the consumer product safety commission requires advanced public disclosure of all meetings including travel. a the american people need to know who you are meeting with fischer decisions are very important. if an agency that regulates toys

and other consumer products can do that disclosure so can an agency that regulates nuclear reactors and we have bipartisan support for this. going forward will each of you commit to providing advance notice of your meetings and your travel and providing information about the topics intended to be discussed at each meeting? starting with the chairman. >> i commits to providing to the degree that i can because my schedule changes on a daily and sometimes hourly basis and as i sure does yours. certainly for my travel advance notice of my travel and other meetings to the degree that i can. >> commission or svinicki. spare would request the opportunity to respond for the record. >> i won't have any trouble doing that. >> at my confirmation hearing i

promise to make my calendar available. i have done that from the moment i have been on the commission that i have published my calendar continuously and i have not made a practice of putting a lot of detail on my calendar. >> thank you because it's important we know who you are meeting with. >> chairman boxer my calendar paintings is on my web site. >> excellent. that's excellent. commissioner magwood travel records you provided to this committee indicate you spend 127 days on international travel since 2010. they also indicate before you leave the commission the summer you'll be spending more than three weeks visiting the united arab emirates malaysia japan and brazil. do you think this nrcc commissioned to have a traveling the world just before you sign

sign -- resign your seat? >> but the indicate that i'm not doing brazil. that was an invitation that i was considering and have ultimately decided not to take that trip. the other visits are very important despite the fact that i am stepping down from the commission later this summer the presence of the nrc commissioner is important whether it's either me or commissioner apostolakis. regulatory independence is pete pete -- important of these people. >> i'm curious i'm seriously interested in the united arab emirates do they have nuclear power and what's the issue that you will be addressing in that country? >> well i hesitate to get into a lot of detail in an open session but let me say that we are watching very closely as a new regulator has assembled. they have a lot of challenges. some of them are cultural

challenges and it's a good time for someone from the nrc commission to visit again to reinforce our realtor independence as a new regulator and nuclear power plants. >> and dependents from? >> from other policy issues. >> i don't understand. i don't understand that but that's okay. in malaysia what's happening over there? >> the same sort of thing. malaysia is considering new nuclear power plants. they have a very -- they have a regulator that is under the process of being restructured. our staff thinks it's a good time for the nrc commissioner to go and talk about issues such as independence and i was happy to try to do that. >> and japan i think is good. are you going to go over and get a briefing on fukushima? >> i'm actually going to visit fukushima again. >> let me say this. that makes a lot of sense and

everybody makes a decision but i just want to speak as someone who cares a lot about the safety at the san onofre plant. you haven't even seen documents. i gave them to mr. ostendorff but there's so much to be done. not one of the 12 recommendations has gone to -- the operator of san onofre is asking for exemptions from all kinds of emergency planning when the fire was a half a mile away and i just wish -- i need your leadership here. i need your leadership here. maybe your leadership is more important at the united arab emirates but from my point of view and i'm being honest here you have got a backlog. the chairman could answer a lot of questions because she's got to get back at my -- back to me and i just hope you'll consider this. in any event i want to thank you. these hearings are very

difficult because you have made decisions as the chairman said and you are done. no, you are not done because we have oversight over you and it's uncomfortable but we are going to keep on doing it. i think this is our ninth since fukushima and we are going to keep it up and i thank all the colleagues and we stand adjourned. in warsaw today president obama spoke on the 25th anniversary of poland's first free elections and use the opportunity to talk about china and russia. you can see his entire speech at c-span.org. here's a little of what he said. >> on the same day 25 years ago the polls were voting here.

tanks were crushing peaceful democracy protests in tiananmen square on the other side of the world. the blessings of liberty must be earned and renewed by every generation including our own. this is the work to which we rededicate ourselves today. our democracies must be defined not by what or who we are against but via politics of inclusion and tolerance that welcomes all of our citizens. our economies must deliver a broader prosperity that creates more opportunity across europe and across the world especially for young people. leaders must uphold the public trust and stand against corruption not steal from the pockets of their own people. our societies must embrace a greater justice that recognizes

the inherent dignity of every human being. and as we have been reminded by russia's aggression in ukraine our free nations cannot be complacent in pursuit of the vision we share. air europe that is whole and free and at peace. we have to work for that. we have to stand with those who seek freedom. [applause]

>> on the lulu lemon soap -- windswept point on the northern shore of france but air is soft for 40 years ago at this moment the air was dense with smoke and the cries of men and the air was filled with the crack of rifle fire and the roar of cannon. at dawn on the morning of the sixth of june 1944225 rangers jumped off the british landing craft and ran to the bottom of the cliff. their mission was one of the most difficult and daring of the invasion, to climb these sheer

and desolate cliffs and take out the enemy guns. the allies had been told that some of the mightiest of these guns were here and they would be trained on the beaches to stop the allied advance. the rangers looked up and saw the enemy soldiers at the end of the -- edge of the cliff throwing grenades in the american rangers began to climb.

in london wednesday queen elizabeth outlined the government's priorities for the coming year at the state opening of parliament. our coverage of this nearly two-hour event is courtesy of the bbc. >> it's 10:30 at westminster. stand by for a unique land of pageantry and politics as we bring you full coverage of the state opening of parliament. it's the last speech before the general election. ♪ ♪ ♪

>> good morning. not longer for the queen arrives at the palace westminster in the traditional carriage procession the start of any session of parliament that the general elections we know is just 11 months away so starting an ambitious new program of legislation. having said that there are interesting and significant -- and we will be talking about this in due course. we also put the thing in the political context following european elections which saw europe on the rise raising new questions for the other party leaders. plenty for david cameron to think about. he left number 10 about a half an hour ago on his way to the houses of parliament. it is of course the coalitions program of government announced today and the other bit of the coalition the deputy prime minister nick clegg left with them last 45 minutes or so on his way to the houses of parliament.

