing more than a vague yes, we know we have to _ that. no, nothing more than a vague yes, we know we have to get - that. no, nothing more than a vague yes, we know we have to get on - that. no, nothing more than a vague yes, we know we have to get on with this. successive governments have failed to get to grips with this issue, revealed in such stark terms during the pandemic. if people didn't realise i was an issue in how we care for our oval delay in this

country, my goodness me, the covid emergency certainly put that in a very harsh spotlight. the prime minister made it absolutely essential when he sat on the steps of downing street promising it would be fixed and he would have a plan. what is actually happening, behind—the—scenes number 10 and 11 cannot agree over how to get on with this. there are various models out there. we'll know what they are. they have been discussed over the year. what there isn't is a decision. year. what there isn't is a decision-— year. what there isn't is a decision. ~ , ,., . ,, year. what there isn't is a decision. ~ , ., ., decision. ok. we will be back for a final comment _ decision. ok. we will be back for a final comment with _ decision. ok. we will be back for a final comment with my _ decision. ok. we will be back for a final comment with my guests - decision. ok. we will be back for a final comment with my guests in i decision. ok. we will be back for a final comment with my guests in a| final comment with my guests in a moment. back to rita with another guest. i moment. back to rita with another cuest. ., moment. back to rita with another cuest. . ., _ ., ., , , moment. back to rita with another cuest. . ., _ ., , ~ guest. i am 'oined by ian paisley, a dup mp guest. i am 'oined by ian paisley, a on» m» for— guest. i amjoined by ian paisley, a dup mp for royal— guest. i amjoined by ian paisley, a dup mp for royal antrim. - guest. i amjoined by ian paisley, a dup mp for royal antrim. you - guest. i amjoined by ian paisley, a| dup mp for royal antrim. you were guest. i amjoined by ian paisley, a. dup mp for royal antrim. you were in the galleryjust now to hear from the galleryjust now to hear from the queen, very different from usual. , , , , , usual. very subdued but still the . om . usual. very subdued but still the -om- and usual. very subdued but still the pomp and ceremony _ usual. very subdued but still the pomp and ceremony and - usual. very subdued but still the i pomp and ceremony and wonderful usual. very subdued but still the - pomp and ceremony and wonderful to see her— pomp and ceremony and wonderful to see her majesty looking so well after— see her majesty looking so well after what has been a very trying time _ after what has been a very trying time for— after what has been a very trying time for herand after what has been a very trying time for her and the entire royal family — time for her and the entire royal family. wonderful to have parliament

opened _ family. wonderful to have parliament opened in _ family. wonderful to have parliament opened in this way despite the pandemic. we opened in this way despite the pandemic-— opened in this way despite the andemic. ~ ., ,, �* , pandemic. we had in the queen's seech, pandemic. we had in the queen's speech. her _ pandemic. we had in the queen's speech, her majesty _ pandemic. we had in the queen's speech, her majesty talking - pandemic. we had in the queen'sl speech, her majesty talking about strengthening devolved government in northern ireland and addressing the legacy of the past. how do you interpret the government's intention?— interpret the government's intention? , , intention? three things. there is le . islation intention? three things. there is legislation which _ intention? three things. there is legislation which will _ intention? three things. there is legislation which will now - intention? three things. there is legislation which will now flow i intention? three things. there is legislation which will now flow to westminster as a result. we will wait and — westminster as a result. we will wait and see what the government intends _ wait and see what the government intends to— wait and see what the government intends to do with that and we will follow _ intends to do with that and we will follow it — intends to do with that and we will follow it. on the legacy issue, i think— follow it. on the legacy issue, i think that — follow it. on the legacy issue, i think that of course it is very important. the stormont house agreement which was supposed to deal with this _ agreement which was supposed to deal with this has fallen apart quite literally— with this has fallen apart quite literally and we need to make sure that the _ literally and we need to make sure that the vexatious attempts to try soldiers _ that the vexatious attempts to try soldiers and police officers who served — soldiers and police officers who served their nation so well during the troubles, that they are protected from vexatious complaints and unfounded allegations. we have seen some _ and unfounded allegations. we have seen some progress on that in the courts— seen some progress on that in the courts in— seen some progress on that in the courts in recent weeks. finally, improving — courts in recent weeks. finally, improving the issue of connectivity, that excites — improving the issue of connectivity, that excites me the most. we had seen _ that excites me the most. we had seen a _ that excites me the most. we had seen a commitment to more bus

