Queen’s Speech 2015: EU and tax cuts due to dominate while human rights plans delayed
The EU referendum and tax cuts are expected to feature prominently in today's Queen's Speech.
In the first all-Tory Queen's Speech since 1996, the government will set out its legislative plans at 11:30 BST. Prime Minister David Cameron has previously said the speech would set out a "clear vision for what our country can be".
While the government has already committed to raise the income tax allowance to £12,500 by 2020, the Queen's Speech is expected to outline additional plans to ensure future increases to the allowance reflect changes to the minimum wage.
This will mean that people working 30 hours a week on the minimum wage will not pay income tax.
Other measures that are expected include plans for Scottish devolution, a new counter-extremism bill and an extension of the right to buy programme.
While it was previously thought to feature the government's plan to abolish the Human Rights Act, in favour of a new British Bill of Rights, it is now believed that the speech will just outline a consultation on the matter.
It is reported that the bill is being held back to avoid confrontation between Cameron and his backbenchers. According to The Times, a government source said it would be "odd if we did not consult widely," and it was important to get the bill right.
Before the Queen's Speech, the Prime Minister said his ambition is:
To build a country where whoever you are and wherever you live you can have the chance of a good education, a decent job, a home of your own and the peace of mind that comes from being able to raise a family and enjoy a secure retirement.
A country that backs those who work hard and do the right thing. This is the Queen’s Speech for working people from a ‘one nation’ government that will bring our country together.
We have a mandate from the British people, a clear manifesto and the instruction to deliver. And we will not waste a single moment in getting on with the task.
However, Labour has already criticised the expected plans, saying the reality would be "very different from the rhetoric".