no words from them yet but we have had words from labor's at miliband. >> heard of the depths of the discontent that the country is run. the labor queens speech will be making hard work pay reforming our banks building homes in britain freeing energy bills in meeting the big challenges our country faces. >> just a flavor of the debate that will get on the queens speech in a short while. this is where the queen arrives in 45 minutes time. when the queen arrives it will be i can tell you now and a brand-new coach today. it is called the diamond jubilee state coach built in australia completed in 2010 delivered in march of this year. the plaques and names and side show you this is kind of a mobile showcase the british judiciary and history going back a thousand years. more to say about that later on

but continuing in that tradition talking about the pageantry today not just the politics in the house of lords peers and guests have started to arrive for the biggest event of the parliamentary calendar. no peer allowed into the state opening less he or she is wearing the appropriaappropria te parliamentary robe. some new faces today. we have aaron is lawrence who took a seat in the house of lords within the past year danny finkelstein the well-known journalist who took a seat as well in the last year. some people reminding us may be of a different age we have lord howe chancellor of the exchequer and his wife baroness -- and more recent but still feels like quite a long time ago we have another former chancellor. lord lamont who served in the baroness sitting next to him. they are all waiting for the queens speech to take place at

around 11:30 to be delivered from the spectacular gilded throne in the house of lords the queens thrown on the left and -- on the right-hand side. later on the queen will summon members of the house of commons to this chamber to the house of lords to listen to the speech and then of course unveiling the governments that decide a program the session ahead. ceremony and tradition shrouding the speech as we trace back to the 16th century so this current ceremony dates from 1852. that's when the palace of westminster was rebuilt after the fire power that displayed plenty of politics to talk about as well and let me introduce you to our first guess. the first lord speaker presiding house of lords position created in 2006. thank you for coming in. matthew parris of the times in the distant past a conservative

mp but we are talking as a -- and we are glad to have you with us and is always on this day the bbc political editor. nick just a thought here because lots of people thought we wouldn't get to this point in this coalition and they didn't think they would last until the year 2014 but here we are. >> i sat actually in this chair in the studio bubble here on the days after the general election before the coalition was formed reidy was being talked about a people said we will have an election and months and whoever does the deal it won't last. i think i said i don't want to say i told you so but i said it would and has an at will and you will and your right a lot of with his speeches about his favorite cameron and nick clegg saying we told you so and what's more for those who say we still have got nothing to do we are counting the days until the next general election you will see the big hill that was trailed on the weekend of pensions.

if also this idea dutch style -- but basically the messages we are busy we are active and keeping going. >> we'll be talking about individual bills of course as we go a mom of. baroness i was wondering when you worked in the house of lords getting ready for these professions -- processions a few years ago what were you doing now? >> getting dressed because getting dressed took some time the amount of gear that you have to wear. what i found was the rehearsal the night before was not like real life because you could trip over or laugh or you didn't actually wear the robes and the robes are enormously heavy. i was always just terrified of the steps that go down there of tripping over and the house will calvary having to pick me up and we commentated about it.

>> i'm sorry we might have done that. >> you seem to enjoy it. >> i hope i put a correct face on it because one was very conscious of being part of something that had a long history although of course i have to say that my coordinates was made up by the lord chamber two days before state opening. they had to deal with how this differentiated from the lord chancellor. >> will be seeing him in a short while because he plays a key world today. as we look at these images is all about today's pageantry and tradition. as the politics being undersold simply because we are so close to an election? >> in a sense is being oversold. there is a much politics here except for the run-up to the general election. there is an going to be anything of any political or policy interest. we just have a long run-up to a general election.

this is all about positioning and jockeying in getting one over the other side so you will see things in a speech that are basically just sort of one up on your neck or one up on you dave are one up on you ed. the pageantry is all, we should just enjoy the pageantry. a i ended up in a whole crowd of defeat or's ready to whatever beefeaters do. one of the best experiences of my life. [inaudible] [laughter] >> but sometimes people look at is this office christmas party part great tradition. people wait all year to bring their husband or their wife or their partner to celebrate their involvement in the houses of parliament. for the past few days i've few people who are repainting the

walls. it's a big occasion for the whole village. >> is a good moment to get our bearings. the chamber is packed obviously. we understand what's happening when the queen arrives because she will be arriving at the sovereign's interest in a short while. the diamond jubilee stage will be arriving at the foot of the tower that contains all the parliamentary archives. thankfully the rain is holding off because it looked pretty grim this morning but it's looking a little better now in terms of the weather. from there her majesty will wake her way up the enormous staircase into the roping room itself. there's the staircase and soon we will see members of the house of how very guard of honor their the gentlemen at arms are ready to take their place. the doors behind them that's where the roping room is. no cameras allowed in there. that is where they will just in the parliamentary robes.

once they are in the roping room there will be a few minutes to get ready and this magnificent room. they will go past all these guests john from diplomatic and military circles and had a long list gallery to the house of lords and to see in the distance the princes chamber. that is exact we above where guy folks was caught in november 1605. the princes chamber and then into the splendid chamber the creation back in 1847 and that is where -- she will get the signal to hear the speech and if you think of the palace of westminster is halfway between the lords in the commons the central lobby in the

heart of the building. >> the queen center stage in the house of lords that the commons chamber is where mps assert their authority. the first recession will be the speaker of the commons and then the quiet hats off strangers telling members of the public to -- their hats in reference to him and later that ancient procession the man known as flat lord who will go straight up to the door of the commons chamber and it will be slammed in his face. he will need to knock three times. then he summons mpice to hear the queen's speech. >> we will back with you in a short while talking about the tradition.

that isn't the only tradition rooted in history. there's an interesting story i will tell you about. one house of the map -- never gets to hear the speech of the queen. the commons weren't quite as nice as they are today. one mp becomes the queens hostage and mp jim fitzpatrick explained the history of the time he was detained. ♪ >> every time the sovereign comes to parliament to perform the state offering we have to send -- to buckingham palace to ensure the monarch is safe. the tradition of the hostage comes from the execution of the monarch at the end of the civil war and this depicts the start of the civil war.

this is the king arriving at parliament to arrest five mps. he has been told to undermine his authority. so the end of the civil war after the defeat of the royalists charles the first was put on trial for treason. he was put on trial on this step in 1649. he was charged with treason. he was found guilty in the next morning he was taken out and executed. as a result of that execution the royal household demands a hostage every time the monarch comes to perform a. if anything happens to the monarch the same will befall one of our senior colleagues. we have chairman bayh government car. we are in top hat tales and striped trousers. when i was there i was greeted by lord chamberlain. he made it absolute clear i

could do whatever he wanted to and buckingham palace. i could have a gin and tonic or a cup of coffee or join him to watch the state opening on bbc which is what i did with him. we waited for her majesty's return. they don't actually lock me up but they made it quite clear that i wasn't going anywhere. when i expressed my anxiety to the heads of the armed forces he reassured me if anything happens we will make it quick. we will just shoot you and i don't think it was kidding. >> one feels somewhat isolated and because the main body of parliaments but you also feel you're part of the history part of the chechen which obviously gives you a sense of achievement. i was quite happy to be there and quite happy to -- but it was quite a memorable experience.

