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Peter Hoskin

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Wednesday, 3rd December 2008

The Queen's Speech: what to expect

Peter Hoskin 9:02am

What can we expect from the Queen's Speech; the centrepiece of today's State Opening of Parliament?  So far as policy is concerned, it's doubtful whether there'll be any surprises.  The Times has a great round-up of the measures likely to be contained in what's being spun as a "fairness" programme, and most have been trailed weeks and months in advance of today.  Perhaps one thing to look out for is the emphasis that's placed on welfare reform.  It's top of the Times's list of measures, but there has been some rumbling on the Westminster grapevine that Brown would play it down - or perhaps even jettison it - because it's a difficult sell to make during the downturn.

But we're expecting more than just policy announcements and pomp today.  The arrest of Damian Green - and what is entails for Parliament - has given this State Opening a particularly volatile backdrop.  Michael Martin is going to give a statement on the matter at around 1430, but will it be enough to stave off the backbenchers baying for his blood?  Will we see any kind of protest action during the speech itself?  And what - if anything - does David Davis have planned?  The Queen's speech kicks off at around 1130 (full timetable here), so we'll have more answers from then onwards.  Join us on Coffee House for live coverage.

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Comments

liz Brown

December 3rd, 2008 11:48am

Who is guilty of leaking the contents of the Queen's speech - where are the anti terrorist police?

StephenDC

December 3rd, 2008 12:02pm

Still nothing from you guys on the Grayling back-track on welfare?

I thought this was supposed to be one of the big tory plans - but now it looks like Grayling is moving to the left of Purnell in the downturn.

Seems a shame, but this is what he said on GMTV this morning:

GMTV PresenterL What about the notion that people who have been caught out as benefit cheats will lose a month of their benefit – again, something that I suggest to you will be widely supported amongst the public.

Grayling: Well, we had a number of further proposals on welfare reform from the Government yesterday. Actually, I’ve got some anxieties now. I think they’re going a little bit over the top here.

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