Queen Elizabeth II of Britain reopened Parliament in London for the second time in two months. The 93-year-old Queen read Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s government statement to parliamentarians from both chambers in the upper house.
The focus of the „Queen’s Speech“ was the Brexit planned for the end of January and measures to strengthen the national health service National Health Service (NHS), which is chronically overloaded.
Car instead of carriage
Johnson’s conservatives have an 80-seat lead over all other parties since last week’s election. The monarch only reopened Parliament in October. Compared to then, the ceremony was now less pompous.
Instead of driving a carriage, the monarch drove the short distance between Buckingham Palace and Parliament. Instead of an ermine coat and crown, she wore a mint dress and a hat of the same color. She was accompanied by her eldest son, heir to the throne Prince Charles (71). It was the 66th „Queen’s Speech“ that she held personally. Strange-looking traditions at the opening of Parliament date back to the 16th century.
Billions for ailing healthcare system
The NHS will also receive £ 33.9 billion (almost € 40 billion) a year in support through 2024, the statement said. According to the government, it is the largest financial injection in the history of the health service. Among other things, the construction and renovation of clinics are planned. Schools should also receive more financial support. In addition, stricter measures to combat crime are planned.
Johnson had announced that the ratification law for his Brexit deal would be brought into parliament tomorrow. The consent of the deputies is considered secure. He wants to lead the country out of the European Union on January 31. According to the government, an extension of the transition phase planned until the end of 2020 should be excluded by law.