from that interesting bit of tradition to what's going on right now inside the palace at westminster because the dismount to detachment of the house of calgary which involves light guards are lining the staircase forming a guard of honor for the queen and there we have the human of the guard one of the oldest of the bodyguards raised by henry the tenth in 1485. not the most senior. we will see some of them later on. the guard ready to go in. they have already performed by the way is ceremonially search and that is of course linked to the guy folks incident. they got a glass of port as a reward for doing that. they are now making their way into the royal gallery to process through and they will line the royal gallery ready for the great possession procession

of the state which will come later on after the queen's arrival. this for you now gives you a sense of the queens route if you like when she turns up with the duke and they will be following these footsteps because they will be leading from the staircase a little paz in the room and along the royal calgary into the princes chamber that i told you about just a while ago. aaron assayed with my watching these images and so far going as planned. this is a nice thing about this event. it is rooted in tradition and yet lots of these people are very real modern stories to tell. >> absolutely and as i said what's wonderful about it is partly the timing and the precision and the way you feel you are fitting into a very well oiled machine. but also actually it's flexible

and it does change and when i was made lord speaker the lord chancellor had done that job before and the chancellor still had to be incorporated into the ceremony. they had to find out something to do with me and the day was saved by the fact that there was a spare mace is each of us had to hat or on mace because there was a spare kept in the room next to my office. they created a special ceremony and when you're commenting on it it looked as if it had been going on for 100 years. that is some other real skill. spam going to stop you there for a second if i may because i did mention of course this is the last queen's speech before the next election. there's an important electoral event happening before then in september. there will be a referendum on the scottish independence.

that something is dominating westminster. vicki young again is there for us. >> we are still at the heart of u.k. parliament and the boat coming in september could big changes becoming too discuss the ratification's i am joined by mr. robertson. you are going to turn your back on this are you? >> a look or to scotland's parliament being able to make all the big decisions rather than westminster. when we look at the mps tripping through the house of commons to the house of lords to reminds us that only 4% of parliamentarians between the two chambers are actually elected in scotland. it looks like something more of a 19th century than a 21st century and i think the advantages of the yes vote or not only that we will get the government we always wanted in the parliament we always wanted something more befitting the sanctuary we are in rather than

one of 200 years ago. >> remember this is a constitutional monarchy and the queen has not abdicated herself but has advocated for a lot of powers the previous these the sovereign possessed. that is why she has come today at the request of the government to redo the government's program. seems to me still that these symbols are of enormous significance and independent the fact that we live in a constitutional democracy and from my point of view we should remain together because the stability provided by this parliament for so many years is something which affects the whole of the united kingdom. i do want to give that up. >> mr. robertson the queen has a role in the scottish parliament. will she have a role? >> of course she does and she plays a role in the opening of

the scottish parliament but what we are looking at this year is a significant improvement to government in scotland. today we are witnessing the opening of the parliament that governs over scotland governed in scotland. at normal democracy most popular party with the most votes makes the decisions. westminster does not work like that. that's what we need to change it. it's out of date and today is a good example. >> but that ignores the reality because in scotland we have our own government with responsibility for the domestic affairs which this parliament has default to scotland's coach ron to say the percentage of directly elected people have interned scottish policies for% in and the present government and indeed the labour party and liberal democrats have in the event of a no vote in september

for which i will argue further devolution of powers. >> the queens speech will give the proposals in the queens speech. >> you hear about them but we can't question independents. >> despite the day of ceremony there are of course audiences too. >> outside the palace of westminster we have queen alexander's stagecoach driving because this is one of the first big moments of the ceremony today. he is bringing in. allstate -- and we have it on display inside the carriage closely guarded. we will talk a little bit about the initial -- the cap of maintenance and these powerful emblems of royal authority. they will be carefully taken out

and a few maces as well carefully taken out from the coach and taken into the royal gallery and put on display until the queen arrives because they are symbols of royal authority and power. the coach being right into the victoria tower. this is the sovereign's entry one of the royal parts of mess mess -- westminster. and this is an interesting cast list as well because we have people here representing those who used to row the royal barges are them as the main mode of transport. they were called the waterman. there are 24 of them still and the queens barge master her standing there waiting to help

bring out the imperial state crown. there we have martin smith handing it over to the barge master. this gentleman landrieu ford. he is the comptroller of the lord chambers office. he's responsible for most of the royal events and ceremonies and for organizing them and it's his duty to take this great symbol of the queens authority the imperial state crown. we see the coronation. to take this into the regalia room and it will be placed on a much grander cushion and taken to the royal gallery and put on display. just behind you can see the sort of states part of the regalia

that is an interval part of today's ceremony. there it is, just on the left. o. maintenance just a reminder of the gifts that the pope used to give. they will be turning left for just a few minutes to make sure that everything is polished and speak and span before they have the full recession of this staircase. they are already and position as we know to provide a guard of honor when the queen arrives in i think 15 or 20 minutes time.

now that the crown as there are let me in traduce you to my new guest here because i have sergeant -- we have tom who is the deputy leader of the house of commons and we have jack straw with my labors former secretary former lord chancellor i could go on. >> is there a meeting you have not done? >> i have not been the queen. >> what the is that they represent? >> today above all represents the fact that we live in a constitutional monarchy and it took many centuries to get this balance of power established. personally i think we did pretty well in terms of our constitutional arrangements and of course it can always be improved but the fact that we have had stability in this country effectively since the

civil war and a 17th century we have not been through the convulsions every other european country has been through as well as countries across the world. it's based on this constitutional settlement that was hacked out in the 17th century and running through the 18th. >> we are talking about a settlement referred to sometimes as the crown that represents a settlement if you like which is the queen in relation to the legislature and the fact that this is in many ways a unique kind of carving up of the powers and responsibilities. >> constitutional monarchies in europe and elsewhere but a i think we have managed this really well and as a result we have had the stability. i guess it is the crowning parliament so parliament goes through both harz -- houses but they don't become law until they receive royal consent

that are promulgated in ancient legal french. >> what is happening now is handing over the crown to this gentleman who is a very important figure. he is the lord great chamberlain in charge of the royal parts of westminster and he will be one of those greeting the queen when she arrived shortly. it's on display in a row gallers there to demonstrate very publicly the queens authority. the reason she is coming to parliament today to open parliament and to deliver the queens speech. the crown is on the stand and if we see what is happening next we see the capital maintenance and sword of state are also being placed on display. not as important as the imperial state crown but also powerful and ancient symbols of the monarch's authority.