building. — seen a commitment to more bus building, which excites me because we build _ building, which excites me because we build a — building, which excites me because we build a lot of the buses for the united _ we build a lot of the buses for the united kingdom. that would provide 'obs united kingdom. that would provide jobs coming out of the pandemic. there _ jobs coming out of the pandemic. there are — jobs coming out of the pandemic. there are things here for all of us. thank you very much indeed. ian paisley, dup mp for north antrim. many thanks and thanks to all of our guests who have been speaking to us during the programme. just a few minutes left to get some final thoughts on in the river room in the studio. by the way, can i pass on my thanks to lord mcfall who kindly let us in here today? having said that, i hope you lead us back next time! many thanks for that. final thoughts. minister, what do you want viewers to take away from their speech? viewers to take away from their seech? , , ., viewers to take away from their seech? , ., ., ., speech? focuses on national recovery. _ speech? focuses on national recovery, early _ speech? focuses on national recovery, early years, - speech? focuses on national recovery, early years, lost i speech? focuses on national recovery, early years, lost to learning, _ recovery, early years, lost to learning, the nhs and social care. investment injobs, levelling up, opportunity and investment injobs. freeport _ opportunity and investment injobs. freeport and so on. connectivity, internet —

freeport and so on. connectivity, internet and broadband and new homes as well _ internet and broadband and new homes as well. these are all really important. we have to recover. we have _ important. we have to recover. we have to _ important. we have to recover. we have to work— important. we have to recover. we have to work together as our quad night _ have to work together as our quad night -- _ have to work together as our quad night -- four— have to work together as our quad night —— four nations, important to work— night —— four nations, important to work together on behalf of the people — work together on behalf of the people who put us here. and i think there _ people who put us here. and i think there is— people who put us here. and i think there is something there for everybody as ian paisley said but it's always — everybody as ian paisley said but it's always about delivery. what i want _ it's always about delivery. what i want them — it's always about delivery. what i want them to take away is we will deliver— want them to take away is we will deliver this. we are committed to delivering — deliver this. we are committed to delivering this. the deliver this. we are committed to delivering this.— delivering this. the expectations have been raised, _ delivering this. the expectations have been raised, what - delivering this. the expectations have been raised, what did - delivering this. the expectations have been raised, what did you i delivering this. the expectations - have been raised, what did you make of it, joanna? ibis have been raised, what did you make of it, joanna? figs! have been raised, what did you make of it. joanna?— of it, joanna? as i said at the beginning. — of it, joanna? as i said at the beginning. if— of it, joanna? as i said at the beginning, if this _ of it, joanna? as i said at the| beginning, if this government of it, joanna? as i said at the i beginning, if this government is serious — beginning, if this government is serious about— beginning, if this government is serious about levelling - beginning, if this government is serious about levelling up - beginning, if this government is serious about levelling up and l beginning, if this government is serious about levelling up and if they mean— serious about levelling up and if they mean by— serious about levelling up and if they mean by creating - serious about levelling up and if they mean by creating equalityl serious about levelling up and if. they mean by creating equality and fairness. _ they mean by creating equality and fairness. then— they mean by creating equality and fairness, then they _ they mean by creating equality and fairness, then they need _ they mean by creating equality and fairness, then they need to - they mean by creating equality and fairness, then they need to tackle i fairness, then they need to tackle some _ fairness, then they need to tackle some of— fairness, then they need to tackle some of the — fairness, then they need to tackle some of the big _ fairness, then they need to tackle some of the big issues _ fairness, then they need to tackle some of the big issues in - fairness, then they need to tackle some of the big issues in our- some of the big issues in our society. _ some of the big issues in our society. such _ some of the big issues in our society, such as _ some of the big issues in our society, such as child - some of the big issues in our. society, such as child poverty. there — society, such as child poverty. there was _ society, such as child poverty. there was some _ society, such as child poverty. there was some reference - society, such as child poverty. there was some reference to. society, such as child poverty. - there was some reference to children in the _ there was some reference to children in the speech— there was some reference to children in the speech but— there was some reference to children in the speech but they _ there was some reference to children in the speech but they would - there was some reference to children in the speech but they would do - there was some reference to children in the speech but they would do well| in the speech but they would do well to take _ in the speech but they would do well to take a _ in the speech but they would do well to take a leaf — in the speech but they would do well to take a leaf out _ in the speech but they would do well to take a leaf out of _ in the speech but they would do well to take a leaf out of the _ in the speech but they would do well to take a leaf out of the scottish - to take a leaf out of the scottish government— to take a leaf out of the scottish government has— to take a leaf out of the scottish government has macbook- to take a leaf out of the scottish government has macbook in - to take a leaf out of the scottish government has macbook in the to take a leaf out of the scottish - government has macbook in the last parliament — government has macbook in the last parliament they— government has macbook in the last parliament. they introduced - government has macbook in the last parliament. they introduced a - parliament. they introduced a scottish— parliament. they introduced a scottish child _ parliament. they introduced a scottish child payment. - parliament. they introduced a scottish child payment. it's. parliament. they introduced a i scottish child payment. it's been described — scottish child payment. it's been described by— scottish child payment. it's been described by the _ scottish child payment. it's been described by the third _ scottish child payment. it's been described by the third sector- scottish child payment. it's been described by the third sector as. scottish child payment. it's been| described by the third sector as a game _ described by the third sector as a game changer— described by the third sector as a game changer in— described by the third sector as a game changer in dealing - described by the third sector as a game changer in dealing with - described by the third sector as a i game changer in dealing with child poverty— game changer in dealing with child poverty in— game changer in dealing with child poverty in scotland _ game changer in dealing with child poverty in scotland and _ game changer in dealing with child poverty in scotland and we - game changer in dealing with child - poverty in scotland and we committed to doubling _

