Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The Independent UK
The Independent UK
National
Via AP news wire

UK Parliament opens with pomp, problems for Boris Johnson

ASSOCIATED PRESS

Prince Charles says government will ‘ease cost of living crisis’ in Queen’s speech

A promise to help ease the cost of living crisis made in the Queen’s Speech today has not been backed up by measures from the prime minister.

Boris Johnson unveiled a legislative programme with a promise to get Britain “back on track” after the Covid pandemic, but his package contained no new support for households struggling with the cost of living.

He continued to set his face against calls for an emergency budget to deliver more assistance, instead offering to unleash “ingenuity and compassion and hard work” in response to rising prices.

Standing in for his mother, the Prince of Wales told parliament: “Her Majesty’s government will drive economic growth to improve living standards and fund sustainable investment in public services.

“This will be underpinned by a responsible approach to the public finances, reducing debt while reforming and cutting taxes.”

Meanwhile, the Queen, who is 96-years-old, reluctantly pulled out of the major ceremonial occasion following advice from her royal doctors as she continues to experience “episodic mobility problems”.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.