they will be put on display and shortly once we know the queen is safely on her way from buckingham palace the crown will be moved into the roving room ready for the queens arrival. ready for that procession instead. all of that has been done and waiting patiently to pick up again and we have tom sergeant with us. this is kind of ceremony really fit in with 21st century britain? >> yes i think it does and i agree with what jack said about the constitutional importance of this. i came to parliament in 2010 and that was the first opportunity i had to watch the queens speech and be a participant in the comments up close but many years on i find it an enormous sense of pride about our country and of course in politics today we might get on with it later but what's far more important is this is a moment of national pride for us all and you put the

politics aside for a while and reflect him with this means about our country and our constitutional arrangements in government. >> your perspective. some of your colleagues in the pass it said to me we should move away from this kind of stuff in the 21st century. it doesn't really belong anywhere. what is your take on this? >> there's a practical side in terms of the queens speech and content and that's what the government's program of action is an opportunity for the coalition government to set out its program and an opportunity for the democrats within the coalition to highlight areas that we think our priorities such as childcare pensions. >> and all of this debate today at his there'll be a positive debate on the speech later on are we really in a position where we say with 11 months to go anyone is pretending you could introduce a substantial program of legislation and that kind of timetable are not.

>> you can do it and i've been involved in doing it. this is quite a light program to previous ones and the government want to take notice of that. one of the things i do feel strongly is there's an opportunity here which i think the government will take to ensure the legislation does come forward and is better scrutinized on the floor of the house of commons. the criticism i have in my administration although i often objected to its was to timetable bills. there has been a bit of lining up this but there'll be space available. will be damaging for the reputation of parliament is this the same takes place in the rest of the time is devoted to general debate which is inconsequential in which an engagement doesn't take ways. >> i think scrutiny is important

and right for any bill to come before parliament to have enough time to scrutinize it and is fully transparent. picking up on what jack said her ministry what will be -- what her majesty will be saying shortly. >> tom a quick look because the queen is just leaving the palace. >> we will find this is a program suitable for an 11th month session and there is meat in it and perhaps the suggestion that this is a parliament that has nothing to do will be proven wrong. just a few seconds ago this is what was happening in the palace. this is the rand viewed diamond jubilee coach i was telling you about made in australia principally in charge of the work of this chilean stagecoach. we are being told that this is a much more sumptuous affair and

an interesting year because it does contain all kinds of sound pulse if you like in terms of the temperate represents lots of the iconic locations throughout the united kingdom cathedrals castles thoreau residencies and all the rest of it. that coach we are going to see a lot more in the future is if you like a mobile museum of british tradition going back a thousand years. talking about the long tradition we have lord chamberlain now. as i mentioned earlier taking the imperial state crown from the royal gallery into the roving room because of course they now know the queen is on her way and it's not a long run. down to parliament square so a few minutes ago and the crown

being taken to the room in preparation. nick. >> is tom whether he was comfortable with the ceremony and it's interesting we have just gone through a moment of projection is that political class. not by every but choosing not to vote for any of these three main parties in the u.k.. we heard from the s&p who said we want to put this all behind us all the ceremony. what is interesting is people don't seem to be rejecting this particularly. back in the mid-90s there was new labor. does it mean putting this behind us and doing something different? it seems to me the political rejection is more about what p. politicians do and how they behave rather than this. >> lets have a look because i'm being told that the prince of wales the duchess of cornwall

are just arriving. this is the irish stagecoach. ♪ just catching the belgian welsh guard directed by major kevin roberts. they are on duty as the 1st battalion guards providing the guard of honor for the queen. here we have the prince of wales and the duchess of cornwall. they attended the state opening for the first time together last year. the prints having attended the state opening since 1996 before last year. though he had attended several before that. this is the second time they have attended as a couple. they are now arriving at the sovereign centrist -- sovereigns entrance. but we will see a little later on is charles and quintanilla

seated on the right-hand side in the ceremonial chairs. the chairs being brought in. this is a relatively new development that we are seeing. these obviously are things that we do with sensitively. that is the marshall. he is in charge of the really big events of the state the coronations the state funerals really significant events. he is here today because really he is the organizing mastermind of the state opening. i've mentioned the sensitivity around the understandable process of looking ahead and the fact that charles and camilla are taking a more prominent role in events like this.

>> not just in this but remember that charles went to the g20 summit in sri lanka the first time he had presided over commonwealth event. the palace is the first people who say we need to think ahead and consider how herb majesty will manage as she gets older. we were hearing the other day thing she no longer quite felt knowing what to do at a ceremony that what strikes people here is how well she seems to carry on in an occasion. we think the folks of similar ages and we think ourselves could i quite manage that at that age? speech charles is a useful sixth sixth -- youthful 65. his going into the roving room where they will wait for her majesty to arrive. at this point before we get to the main event today which is the delivery of the speech itself. a thought on how the speech is put together and a kind of

political tension that there might be. you are facing an intellectual contest next may. can you tell us about the process of getting the free speech is together? >> i think you touched on it earlier in the program. there were many people who said back in 2010 that the coalition couldn't last. i think what we have shown is that where we have a common goal there's a lot in our country at the time. we had gone through deep recession and those challenges the country faced brought the coalition together and we focused resolutely unless areas. bringing the deficit down and welfare reform and a whole host of changes but what you will see from the speech today is there are still a lot more to do. we have a long time to plan for that and it's something the coalition is working hard together on.

