MPs debate the Queen's speech
9 May 2012
Her Majesty The Queen has delivered the Speech from the Throne outlining the Government's legislative programme for the parliamentary year ahead on Wednesday 9 May, the House of Commons begins five days of debate on the contents of the Speech.
Debate on the Address
The first day of the Debate on the Address, as it is known, is more general in tone, the other four days are on specific topics. This is the first debate of the new session and it normally lasts for five days. The motion for the debate is phrased as "an Humble Address" to Her Majesty thanking her for her gracious speech.
The task of proposing and seconding the motion is regarded as an honour and is given to two government backbench MPs. They are normally a contrasting pair with very different constituencies, one a relative new MP and the other a long-serving MP. By convention, their speeches are not contentious and contain both humour and flattering references to their constituencies.
Queen's Speech 2012 proposer and seconder
Proposer - Nadhim Zahawi, Conservative MP for Stratford-on-Avon
Seconder - Malcolm Bruce, Liberal Democrat MP for Gordon
The Leader of the Opposition, Edward Miliband, will respond on behalf of the Opposition. The Prime Minister, David Cameron, will reply on behalf of the Government.
Watch and read the debate and the views expressed by MPs on Parliament TV or in Commons Hansard.
More information on the State Opening of Parliament can be found in the Parliamentary news section.