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FINANCE

Little substance predicted from Queen's Speech

The Queen’s Speech is set to have Brexit at its heart but not much else, according to predictions in the run up to the state opening of Parliament.

The Queen's Speech is set to have Brexit at its heart but not much else, according to predictions in the run up to the state opening of Parliament. 

With no deal with the Democratic Unionist Party, the prime minister has no guarantee she can get legislation through the Parliamentary process, forcing her to abandon many election pledges. 

 

Mrs May's plans are expected to include a repeal bill to transfer EU law back to the UK and other bills to cover immigration, customs and trade. Outside Brexit, there is an expectation of counter-terrorism legislation, and a bill on workers' rights. 

New laws on domestic violence and curbing letting fees are also expected.

Plans to end free schools meals and introduce grammar schools have been dropped for fear a defeat would end Mrs May's premiership. 

The future of social care reform is unclear, as is the future of business rate retention following the fall of the Local Government Finance Bill when the General Election was called. 

Next year's Queen's Speech has already been abandoned, due to the weight of legislation expected to be returned from the EU. 

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