>> what you pull perhaps don't realize is of course with the queen's speech reflects is perhaps the competing demands of different ministers. they all want to get a bill in that session and of course the time is limited particularly for this session as we know it's a 10 month session so trying to balance the commuting -- competing demands and to some extent making sure the coalition partners are comfortable with the content and there are things without prejudging within it but we have heard about things to do with childcare pensions which are strong things that level democrats want to see an equally things in this queen's speech that reflects the conservative parties in the coalition. >> nick what is revealing as what is not in there. there isn't a bill that democrats wouldn't agree. there are also to things they want in terms of constitutional

reform. you want to look for what is not there as well as what is there and a little example for you. will there be a promise of legislation to make all cigarettes sold in plain paper? perhaps they might say consultation ongoing and it may take a little while. not ready quite yet. >> this is the lord speakers procession. we were talking to the baroness earlier. this is baroness d'souza and the principle hearing the faces. they are making their way to the area at the head of the staircase and they will congregate. there will be others congregating there and soon we will see the lord chancellor. there is lord chamberlain. we just caught a glimpse of the

lord privy seal but now we have the next procession and this is the lord's chancellors procession. this is the first nonlawyer to be chancellor for hundreds of years actually and given that jack straw has done this and sitting next to my thoughts on this procession jack. >> the main thought is to make sure that you stick to the injunctions imposed on you by the lord great chamberlain at the rehearsal. you literally do not put a foot wrong. it's a bit like juggling or riding a horse. you have just got to concentrate it's pretty straightforward but there were bits i worried about a lot like going up the steps and coming back backwards down the stairs and remembering which door i should leave from a the first time i did this i left from there wrong door and the

duke -- my on the way out. ken clark and i are the first commons to have ever done this since thomas moore. >> did you make a threat by the way? [laughter] >> these are the peers who will be in the procession carrying the cap of maintenance. we have general lord walker. they would be responsible for processing with the sword of state so all of these principle players know getting into place. you see the lord chancellor and the purse bearer because the purse we saw actually contains the speech itself. it would be rather difficult -- >> the very copies in your pocket. >> is that right?

[laughter] >> what a great site coming along pass parliament square. this is the diamond jubilee stagecoach in public for the first time and for divisions led by the royals third and fourth divisions the life guards with the white plumes. there you really have a sense of the intrepid work that has gone into this coach. one that took eight years to build. ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪

♪ >> by major henry cabell and asher. we have a good view of the george iv -- for the coronation in 1820. it was with the queen war on the way to the coronation back in 1915. so what is going to happen next is that the queen is just passing behind us. it's a great view we have here actually. there we are. it's a great view. you can see the roof of the coach that goes into the victoria tower.

there will be a fanfare to send signals the queen's arrival replacing the union flag at the top. [background sounds] ♪ ♪ ♪ fanfare sounded by the state trumpeters. the queen and the deacon arrived in parliament.

preceded by the dash who in the past were messengers. these days they are in charge of all the customs of the -- and the senior herald thomas woodcock among them just following the state keeper preparing for his starring role in the stage opening when he summons the comments a little later on. there is thomas woodcock the senior herald and andrew wansley there with erinys d'souza. the duke of norfolk on the left. he is in charge of this part of the pallister -- palace of westminster and the

queen remarkably attending her 61st state. hurry 88th birthday this year and that duke will celebrate his 93rd birthday. making their way into the roving room george iv will be replaced with the imperial state. and the royal gallery "the herald"'s getting ready to lead the procession in state. the state procession which is only seen at the state opening of parliament and that the coronation so it's a rare event and it's a special event. ready to make his way down towards the central lobby. he will await their for this

signal from the house of lords because that will be his signal to make his way down to the house of commons and to summon the mps. let's join the cake in because she -- in a second. >> that's right. we are waiting the speakers procession will be the first procession to come through here paid over my shoulder you can see the inspector preparing for a half soft strangers which he shouts as the speaker comes to telling the public to take their hats off in deference to the speaker. he has admitted to me a little but of nerves. he will accompany through hero to the doors of the chamber of the house of commons where blackwell will have they tore of course slammed his face. in his face. >> all of that drama to come and because of course it's a very powerful symbol of the supremacy

and power of the house of commons. there's lots of drama and we can enjoy that but it signifies something very important. the police inspector hats off strangers we know the speakers on his way and we will know too that we are not far off from the moment when the queen will emerge in the gallery itself and really i suppose i would ask you this jackson to have been there several times. at this moment was the queen is in the palace there is little you can do. it's all set in stone. >> it's completely set in stone but back to the discussion we had earlier this is not just pantomime. there's a real importance in the fact that black bar is set by the queen to summon her parliament her house of commons about the door slammed shut and that goes back to the extraordinary divisions that blew up during the civil war and

the fact that charles the first sent soldiers into the house of commons to arrest five members of paul are meant and did arrest him. ever since then no sovereignty allowed onto the floor of the house of commons and we decide whether not we are going to walk along and hear what the queen has to say so symbolizes this balance of power not only between parliament and the queen but crucially between the house of commons and the appointed house of lords. >> it's setpoint always clear? to people understand the significance of that part of the ceremony which is something to do with the very important struggle that took place and the fact that the house of commons today has a very different purpose to the other chamber. >> is always worth explaining again and again. just listening to jack clegg again reminds you of the importance of this and as jack said it isn't a pantomime to

perform. this is about history and heritage. >> waiting patiently in the house of lords. hundreds of peers right now. we have lord grey one of the great figures of broadcasting. we'll see if we can see a couple of familiar faces. there we have the former conservative leader. it may be an iphone actually. a. >> must be very important whatever it is. >> estate regalia representing different parts of the constitutional settlement and former minister there former conservative and became labor. and then we have seen a couple of familiar faces.

the baroness there are. it's interesting. did you have something to say? >> picking up on what jack straw was saying about -- in terms of ceremony. you can't that be in this building to hear the common speak that defines the monarch. that is why we had them basically say i'm the representative of the people. he refused to clock rate in the arrest of these five members of parliament. each of those symbols gradually gradually -- very few people even the real critics of the constitutional settlement and that thinking that was a matter. >> i suppose i'm more of a modernizer wing however i think this ceremony is one that

divides a historical explanation for what parliament does and why it does it. i think it sets a framework in which the business of the house can be performed in a much more efficient functional manner so i think it works. >> lets have a look in the central lobby because i'm told the speakers procession is on its way. we suspect they are ready to give a hats off to strangers and we will see the procession and the speaker with the sergeant at arms and he will be accompanied by the chaplain rose hudson wilkins. what is i expect as they have left his office and, on the library corridor and turn left, turning left into the central lobby. i'm trying to get my geography. its rights depending on what side you are coming from. he is turning right. so he is coming from the left. [laughter] >> whichever way he is coming

