Queen’s Speech live: The UK to ‘champion global free trade’ post-Brexit
12.13pm That’s all from us
Thanks for following our live blog this morning for the Queen’s Speech and state opening of parliament.
For more coverage of the government’s new agenda, check out our coverage from political correspondent Catherine Neilan.
11.55am UK to continue to ‘play a leading role on global affairs’
The government “will ensure we play a leading role on global affairs, defending its interest and promoting its values”, the Queen has said.
She added: “The UK will be at the forefront of efforts to tackle the most complex international security issues.
“It will champion global free trade and work alongside international partners to solve the most pressing global challenges.”
11.49am National infrastructure strategy
A national infrastructure strategy has also been announced in the speech.
This is described as a “longterm vision to upgrade the nation’s transport, digital and energy infrastructure”.
The Queen said: “New legislation will accelerate fast, reliable and secure broadband networks.”
An aviation bill will provide “efficient and effective management of airspace”, while railway forms have also been touted.
A white paper discussing how to scrap the current rail franchise model and devolve more powers to local authorities were announced.
11.44am Government to provide ‘certainty and stability’ for financial services
The Queen has announced that the government will “to provide certainty, stability and opportunities for financial and legal services”.
The government has pledge to ensure a “responsible fiscal strategy by investing in economic growth while maintaining the sustainability of public finances”.
A post-Brexit relationship with the European Union will be based on “free trade and cooperation”.
The speech also reiterated that there will be a new immigration system that is “fair, modern and global”.
European Union citizens have been given assurances that they will have the right to remain in the UK post-Brexit.
11.35am The Queen has taken her place
The Queen has taken her place on the throne and has signalled her approval for Black Rod to invite MPs to the Royal Gallery.
The Queen’s Speech is just minutes away.
11.27am The Queen has arrived
The Queen has arrived at Westminster and entered the robing room, where she will be dressed in her ceremonial robes.
She was followed in by Prince Charles and Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall.
This was followed by the speaker’s procession, which saw John Bercow enter the Royal Gallery where the speech will be given.
11.16am Royal procession is under way
The Queen is on her way to Westminster after leaving Buckingham Palace about 10 minutes ago.
The Queen’s carriage is proceeding down Whitehall and to Westminster where she will soon open the new session of parliament.
She is being followed on her procession by the Household Cavalry.
10.27am What to expect in today’s Queen’s Speech
Plans to safeguard the City’s global pre-eminence after Brexit will be laid bare later today in the Queen’s Speech.
City PM understands the government will include a Financial Services Bill in its legislation as part of an effort to ensure the sector stays at the forefront of international trading after it leaves the EU.
Read more: Rees-Mogg urges Brexiteers to trust Boris in Brexit negotiations
A Whitehall source said that chancellor Sajid Javid will reveal measures including the simplification of rules around the sale of overseas investment funds in the UK as well as the delivery of “long term market access” for financial services firms in Gibraltar.
The source said: “We’re determined the City will stay ahead of the pack after Brexit.”
The Queen’s Speech is also set to outline plans to reform the Mental Health Act, implement tougher prison sentences and replace the current rail franchising system.
It will propose the UK should implement an Australian-style points-based immigration system post-Brexit, which ranks visa applicants based on characteristics such as education, language skills and work experience.
Today’s speech is also expected to include a law similar to the US Magnitsky Act, which allows visa bans and asset freezes on people deemed to be responsible for human rights abuses.
The act, signed into law by then US President Barack Obama in 2012, is named after Russian accountant Sergei Magnitsky who died in custody after making corruption allegations against state officials in 2008.
Foreign secretary Dominic Raab announced plans for a British version of the Magnitsky Act at last month’s Conservative party conference.
Four pieces of legislation from the last parliamentary session have been carried over and will also feature in the Queen’s Speech today.
Included among them are bills on increasing assistance to domestic abuse survivors, the controversial High Speed 2 rail project and the upcoming 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson said ahead of the speech: “The people of this country don’t just want us to sort out Brexit… This optimistic and ambitious Queen’s Speech sets us on a course to make all that happen, and more besides.”
Read more: Queen’s Speech to include bill to protect the City’s future after Brexit
Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said it was “utterly ludicrous” for the government to call a Queen’s Speech while not having a majority.
“What we’ve got in effect is a party political broadcast from the steps of the throne,” he said.