Here is the full text of the Queen's Speech delivered on 15 November 2006:
My lords and members of the House of Commons, my government will pursue policies aimed at meeting the challenges which the United Kingdom faces at home and abroad.
A stable economy is the foundation of a fair and prosperous society. My
government will continue to maintain low inflation, sound public finances and
At the heart of my government's programme will be further action to provide
strong, secure and stable communities, and to address the threat of terrorism.
My government will put victims at the heart of the criminal justice system,
support the police and all those responsible for the public's safety, and
proceed with the development of ID cards.
A bill will be brought forward for the next stage of reform of the criminal
justice system, giving the police and probation services new powers to protect
the public from violent offenders and anti-social behaviour.
Legislation will be introduced to improve the way that offenders are managed
Measures will be brought forward to give law enforcement agencies new powers
to combat serious and organised crime.
A bill will be introduced to provide the immigration service with further
powers to police the country's borders, tackle immigration crime, and to make it
easier to deport those who break the law.
A bill will be introduced to provide for trials without a jury in serious
Legislation will be brought forward to improve the administration of justice
by reforming the tribunal system, the qualifications for judicial appointment
and the enforcement of judgments.
My government will publish a bill on climate change as part of its policy to
protect the environment, consistent with the need to secure long-term energy
My government will continue its investment in, and reforms of, the public
services in order to improve further their effectiveness and to help the most
vulnerable members of society.
My government will take forward legislation to reform the welfare system, and
to reduce poverty.
A bill will be introduced to improve the system of child support.
A bill will be introduced providing for long-term reform of pensions.
Legislation will provide for free off-peak local bus travel for pensioners and
My government's programme of educational reform will continue to raise
standards in schools to help all children achieve their full potential.
A bill will be introduced to reform the further education system so that it
can better equip people with the skills that they and the economy need.
My government will carry through the modernisation of healthcare based on the
founding principles of the National Health Service.
A bill will be introduced to provide a better framework for treating people
with mental disorders.
Draft proposals will be published to reform the regulation of human
A draft bill will be published to tackle road congestion and to improve public
My government will publish proposals to reform the planning system.
Legislation will provide for improved arrangements for consumer advocacy and
for the regulation of estate agents.
My government will also continue its programme of reform to provide
institutions that better serve a modern democracy. It will work to build a
consensus on reform of the House of Lords and will bring forward proposals.
Bills will provide for reform of local government and enhanced powers for the
Mayor and Assembly for London.
Legislation will be introduced to create an independent board to enhance
confidence in government statistics.
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. My government will work closely with the devolved administrations in Scotland and Wales.
My government will work towards the restoration of devolution in Northern
Ireland, including by bringing forward legislation.
The Duke of Edinburgh and I look forward to our State Visit to the United
States of America in May 2007 to celebrate the 400th anniversary of the
We also look forward to receiving the President of Ghana and Mrs Kufuor.
My government remains committed to peace in the Middle East. It will continue
to work to find a lasting settlement between Israel and the Palestinians, to
support the new Iraqi government in its efforts to build an enduring
constitutional settlement, and to assist the government of Afghanistan.
My government will work with the United Nations and European Union partners to
prevent the spread of weapons of mass destruction, including addressing
international concerns over North Korea and Iran, and to promote good
My government will continue to work to build an effective and globally
competitive European Union and will also work to strengthen the North Atlantic
My government will contribute to a modern and inclusive United Nations and
will work to take forward the World Trade Organisation Doha talks.
My government will continue its focus on Africa, including by seeking a
resolution to the crisis in Darfur. I look forward to visiting Kampala next year
for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting.
My government will work to foster a strong partnership between Europe and the
United States of America in order to meet these objectives.
Other measures will be laid before you.
My Lords and Members of the House of Commons: I pray that the blessing of
Almighty God may rest upon your counsels.