from he he's got to turn right. >> we are told he is seconds away. i assume is the procession emerges we are almost there actually. >> speaker. ♪ [background sounds] >> hats off strangers. >> led by the doorkeeper and the sergeant at arms norris ward starting off in the postal service. again symbols of the authority

of the comments followed a mr. speaker john birkhold's. there we have speaker secretary and speakers chaplain in the procession some ache in their way down into the men's lobby of the house of commons. different incense and style and texture the house of lords in the speaker being a knowledge by fellow members of the house of commons. there will be a short session of prayer to the traditional start of the day in the house of commons which we will be showing on camera. but once the speakers in and settled they will be waiting then to be summoned. the door is shut. the mace will be placed

signaling that the house is to be in session and then we will be leaving the comments and the prime minister nick clegg and ed miliband too. the scene in the central lobby. [background sounds] so that they'll signaling that prayers are taking place in the chamber of comments. let's have a look at the world gallery because i will tell us something about what's going on there in terms of the tidings. there you have the doors to the roving room but they're all waiting for the signal from lord chamberlain. you will note that the queen is ready to process while "the herald"'s wait patiently gentlemen at arms another group

of royal bodyguards. they were raised by henry viii unlike the guilt of the guard raised by henry vii. and the state's trumpeter is ready to sound the fanfare. lord chamberlain has emerged ready to signal. a. [background sounds] ♪

♪ [background sounds] >> the profession -- procession and state is underway for the 61st state opening of parliament involving her majesty the queen. 12 prime ministers and celebrating 66 years of parish to the duke and the prince of wales duchess of cornwall taking their place in the procession. a "the herald"'s leading the way

the lord speaker lord chancellor field marshal and lord chamberlain. there we have lord helm bearing the cap of maintenance and general lord walker the sword of state. her magistrate and the pages of honor the honorable charles armstrong jones and arthur chouteau. making their way into the princes chamber dominated ifs marble statue of queen victoria with monarchs dotted around the

princes chamber's and that leads strictly into this great chamber of the house of lords. the chamber will which has seen so many changes over the past century. everyone rises. the queen will take her place on the principle thrown next to the duke of edinburgh the two chairs of state the left for the prince of wales and the duchess of cornwall and the queen will give a signal to send black guard. >> my lord -- be seated.

>> the signal has been received. black broad steps off from the part of the palace westminster lobby where members meet members lack broad's approach is being announced their by one of the offices of the house and the doors to the house of commons as we explained earlier will be slammed in his face. a demonstration of the independents and the authority of the house of commons.

steps into the chamber of the comments to deliver the queen's message. >> mr. speaker her majesty the queen commands this honorable house attends her majesty immediately in the house appears. a. [inaudible] [laughter] >> the veteran labour.

the speech might be the coalition's last. the procession from the comments mr. miliband nick clegg. they will walk along the corridor which leads to the central lobby to the house of lords to listen to the queen's speech. this is a great moment because everyone is so cheerful and chadian you wonder sometimes. >> the leaders of rival parties what on earth are they going to talk about and will we see it on camera for someone somewhere will try to loop read what they say. it's safe to talk particularly when there's no love lost.

these two get along better than he and gordon brown did. >> david. [inaudible] the words to use or not always easy. >> there are some exciting moments but on the whole people get along with each other. there's no rule that says you shouldn't get along with the blonde the other side less well than getting on along with people on your own side. you have got the opposition front of you. you have got the enemy behind. you haven't got rivalries in the same way. >> i just wonder whether perhaps the subject might be a matter of which we could satisfactorily

discuss an open and frank manner. >> is a common event. it's a very important moment and they may be having a conversation on something like that. >> it's important public to see despite the fact that they get into a fine shouting match every wednesday for half an hour. ..

>> >> my nerves in the members of the house of commons, mike government legislative program will continue to deliver on its long-term plan to build a stronger economy. to states in the economy to provide stability and ministers will continue to fix the country's deficit to be sure mortgage and interest rates remain low.

the of dated turgor responsibility to ensure the government that taxpayers' money is spent responsibly. my government will also continue to cut taxes in order to increase people's financial security. the minister is to implement measures to increase further the personal allowance. measures will be brought forward to recognize the marriage and the tax system. legislation will be introduced to help the big united kingdom the most attractive place to start start, finance, and to grow a business. by cutting bureaucracy and enabling them to access finance.

new legislation will require ministers to report of the nt regulation target for each parliament. the legislation will also reduce the employment tribunals in in to improve the contracts for low-paid workers and establish a public register. legislation will be introduced to provide for a new coach to increase fairness.

of the to structure to improve competitiveness. the will enhance the united kingdom energy independence and security by eight opening access to shale to give them rights to maximize resources. legislation will allow for a solution all new homes to be built to the zero carbon standard in to guarantee long-term investment. my government will continue to implement major reforms in the market and reduce the use of plastic carrier bags to help protect the environment. of a key priority for my

ministers is continue to build an economy that rewards those who were card. legislation will be brought forward to give discretion over retirement funds for those who have saved. a loss of the innovation in the private pension markets with a premium bond scheme can punish the savors the $0.10 tax rate to. the overall benefits bill for the public expenditure continues to be controlled and policies will be pursued for people to be helped from welfare to work. my government will increase housing supplies, by reforming the planning system with the new city and

in supporting small house buildings. legislation will be brought forward in encouraging development and increasing housing. and ministers will continue with the right to buy schemes. which government will continue to deliver the best schools and skills for young people. there will help our schools to become of academies in support more schools to open in to continue investment to deliver more school places. further reforms will be taken for a merger raise standards in the schools can prepare pupils for employment. will increase the

apprenticeships cent up at 2 million by the end of the parliament. my government will continue to work to improve education and entertainment my government will ensure all infants will receive a free school meals. free child care extended to more disadvantaged tyrol said the bill introduced to help working families with child care cost per from the bill will be introduced to strengthen the powers to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking while improving support for victims of such crimes. the bill be brought forward to provide and the person next broccoli and responsibly or to the benefit of others it will be taken into account by the accords which decision will

be introduced to improve a complete system in the armed forces with the creation the ombudsman. a serious crime bill to tackle child neglect disrupt serious organized crime and strength and power to seize the proceeds of crime. the government will continue its program of reform. when ministers will introduce legislation to members of parliament. like government will continue to implement a new financial powers for the british parliament and to make the case to remain part of the united kingdom. the ministers will continue with legislation to give more power over taxation and investment.

