MPs debate the 2016 Queen's Speech
18 May 2016 (updated on 18 May 2016)
Her Majesty the Queen delivered the Speech from the Lords Chamber outlining the Government's legislative programme for the parliamentary year ahead, on Wednesday 18 May 2016. MPs discussed the contents of the Speech today and will continue to do so over the coming days.
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 2016 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 is Caroline Spelman, Conservative MP for Meriden. The seconder is Phillip Lee, Conservative MP for Bracknell.
The Leader of the Opposition, Jeremy Corbyn, responded on behalf of the Opposition. The Prime Minister, David Cameron, then replied on behalf of the Government. This was followed by the SNP Westminster Leader, Angus Robertson, and then a general debate involved all MPs.
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 19 May - Transport and local infrastructure
- Monday 23 May - Defending public services
- Tuesday 24 May - Europe, human rights and keeping people safe at home and abroad
- Wednesday 25 May - Education skills and training
- Thursday 26 May - Economy and work
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.