Following the official opening of parliament by Queen Elizabeth, thousands of protesters are gathering in Westminster to oppose further austerity and plans to repeal the Human Rights Act. There may be strong language in this video.
27 May 2015
RT is wrapping up its End Austerity Now live updates.
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An anti-austerity Twitter feed has criticised the BBC for its poor coverage of nationwide protests.
@BBCNews Hundreds? There are actually ten of thousands all over the UK! The BBC is an embarrassment! #EndAusterityNOWpic.twitter.com/yX8tnOG9MK
— Anti-Austerity UK (@AntiAusterityUK) May 27, 2015
Some protesters are returning to Downing Street, according to Siobhan Robbins at Sky News.
LIVE on #Periscope: A thinned out crowd returns to Downing St to protest vs austerity @skynewshttps://t.co/YJkup24X9D
— siobhan robbins (@SiobhanRobbins) May 27, 2015
Police block a road in Liverpool in a bid to stop the anti-austerity march there.
Goin' off big time in town by the looks of it: http://t.co/LjTuBrpSmopic.twitter.com/dwbdaZit1t
— Ian Croll (@Iancroll1) May 27, 2015
Protesters are now marching down Oxford Street, according to reports.
Anti-austerity protest just now on Oxford Street. Begins and ends with police. #protest… https://t.co/wOI0l7Ll5Y
— Emi Ⓥ (@emisgoodeating) May 27, 201
Labour MP and former minister Diane Abbot has expressed solidarity with protesters marching against austerity.
Solidarity with all those demonstrating to #EndAusterityNowpic.twitter.com/n5erbk4z83
— Diane Abbott (@HackneyAbbott) May 27, 2015
RT's Laura Burdon-Manley reports traffic is being brought to a standstill as protestors stage a sit-in.
Traffic at a standstill as protesters sit on the streets shouting Tory scum. Reporting @RTUKnews@RT_compic.twitter.com/qxWUFviXG7
— Laura Burdon-Manley (@LauraBM_RT) May 27, 2015
Violent clashes have broken out between protesters and police outside a house where an eviction is purpoted to be taking place.
Protesters are clashing with police outside a house, where they are attempting to stop an eviction.
Protesters now attempting to stop eviction #londonprotest#endausteritynowhttps://t.co/BS9aLvurkJ
— James Cropper (@JamesCropper95) May 27, 2015
Green Party leader Natalie Bennett also spoke to protesters outside Downing Street.
@William_Njo pls go ahead, 7 Labour MPs were at the protest + @nataliebenpic.twitter.com/8dEpml5OLO
— Namaa Al-Mahdi نعماء (@Namaa0009) May 27, 2015
Protests have taken place in cities across the UK, including Glasgow, where activists have gathered outside the office of Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson.
LIVE: #QueenSpeech protest @The_SSP_ Glasgow GLASGOW #defythetories#ToriesOutNowhttp://t.co/dWrIGz43hkpic.twitter.com/mw3duMCBWP
— Independence Live (@liveIndyScot) May 27, 201
Anti-austerity demonstrators are now marching north up Charing Cross Road.
Mass protest heading up Charing Cross Rd. #EndAusterityNow banners pic.twitter.com/okJH1OkHWL
— Tom Mason (@tommason89) May 27, 2015
Six Members of Parliament supported the anti-austerity demonstration in London on Wednesday, according to People's Assembly National Secretary representative Sam Fairbairn.
6 MPs came down to support the demo today says Sam Fairbairn
— PeoplesAssemblySEL (@PeoplesSELondon) May 27, 2015
Activists from the North of England reference historical clashes between the people and the authorities during their protest.
#ToriesOutNowpic.twitter.com/DiTUvPKwGO
— Ian Mountain (@IanMountain06) May 27, 201
Marchers have left Trafalgar Square and walking past Leicester Square, through London's theatre district.
The granddaughter of the late-Socialist poet Adrian Mitchell has recited one of his poems, A Serial Killer, in Trafalgar Square.
The poem ends:
"If you’re looking for trouble
Cut your grants to the poor
Seek out the old and sick
Cut them some more
Suffer little children
To go to school in hell
Then watch them burn your cities
And your country estates as well
‘Cause you’re a serial killer of Britain
A serial killer of its soul."
A live feed from the anti-austerity march in Liverpool shows protesters braving wind and rain.
Speakers addressing protesters in Trafalgar Square are calling for affordable homes and an end to government spending cuts.
RT @TravelLensman Impassioned anti-Tory and anti-austerity speeches being held now #QueensSpeechpic.twitter.com/A9F7kbxZSO
— Anita Bellows (@AnitaBellows12) May 27, 2015
Contributing Editor at the Spectator Harry Cole has tweeted about Douglas Carswell's clash with protesters.
