The Queen's Speech 2019: what is the Queen's speech?

Find out more about the Queen's Speech: who writes it, what the process is and what happens after the Queen delivers it.

It’s part of the State Opening of Parliament

The Queen’s Speech is the central part of the State Opening of Parliament, which happens when Parliament reassembles after a general election and then at the start of each Parliamentary session.

Only the monarch can call a Parliament together and no business can happen until the Queen reads her speech.

It’s delivered at Parliament

The Queen drives in state from Buckingham Palace to Westminster. The Imperial State Crown, the Sword of State and the Cap of Maintenance are transported ahead of her.

The Queen gives the Speech in the presence of members of both Houses. The Commons are summoned to hear the speech by an official known as ‘Black Rod’.

It’s written by the government

Although the Queen delivers the Speech, the content is written by the government and approved by the Cabinet. It sets out the government’s policies and the proposed legislative programme for the new Parliamentary session.

It’s followed by a debate

Following the State Opening, the government’s plans are debated by both Houses. In the Commons, the first motion is that the House send an address to the Queen thanking her for the speech.

The debate that follows, which lasts several days, is a chance for MPs to speak on any matter of government.