Debating the Queen’s Speech in the Commons
18 November 2009 (updated on 22 April 2010)
After the State Opening on Wednesday 18 November, both Houses of Parliament get back to work - debating and passing legislation and examining and scrutinising the work of the Government.
- About Parliament: Parliament's role
- About Parliament: Daily business
- What happens after State Opening?
Once the Queen leaves Parliament, having delivered the speech outlining the Government's agenda for the coming year, each House meets separately to begin debating the proposed programme of new laws and policies. You can watch the debates live from 2.30pm.
- Start of the debate on the Queen's Speech in the Commons (2.30pm)
- Start of the debate in the Lords (3.30pm)
Debates
Each House debates the Queen's Speech over the following five days, discussing different issues each day. It depends what is in the Speech but these debates are likely to include the economy, defence, home affairs, justice, affairs, education, housing and international development.
New Bills
Here are the details of the new Bills announced in the Queen's Speech:
Future business
Find out what's on in both Houses on 18 November and beyond:
Committees
Parliament's committees will also be resuming their inquiries and publishing their reports. Keep up to date with what is happening via the Commons calendar and the Lords weekly briefing.