poverty in scotland and we committed to doubling it— poverty in scotland and we committed to doubling it in— poverty in scotland and we committed to doubling it in our— poverty in scotland and we committed to doubling it in our manifesto. - to doubling it in our manifesto. egually— to doubling it in our manifesto. equally on _ to doubling it in our manifesto. equally on the _ to doubling it in our manifesto. equally on the social— to doubling it in our manifesto. equally on the social care - to doubling it in our manifesto. i equally on the social care issue, let's— equally on the social care issue, let's see — equally on the social care issue, let's see some _ equally on the social care issue, let's see some meat _ equally on the social care issue, let's see some meat on - equally on the social care issue, let's see some meat on the - equally on the social care issue, i let's see some meat on the bones. equally on the social care issue, - let's see some meat on the bones. in scotland. _ let's see some meat on the bones. in scotland. we — let's see some meat on the bones. in scotland, we had _ let's see some meat on the bones. in scotland, we had an— let's see some meat on the bones. in scotland, we had an independent- scotland, we had an independent review _ scotland, we had an independent review the — scotland, we had an independent review. the snp _ scotland, we had an independent review. the snp committed - scotland, we had an independent review. the snp committed to i scotland, we had an independenti review. the snp committed to the principles— review. the snp committed to the principles of— review. the snp committed to the principles of that _ review. the snp committed to the principles of that independent - principles of that independent reviewer— principles of that independent reviewer nicola _ principles of that independent reviewer nicola sturgeon - principles of that independent reviewer nicola sturgeon hasi principles of that independent - reviewer nicola sturgeon has said she will— reviewer nicola sturgeon has said she will introduce _ reviewer nicola sturgeon has said she will introduce a _ reviewer nicola sturgeon has said she will introduce a national- reviewer nicola sturgeon has said she will introduce a national care i she will introduce a national care centres _ she will introduce a national care centres to— she will introduce a national care centres to oversee _ she will introduce a national care centres to oversee social - she will introduce a national care centres to oversee social care . she will introduce a national care centres to oversee social care in| centres to oversee social care in scotland — centres to oversee social care in scotland within _ centres to oversee social care in scotland within the _ centres to oversee social care in scotland within the term - centres to oversee social care in scotland within the term of - centres to oversee social care in scotland within the term of the i centres to oversee social care in - scotland within the term of the next parliament — scotland within the term of the next parliament. finally, _ scotland within the term of the next parliament. finally, repeatedly- scotland within the term of the next parliament. finally, repeatedly in. parliament. finally, repeatedly in this speech. _ parliament. finally, repeatedly in this speech. we _ parliament. finally, repeatedly in this speech, we had _ parliament. finally, repeatedly in this speech, we had the - parliament. finally, repeatedly in. this speech, we had the government wanted _ this speech, we had the government wanted to— this speech, we had the government wanted to strengthen _ this speech, we had the government wanted to strengthen and _ this speech, we had the government wanted to strengthen and renew - wanted to strengthen and renew democracy— wanted to strengthen and renew democracy across _ wanted to strengthen and renew democracy across the _ wanted to strengthen and renew democracy across the uk. - wanted to strengthen and renew democracy across the uk. the i wanted to strengthen and renew i democracy across the uk. the best way to— democracy across the uk. the best way to strengthen _ democracy across the uk. the best way to strengthen and _ democracy across the uk. the best way to strengthen and renew - way to strengthen and renew democracy _ way to strengthen and renew democracy would _ way to strengthen and renew democracy would be - way to strengthen and renew democracy would be to - way to strengthen and renew l democracy would be to respect way to strengthen and renew - democracy would be to respect the outcome _ democracy would be to respect the outcome of— democracy would be to respect the outcome of the _ democracy would be to respect the outcome of the election _ democracy would be to respect the outcome of the election we - democracy would be to respect the outcome of the election we had - democracy would be to respect the outcome of the election we had ini outcome of the election we had in scotland — outcome of the election we had in scotland last _ outcome of the election we had in scotland last week, _ outcome of the election we had in scotland last week, which - outcome of the election we had in scotland last week, which the - outcome of the election we had in| scotland last week, which the snp won~ _ scotland last week, which the snp won~ there — scotland last week, which the snp won~ there are _ scotland last week, which the snp won. there are 72— scotland last week, which the snp won. there are 72 msps _ scotland last week, which the snp won. there are 72 msps in - scotland last week, which the snp won. there are 72 msps in the - won. there are 72 msps in the scottish— won. there are 72 msps in the scottish parliament _ won. there are 72 msps in the scottish parliament who - won. there are 72 msps in the scottish parliament who wanti won. there are 72 msps in the i scottish parliament who want a second — scottish parliament who want a second independence - scottish parliament who want a . second independence referendum, scottish parliament who want a - second independence referendum, as opposed _ second independence referendum, as opposed to _ second independence referendum, as opposed to 57 — second independence referendum, as opposed to 57 who _ second independence referendum, as opposed to 57 who don't. _ second independence referendum, as opposed to 57 who don't. boris - opposed to 57 who don't. boris johnson — opposed to 57 who don't. boris johnson should _ opposed to 57 who don't. boris johnson should come - opposed to 57 who don't. boris johnson should come to - opposed to 57 who don't. boris johnson should come to the i johnson should come to the negotiating _ johnson should come to the negotiating table, - johnson should come to the negotiating table, as - johnson should come to the negotiating table, as davidi johnson should come to the - negotiating table, as david cameron had the _ negotiating table, as david cameron had the decency— negotiating table, as david cameron had the decency to _ negotiating table, as david cameron had the decency to do _ negotiating table, as david cameron had the decency to do in _ negotiating table, as david cameron had the decency to do in 2011. - negotiating table, as david cameron had the decency to do in 2011. the i had the decency to do in 2011. the civil who _ had the decency to do in 2011. the civil who negotiated _ had the decency to do in 2011. the civil who negotiated the _ had the decency to do in 2011. thej civil who negotiated the edinburgh agreement— civil who negotiated the edinburgh agreement in— civil who negotiated the edinburgh agreement in 2011 _ civil who negotiated the edinburgh agreement in 2011 said _ civil who negotiated the edinburgh agreement in 2011 said the - agreement in 2011 said the circumstances _

agreement in 2011 said the circumstances that- agreement in 2011 said the circumstances that pertain| agreement in 2011 said the - circumstances that pertain now are exactly _ circumstances that pertain now are exactly the — circumstances that pertain now are exactly the same _ circumstances that pertain now are exactly the same as _ circumstances that pertain now are exactly the same as they _ circumstances that pertain now are exactly the same as they were - circumstances that pertain now are exactly the same as they were in i exactly the same as they were in 2011 and — exactly the same as they were in 2011 and therefore _ exactly the same as they were in 2011 and therefore the _ exactly the same as they were in 2011 and therefore the british - 2011 and therefore the british government— 2011 and therefore the british government should _ 2011 and therefore the british government should come - 2011 and therefore the british government should come to. 2011 and therefore the british i government should come to the negotiating _ government should come to the negotiating table. _ government should come to the negotiating table. the - government should come to the| negotiating table. the pandemic government should come to the - negotiating table. the pandemic must be dealt _ negotiating table. the pandemic must be dealt with— negotiating table. the pandemic must be dealt with but _ negotiating table. the pandemic must be dealt with but the _ negotiating table. the pandemic must be dealt with but the british _ be dealt with but the british government— be dealt with but the british government is— be dealt with but the british government is getting - be dealt with but the british government is getting on i be dealt with but the british l government is getting on with be dealt with but the british - government is getting on with other aspects _ government is getting on with other aspects of— government is getting on with other aspects of the — government is getting on with other aspects of the constitution - government is getting on with other aspects of the constitution during i aspects of the constitution during the pandemic— aspects of the constitution during the pandemic and _ aspects of the constitution during the pandemic and they _ aspects of the constitution during the pandemic and they need - aspects of the constitution during the pandemic and they need to. aspects of the constitution during - the pandemic and they need to speak to nicola _ the pandemic and they need to speak to nicola sturgeon _ the pandemic and they need to speak to nicola sturgeon and _ the pandemic and they need to speak to nicola sturgeon and her— the pandemic and they need to speak to nicola sturgeon and her new- to nicola sturgeon and her new government— to nicola sturgeon and her new government in— to nicola sturgeon and her new government in edinburgh- to nicola sturgeon and her newj government in edinburgh about to nicola sturgeon and her new. government in edinburgh about a second _ government in edinburgh about a second independence _ government in edinburgh about a i second independence referendum. government in edinburgh about a - second independence referendum. that is another second independence referendum. is another three hour second independence referendum. tiiiiiii is another three hour programme second independence referendum. is another three hour programme but thank you for raising the point! thangam? i thank you for raising the point! thanuam? ~ thank you for raising the point! thangam?— thank you for raising the point! thanuam? ,, . , thangam? i think after the terrible ear we thangam? i think after the terrible year we have _ thangam? i think after the terrible year we have had, _ thangam? i think after the terrible year we have had, our— thangam? i think after the terrible year we have had, our social- thangam? i think after the terrible year we have had, our social care | year we have had, our social care sector, _ year we have had, our social care sector, education sector deserve that reward they truly deserve. we deserve _ that reward they truly deserve. we deserve to— that reward they truly deserve. we deserve to have a government that take seriously the massive crisis of climate _ take seriously the massive crisis of climate change. the massive housing crisis. _ climate change. the massive housing crisis, typified by the failure to -et crisis, typified by the failure to get a _ crisis, typified by the failure to get a grip— crisis, typified by the failure to get a grip on the cladding crisis. there _ get a grip on the cladding crisis. there is— get a grip on the cladding crisis. there is any number of things that could _ there is any number of things that could have — there is any number of things that could have been headlines in this speech— could have been headlines in this speech and seem to be sadly lacking to me _ speech and seem to be sadly lacking to me. ., ., speech and seem to be sadly lacking to me. ., . ,, speech and seem to be sadly lacking to me. . ., i. ., speech and seem to be sadly lacking to me. . ., ., ,, to me. laura, you and i will speak later. i to me. laura, you and i will speak later- i am — to me. laura, you and i will speak later. i am sure _ to me. laura, you and i will speak later. i am sure we _ to me. laura, you and i will speak later. i am sure we will. _ to me. laura, you and i will speak later. i am sure we will. can - to me. laura, you and i will speak later. i am sure we will. can i - to me. laura, you and i will speak later. i am sure we will. can i say| later. i am sure we will. can i say to all of you. _

