What happens after State Opening
After the Monarch has delivered their speech to Parliament.
After the Monarch has delivered the speech, setting out the government's agenda for the new session, the representatives of the state, including members of both Houses of Parliament, the Church, the judiciary and invited guests, leave the Lords chamber.
Parliament's work begins
Once the Monarch leaves, it's back to business as usual for the House of Lords and the House of Commons.
Debating the Monarch’s Speech
Each House meets separately, in the afternoon, to begin debating the government's programme of legislation and policies and to consider an 'Address in Reply to His Majesty's Gracious Speech'.
The Lords meets slightly later than the Commons. The additional time allows the chamber of the House of Lords to be rearranged - returning it to its usual format.
In both Houses, different subject areas are debated for several days following the ceremony. After the Queen's Speech in 2022, the following subjects for debate were announced in each House:
House of Commons:
- Preventing Crime and delivering justice
- Fairness at work, power in communities
- Making Britain the best place to grow up and grow old
- Tackling short-term and long-term cost of living increases
- Achieving economic growth
House of Lords:
- Levelling Up, communities and transport
- Home Affairs, justice, culture, media and the constitution
- Economy, energy and environment
- Education, welfare, health and public services
- Foreign Affairs, defence and trade
Parliamentary programme
After these days of general debates, the programme of work to turn what is outlined in the Monarch’s Speech into legislation begins. Bills start to be introduced in both Houses as Parliament gets back to business.
Find out more about the role and work of the House of Lords and House of Commons: