Queen Elizabeth II speech to parliament 2008

My Lords and Members of the House of Commons,

My Government's overriding priority is to ensure the stability of the British economy during the global economic downturn. My Government is committed to helping families and businesses through difficult times.

The strength of the financial sector is vital to the future vibrancy of the economy. Therefore, legislation will continue to be taken forward to ensure fairer and more secure protection for bank depositors and to improve the resilience of the financial sector.

My Government will also bring forward proposals to create Saving Gateway Accounts to encourage people on lower incomes to save more by offering financial incentives.

My Government will bring forward legislation to promote local economic development and to create greater opportunities for community and individual involvement in local decision-making.

A Bill will be brought forward to reform the welfare system, to improve incentives for people to move from benefits into sustained employment and to provide greater support, choice and control for disabled people.

A Bill will be brought forward to increase the effectiveness and public accountability of policing, to reduce crime and disorder and to enhance airport security.

My Government will also bring forward a Bill to deliver a more effective, transparent and responsive justice system for victims, witnesses and the wider public. The Bill would also improve the coroners service, and the process of death certification, and provide increased support for bereaved families, including the families of servicemen and women.

My Government is committed to ensuring everyone has a fair chance in life. My Government will bring forward a Bill to promote equality, fight discrimination and introduce transparency in the workplace to help address the difference in pay between men and women.

My Government will enshrine in law its commitment to eradicate child poverty by 2020.

Because the health of the nation is vital to its success and wellbeing, a Bill will be brought forward to strengthen the National Health Service. The Bill would create a duty to take account of the new National Health Service Constitution that will set out the core principles of the service and the rights and responsibilities of patients and staff. The Bill would also introduce measures to improve the quality of health care and public health.

My Government will bring forward a Bill to reform education, training and apprenticeships, to promote excellence in all schools, to improve local services for children and parents and to provide a right for those in work to request time for training.

My Government will continue to take forward proposals on constitutional renewal, including strengthening the role of Parliament and other measures.

My Government will bring forward measures to protect the environment for future generations. A Bill will be introduced to manage marine resources and to create a new right of public access to the coastline.

My Government will continue to work closely with the devolved administrations in the interests of all the people of the United Kingdom. My Government is committed to the Northern Ireland political process and will bring forward further measures for sustainable, devolved government.

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 for a co-ordinated international response to the global downturn, including by hosting the next G20 Summit on financial markets and the world economy in the United Kingdom in April next year and reforming financial institutions.

My Government will continue to work as part of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation including at its 60th anniversary summit.

My Government will press for a comprehensive peace settlement in the Middle East, for continued progress in Iraq and for effective measures to address concerns over Iran's nuclear programme.

My Government will work with the governments of Afghanistan and Pakistan for security, stability and prosperity.

The Duke of Edinburgh and I look forward to receiving the President of Mexico.

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.

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[Medeasbiggestfan]

@astalavisitor

The Prime Minister has control over the country, so would need to be removed if they became tyrannical. The monarch has little control over the country, but retains the power to remove the PM and call an election.

History has shown that constitutional monarchies have more stable democracies than republics.

[Medeasbiggestfan]

@astalavisitor

It's very useful to have a non-political head of state. The politicians debate and argue as they run the country, leaving the monarch as an impartial personification of the nation.

[Medeasbiggestfan]

@Samonuh

You do know who you're voting for. You vote for a person to represent you in Parliament, knowing that person will vote for their party leader to be Prime Minister, with the House of Commons acting in the same way as the electoral college in the US.

[Samonuh]

@Medeasbiggestfan I'm not a fan of Parliamentary systems though, simply due to the fact that you don't know who you're voting for, but merely the party.

[haig271]

@vividbv maybe you should watch this video before spreading your hateful ways you utter scum bag. /watch?v=WibmcsEGLKo

[The1985Channel]

@vividbv You're a tool.

[vividbv]

guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/20­09/jun/21/quotes-by-prince-phi­lip. 

[vividbv]

@ArchChinook Oh really? An angry mob can do whatever they want. And you can stick your red flag up you reddened ass, you blockhead.

[ArchChinook]

@vividbv Calm down idiot. 1. They can't behead people anymore, so red flag right there. 2. The Duke of Edinburgh didn't wish any virus to reduce the world's population and you must of heard that somewhere else since it wasn't true. 3. Get a life.

[vividbv]

This bitch should be beheaded for crimes against humanity, along with most of her family. For example look at Prince Phillip wishing he was virus to reduce the world's population. Well, I've got an antibiotic for you. IT'S CALLED GUILLOTINE, fucking piece of shit.

[TheAranethon]

@boynton20 Compare Americans to arabs, to Swedish people and to Brits. There are differences, thus Americans have a culture.