my government will continue to work with his administration in northern ireland to rebalance the economy to reconciliation and create a shared future. legislation will be published providing for direct elections from authorities in england. members of the house of commons estimates for public services will be laid before you. my lords the united kingdom will work for peace and security to stable relations between russia and ukraine based on respect of the national sovereignty and territorial integrity and international law. my government will host the latest summit in wells and

there will strive to improve the humanitarian situation syria with a political settlement war for a successful transition and afghanistan with the comprehensive nuclear agreement with iran. the united kingdom relieves the efforts of sexual and violence of conflict rolled wide. will work to perform in the european union with a stronger world from member states and parliaments for the minister's saw the championed efforts on climate change. prince philippe indictable

pay estate tribute to france end will mark the 70th anniversary of the d-day landing. we look at poverty you hate the president to singapore on his visage. the others will be made before you. thy glory dan members of the house of commons i pray the blessing of almighty god rest upon a new council. >> the speeches being delivered from the lord chancellor. the pages of connor step

forward. and now the train which jays 18 feet long and weighs a lot. the queen and the duke acknowledged reassemble piers and leave again through the prince's chamber back through the gallery before the the the powless of westminster. the guard is there in said the princes chamber.

prime minister. alongth deputy prime minister leaving the chamber of the of lawrence, the queen and the duke come back through the gallery. the reference there in the queen's speech to the statement to france because this is the incredibly busy week in anybody's book. then several garden parties and dozens people in the powless then the three day state visit which involves a visit to paris to meet the president talk went and then touche normandy for those special 70 if commemorate

anniversary. and then war defense so it is incredibly busy. >> the prince of wales to of the decius will also be there for the d-day 70th anniversary. back into the room that is used to be the chamber of the house of lords. it was almost destroyed so.

so the issue secretary to the treasury and a here pre-have the speaker. [inaudible conversations] said. >> the gentleman with the beard and after 40 hours of service in parliament he will be retiring and but we hope twitter on nutritionists specs of the queen's speech robert all sitting but and i feel sorry

for the business better she knew where she would do vs long term plan but what do we have? eleven new bills before the last general election in the city will hold off with the six bills that are continuing to make their way through the did not finish in the last session. with the available time that will keep people reasonably busy that where is the real

meat or substance? there are important thing this with plastic bags or modern slavery? the politicians don't have much about the arguments put the real meat and the one we may still talk about is a reform of pensions. veddas said dramatic change the way people save. >> but with the job you are in now let's remind about the queen and the pensions and but she said. >> pension reform will allow for innovation in the private pensions market to give greater control and extent the premium bond scheme and save the $0.10 tax rate.

relieve the pension reform do it does not know what is it? >> to managers things. the first go we allowed people to have the point of retirement to use their funds as they wish so they're no longer obligated. they have a huge cost to banks but of course, there is the risk but what we have proposed and what it will do is a lot better than our viewers simply that the people are sensible enough to save their entire working life to also get a sense and we should not force them to make the choice of men not be right. the second pension bill is about offering more alternatives in terms of how

you invest in the private pension market with these schemes used in other countries that basically is is an alternative to current offerings that allow people to pull investments together to do take a charge with the economies of scale that will eventually they'd -- lead to the break-even best. >> certainly that is the intention. >> barbara blige to pick up the 16 bills in total in the queen's speech but that does not include three by the say measure three more than the last speech so we have spent all day labor people saying in terms of quantity they will run out of steam witches is correct but what matters most is the quality over the quantity but the

quality of change continues to build on what has been said that we have the of long-term plan and that is what matters. with labor they may have had a lot more bill's overall but let's not forget it left us with the deepest recession in almost 100 years of biggest deficit and the world's largest banking bailout. >> you have any problem with the pension proposal? >> no. what those are about is flexibility errantry and driven by a of a liberal democrat minister who was widely recognized knows the most anyone in the country but what what was said to me in relation to infrastructure or the support of small businesses? the fantastic record to create employment from the

private sector is overwhelmingly driven by small businesses and we want to continue. so when we talk about7óára the carry over bills which is sector? >> period their theme estimate my government will work with the european union to have a stronger world for member states and a national parliament. >> what does that mean? >> it is really important for your not going to argue about this issue should be a straw and her national parliament is supposed to be in the treaty that we shared

across party is i'd give a strong girl love both to national parliament because in my j. schmid to is this going back to a system that we had before where european parliament's cody a interest put there was a profound sense of alienation. i am convinced you have that back with a referendum but an.

>> there may be prolonged. >> we will pick it up. >> you have to be really careful about a. [laughter] so, the living through the

ages of 88 to carry out these public duties. the chief must be believed to the heavy crowd is:in the train is going so it is a moment that she is the relaxed it means departure. >> him with just the victorious and the queen is

their shoes said farewell. >> another look at the brand-new coach. ♪

>> the interior, lots of little inlaid pieces of wood, highly polished. they represent a thousand years of british house of commonwealth tradition. to signal the queen is leaving the palace the royal flag is being lowered. the union flag is back in place above the palace at westminster. the queen is ready to leave.

the coach is leaving. and once again, we have a rather splendid view of the queen's departure. and there we have it. although it is rather a rather dull day, a little wet, everything is glistening, gleaming. ♪ ♪

♪ >> national anthem played by the welsh national guard. they have a very busy day on thursday meeting lots of veterans in normandy. they will then be taking part in the big events on friday. there's a big international event in the afternoon involving lots of heads of state from around the world. very emotional event, but that's the makeup of friday. and we are expecting the duchess

of cambridge to be presiding at that final ceremony friday. this is the irish coach which i believe was bought by queen victoria around 1852. so for 700 pounds, which seems quite reasonable today, i don't think we're putting a value on it today. go back into the palace. back into the floor gallery. we will see the reverse process taking place, the crown that was remade in 1937, adjusted again

in 1953 for the coronation for the queen. this is the one on display, of course. the prime the item on display, and it's being taken down to the proper entrance. ♪ ♪ this is the final part of the ceremony, if you like, because once the crown has left, the formal part of this state opening will be complete. the first stage, and now we have

the lord chambers office. so first, the sword of state. and then to be followed by -- there on the right. safely inside. and then the crown jewel or will

stand by with the barge master there to make sure that the crown is safely placed inside the coach. the crown jewel or since 2012. rather called because of course without the main recessions.

