LONDON - The 65th Queen’s Speech has re-opened Parliament following two controversial prorogations called by Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

It marks the opening of a new parliamentary session – one which leaves just a few days for MPs to rush through a bill to secure a Brexit deal.

The 93-year-old monarch was accompanied by her eldest son, Prince Charles, as her husband, Prince Philip, has largely retired from public life at the age of 98.

During the speech, the Queen spoke of the importance of ‘protecting the integrity of democracy’, after outlining new policies that will crack down on violent and foreign
criminals, reform adult social care and invest more money in the NHS.

Mr Johnson set out his domestic agenda in the speech by insisting the ‘government’s priority has always been’ to make sure the UK leaves the EU.

Mr Johnson hopes the first Queen’s Speech of his premiership will ‘restore confidence’ in the UK justice system, after announcing the package of 26 bills, including
seven relating to crime and justice.

These include legislation to keep serious criminals in prison for longer, impose tougher sentences on foreign offenders who return to the UK, and provide better
protection for victims of domestic abuse.

Her Majesty said: ‘New sentencing laws will see that the most serious offenders spend longer in custody to reflect better the severity of their crimes.’

A Sentencing Bill will change the automatic release point from halfway to two thirds for adult offenders serving sentences of four years or more for serious violence or
sexual offences.

Her Majesty went on to say that a Brexit deal will be formed on ‘free trade and friendly cooperation’, adding that a new bill will be introduced ending free movement.

The Queen said ministers will focus on industries such as fisheries, agriculture, and trade, ‘seizing the opportunities that arise from leaving the European Union’. (FA)