British Prime Minister Theresa May promised on Wednesday to listen more to businesses' concerns about Brexit as Queen Elizabeth formally opened Parliament by announcing the government's programme for the next two years.
Chastened by an election result which left her Conservative Party short of a majority in Parliament, Ms. May also watered down pledges on social care reform, education, corporate governance and energy markets.
The Queen told lawmakers from both the upper and lower houses of Parliament that the government is committed to building “the widest possible consensus” on Brexit, working with Parliament, devolved administrations, business and others.
ADVERTISEMENT
What is usually a ceremonial address, dominated by costumed pageantry, has become a crucial test of Ms. May's ability to run the country during its most testing period for generations.
“My government's priority is to secure the best possible deal as the country leaves the European Union,” the Queen said.
The Queen's Speech, prepared by ministers and read out by the monarch, comes at a time of unprecedented political flux, with Ms.May yet to secure a deal with Northern Ireland's Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) to prop up her government.
ADVERTISEMENT
“The election result was not the one I hoped for, but this government will respond with humility and resolve to the message the electorate sent,” Ms.May said in remarks introducing the policy plan.
“First, we need to get Brexit right. That means getting a deal which delivers the result of last years referendum and does so in a way that commands maximum public support.”
Lawmakers will have to approve the speech in a vote, expected next Thursday, that will be a de facto vote of confidence. Minority governments are a rare occurrence in British parliamentary politics where the electoral system usually produces a governing majority.
The legislative programme spelt out a Brexit-dominated set of policies, that indicated Ms. May was keen to maintain broad support for leaving the European Union.
A briefing document issued alongside the speech said the government would intensify its consultations with businesses and other interested parties to “test and validate positions and to continue to build support from the business community as we move forward".