later. i am sure we will. can i say to all of you, really _ later. i am sure we will. can i say to all of you, really good - to all of you, really good contributions and thank you very much for sharing your time with us today. thank you all. that brings us to the end of today's live coverage from the palace of westminster. a new session of parliament has been opened by the queen in her 95th year and a new government programme has been set out. so as we know, it is already controversial. coverage of the debate on the speech will continue on the bbc news channel this afternoon. but from all of my guests and all of the bbc team at westminster, thanks for watching and goodbye.

you are watching bbc news. we will be crossing live to edinburgh in just a moment. 's first minister is about to lead to lead to the government's coronavirus briefing. she is expected to confirm that covid restrictions will be relaxed further next week. we'll bring you her statement live. further next week. we'll bring you herstatement live. i further next week. we'll bring you her statement live. i will bring to date with some of the day's other news. a 21—year—old man has been remanded in custody after being charged with the murder of the police community support officer, julia james. callum wheeler from aylesham appeared in person

at medway magistrates court. the 53—year—old was found dead from head injuries in woodland near her home on 27th april. at least eight people have died after a shooting at a school in the southwestern russian city of kazan. police said two people had carried out the attack. one suspect — a teenager — has been detained. there are also reports that a second suspected attacker has been killed. emergency services are at the scene. countries around the world are appealing for calm, amid weeks of escalating violence between israeli forces and the palestinians. (tx militant groups in gaza fired rockets into israel on monday evening. israel responded with retaliatory strikes on the palestinian territory that killed at least 20 people — including children. the past few days have seen the worst violence injerusalem for years. apple is facing a billion—pound

lawsuit, after being accused of overcharging uk customers who use its app store.