MPs debate the 2015 Queen's Speech
27 May 2015 (updated on 27 May 2015)
Her Majesty the Queen delivered the Speech from the Lords Chamber outlining the Government's legislative programme for the parliamentary year ahead, on Wednesday 27 May 2015. MPs then began six days of debate on the contents of the Speech.
- Watch Parliament TV: MPs debate the 2015 Queen's Speech
- Read Commons Hansard: MPs debate the 2015 Queen's Speech
- Catch up on Parliament News: State Opening of Parliament
Debate on the Address
The first day of the Debate on the Address, as it is known, is general in tone, the other five days are on specific topics. This is the first debate of the new session and it normally lasts for six days.
The motion for the debate is phrased as "an Humble Address" to Her Majesty thanking her for her gracious speech.
Queen's Speech 2015 proposer and seconder
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 relatively 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.
This year the proposer was Simon Burns, Conservative MP for Chelmsford. The seconder was Sheryl Murray, Conservative MP for South East Cornwall.
The Leader of the Opposition, Harriet Harman, responded on behalf of the Opposition. The Prime Minister, David Cameron, replied on behalf of the Government.
House of Commons subjects for debate
The Debate on the Address will focus on the following subjects over the course of the next five sitting days:
- Thursday 28 May - Home Affairs and Justice
- Monday 1 June - Britain in the World
- Tuesday 2 June - Health and Social Care
- Wednesday 3 June - Devolution and Growth across Britain
- Thursday 4 June - The Economy
Watching Commons debates from the public gallery
UK residents and overseas visitors can watch proceedings in the House of Commons by visiting the public gallery.
This article was produced by the Commons Digital Outreach Team. Follow the @HouseofCommons on Twitter for updates on the UK House of Commons Chamber.