The queen’s dovish speech sees government promises to level up in the UK, but lack of clarity on promised social care reforms Yorkshire News

In a speech delivered in the House of Lords to a much smaller audience than usual, the government’s priorities for the coming year were set.

Among them were new laws to tackle voter fraud that will require voters to present photo ID at the polls, to “innovate and embrace technology” on the NHS and to launch an advanced research facility.

But the promises to reform the social care system, made by Boris Johnson on the Downing Street steps when he became prime minister, received only a brief mention in the speech, which was written for the Queen by the government.

Her Majesty said: “My government’s priority is to achieve a national recovery from the pandemic that makes the UK stronger, healthier and more prosperous than before.

“To achieve this, my government will increase opportunities in all parts of the UK, supporting jobs, business and economic growth and addressing the impact of the pandemic on public services.”

The queen’s speech is steeped in ceremony and tradition, but much of the usual pomp was reduced in today’s proceedings.

Usually dressed in robes adorned with ermine, the queen delivered her speech today in a simple lilac day dress. The Imperial State Crown, inlaid with 3,000 jewels, was displayed on a table next to it instead of being worn.

She was accompanied by Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall in her first public appearance since the Duke of Edinburgh’s funeral last month.

Around 30 laws promised in the speech include:

– A health and care bill to better integrate the NHS and social care systems.

– A planning bill to facilitate the construction of new homes, schools and hospitals.

– New laws to remove the Fixed-Term Parliaments Act, which means it will be easier for Johnson to call early general elections before 2024.

– A state threat bill to introduce an American-style registry of foreign agents to help counter spying and the influence of hostile governments.

– The return of the controversial Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill, which saw demonstrations out of concerns that it would restrict the right to protest the last time it was before Parliament.

– A higher education (freedom of speech) bill that gives regulators the power to fine universities or student unions in England if they fail to protect freedom of speech.

The government also promised a “Leveling White Paper” outlining how Mr. Johnson intends to deliver on promises made to voters in former Labor voting areas.