what do the recent elections tell us about the state of public opinion on europe? and are we likely to see that translate into real policies? obviously there's a hint of something they're in the queen's speech but what over likely to see in real terms? >> what recent elections those is the level of discontent. in the sentiment of all parties about what happened to the european union. principally following the crisis in the euro because not a crisis i was ever remotely in favor of, but what is interesting is that in many countries in europe you've got parties which are explicitly anti-eu. but they're a big debate taking place including in germany about what the recalculation of power which is a necessary.

so i think in this country there was a broad consensus about what needs to be done. we want to make sure we build our allies. one of my concerns with david cameron operating, for example, who should be president of the commission. i sure significant reservations about jean-claude, let me tell you, luxembourg has not had a particularly honorable role. all sorts of reservations about him but you got to build alliances. >> how important is your commitment to a referendum? >> i would've liked to seen in the queen's speech. we don't have coalition agreement on it, that's why we been trying conservative party did everything we can through bills to try to get that referendum commitment through. it would have been great if that was in the queens beach but as it's about possible but something as a party we are committed to because what those elections data shows is that

there's significant discontent with britain's relationship to europe. there is a general feeling that too many powers of got to come back. that is our view. were i respect we disagree with jack because i don't think there is consensus on this. both liberal democrats and labour party, they're happy with the status quo. they have suggestion for a more particular europe and you cannot get our renegotiation if that's what you truly believe without having in and out of referendum. >> i'm shaking my head because lip democrats are in favor of reform in the eu level. that whole thing is got to be change. we've already legislate of the coalition government so that the be a referendum if there was any significant transfer of powers from the uk, to the european union. i think what the argument is about is how can we achieve reform, what is the most effective way of doing that? is it by sniping from the sidelines or by getting stuck in trying to build allies, as jack

said, trying to achieve reform from within the european union? >> we will pause for a second but i'm going to join the queue once again. -- vicky once again. >> dates back to 16 thirds and it's been held for the last three years by sir robert rogers is retiring this year. tell me what it is like to take part in this ceremony? >> a fantastic experience. also reminds the queen and parliament is, there are three parts of parliament. it's also a different contrast because we had a fantastic ceremonial this one. this afternoon the house resumes and there is quite, the bible, underlines the fact it is the right of the, and to proceed with business regardless of what they may need to do after the queen's speech. but that's the framework in the

morning and then the hurly-burly in the afternoon is a great contrast but as part of our parliamentary. >> there are thousands of people who work here. you were in charge of what, 2000 people? >> 2000 in the house of commons, yes, with a fantastic range, skills and experiences because we provide all of the services that the house needs to conduct its business. so everything that experts from the woodwork, not directly but y the houses business but it is about maintaining the incredible building in which we operate. right across the board the economic research experts, select committees, the people who provide come hell provide our security. it's a remarkable group of people. i'm very proud to have led them for the last three years. >> and your retiring this year. >> the first of august, yes. >> favorite memories of?

>> whether it's the vote of 1979 or great speeches or moments where the vote on syria only a few months ago where the role of the comments on the became a lot more important. >> thank you very much. great memories there, and i told you what -- the legal owner of big been. >> having read his biography i'm told he actually can speak a bit of medieval welsh, and my book. a quick a sense more because what reaching the end of the coverage. what will they be concentrating on? what is the theme going to be? >> or the liberal democrats and will be about building a stronger economy. that's why we saw in the queen's speech and emphasis on jobs in the private sector, why we saw

matters pertaining to apprenticeships in a fair society s so that's where we're investing childcare, building on what we've already achieved in relation to things like the premium. >> these are coalition priorities and it means we need to continue this long-term plan we've got for the country. this is where a continuation of that will be heard today. you can keep build a stronger economy but it also shows the still a lot more work to be done. >> jack, your thoughts? >> the big issue will be about fairness. what i thought was interesting what ed miliband has been saying, energy prices over what you do for low pay, you provide greater security. those of the big engagements along with this issue of housing as well. it's good record but not enough performers from the government. >> there is no piece of legislature that will comment the election. even the unexpected, and troublesome, frankly will be on the campaign to. nothing we heard today will

change the electoral map of britain. >> nice to have your company. thank you very much. more on the bbc news channel throughout the day from all the team at a spinster, thanks for watching, and goodbye. ♪ ♪

>> another nubbly only point the fy as the air is soft but 40 years ago was stints with the smoke and the cries of men and the crackle fire of

canned end. at dawn on the morning of june 6, 1944, 225 rangers jumped of the landing kraft the initiative was one of the most difficult and daring of the invasion, and to climb the scheerer clefs to take up the enemy guns. the allies were told some of the mightiest were here and a trained on the beaches to stop the allied details. they saw the enemy soldiers shooting down and throwing grenades. the american rangers began to climb. how that that

affects borrowers and the economy as a whole. this is an hour and a half. [inaudible conversations] see this hearing will come to order. i want to thank senator johnson who is filling in today for my ranking member senator sessions. welcome to you and all of our colleagues who are joining us today as well as a roomful. welcome to all of you on a

really important topic today. we are going to be talking about a challenge that 40 million people around our country face today and for many americans who want to further their education and build their skills taking out student loans has become a college prerequisite. but that debt can have lasting consequences for borrowers and begin their chances of getting ahead. insuring more americans get a fair shot at something many of us here in the senate are very focused on and a bill that is coming to the floor very soon which will allow borrowers to refinance their school loans is an important part of that fair shot agenda. i will be discussing that legislation and that more later but first i want to thank our witnesses who are here with us today who will help shed some light on the challenges that now now -- mounting student that can pose for borrowers and their economy. today we are grit to be hearing from rohit chopra the student

loan ombudsman for the consumer financial protection bureau and i'm pleased to welcome britney jones today. she is a recent graduate and former president of the student virginia education association. we are also going to be hearing from richard vedder a distinguished professor of economics at ohio university. a college degree is a worthwhile investment and for many it can be a ticket to the middle class. we know that on average college graduates earn more and they tend to have lower unemployment rates than their less educated peers. a highly educated work force is also good for our country. it strengthens our middle class, it strengthens the workforce will need to compete in the 21st century global economy. more and more jobs of the future will require post-secondary credentials or degrees and in fact in the coming years as many as two-thirds of all jobs will require at least some college education according to the center on education and