Just spoken to @DouglasCarswell on the phone. He is fine but shaken. Was having a amiable chat at the tube when the mob turned violent.
— Harry Cole (@MrHarryCole) May 27, 2015
Once again the true face of the British left has been found utterly wanting.
— Harry Cole (@MrHarryCole) May 27, 2015
Speaking to protesters outside Downing Street, Labour MP Jeremy Corbyn has said he wants a Labour party that will send a "clear anti-austerity message."
"We spend a £100 bn on weapons of mass destruction we don't want... That's a £100 bn we could spend on something much more useful."
"We're in the fourth richest country in the world. It doesn't have to be the most divided country in the world," he added.
Speaking against austerity @jeremycorbyn. #Labour. should present a clear anti-austerity message pic.twitter.com/5WND0NUzmM
— Namaa Al-Mahdi نعماء (@Namaa0009) May 27, 2015
RT has an exclusive video of UKIP MP Douglas Carswell's clash with protesters.
UKIP MP Douglas Carswell has described his experience with anti-austerity protesters, in which he had to be escorted away by police, as "very very nasty."
.@GaryMaylin it was very very nasty.
— Douglas Carswell MP (@DouglasCarswell) May 27, 2015
Marchers are sitting down in the road in Trafalgar Square chanting "our streets!"
Anti austerity protesters sit down protesting Trafalgar Sq chanting "Cameron scum" #QueensSpeechpic.twitter.com/Uba7puWxpx
— Dominic Hurst (@DominicHurst) May 27, 2015
A freelance photographer has captured the moment when a police officer has to be held back from hitting a protester.
Police officer held back by colleagues, as he threatens to hit protester he'd pushed to the ground. #london#protestpic.twitter.com/k5GeGtRBct
— Jared Pasamar (@JaredPasamar) May 27, 2015
A Twitter user has attacked the BBC for failing to cover the End Austerity Now march.
.@BBCBreaking@danroan Did you miss the MASSIVE PROTEST against #austerity?? Where's the coverage?
— Posie Political (@ThePosieParker) May 27, 201
Marchers are returning to Trafalgar Square.
Protesters move off towards Trafalgar Sq #QueensSpeechpic.twitter.com/UKLo4BYz0C
— Dominic Hurst (@DominicHurst) May 27, 2015
A local newspaper in Liverpool is streaming a live feed of the anti-austerity protest there.
Austerity protesters are demonstrating on Dale Street - join us live http://t.co/OAyZJ09H1jpic.twitter.com/IhivS1OwEH
— Liverpool Echo (@LivEchonews) May 27, 201
Marchers have returned to Whitehall and walking in the direction of Trafalgar Square. A human wall of police officers, three-people thick, is lined up in front of the Downing Street gates.
PCS union leader Mark Serwotka has urged people to take the fight against austerity to workplaces.
Take struggle to workplaces & march on the streets says @pcs_union's Mark Serwotka to @pplsassembly rally pic.twitter.com/J5sDT45nEY
— Natalie Bennett (@natalieben) May 27, 2015
UKIP MP Douglas Carswell has been escorted away from the protest by police, according to Harry Cole of the Spectator.
Carswell escorted for own safety. pic.twitter.com/tVYrJhC46r
— Harry Cole (@MrHarryCole) May 27, 2015
Marchers are streaming their own live feeds from cities across the country including Liverpool, a traditional hotbed of anti-Conservative sentiment.
Some #Liverpool LIVE streams ! #OLSX#ToriesOutNow#RiseUp#Revolution#ToriesOuthttps://t.co/HVZgJf8pV3
— Mark E (@marethr) May 27, 2015
RT correspondent Laura Burdon-Manley reports marchers are now heading towards Buckingham Palace.
Police protester scuffles getting more violent. Thousands marching now towards Buckingham palace pic.twitter.com/cy7ORGVyNl
— Laura Burdon-Manley (@LauraBM_RT) May 27, 2015
PCS union leader Mark Serwotka is addressing an audience in London as part of the End Austerity Now protests.
#PCS@pcs_union Mark Serwotka inspiring the crowd with an impassioned speech pic.twitter.com/oDlBD684PD
— Fevzi Hussein (@fevzihussein) May 27, 2015
The march is currently on hold because a bicycle has collided with a bus near Victoria Rail Station, according to reports.
Demonstrators are marching through Cardinal Place Shopping Center near Victoria Rail Station.
London protestors fight against austerity #EndAusterityNowpic.twitter.com/MLGg3jcWzO
— I'm a JSA claimant (@imajsaclaimant) May 27, 2015
Meanwhile, in Teesside in Middlesborough activist Jo Land has argued that councils need to challenge budget cuts rather than accept them.
.@JoRoars argues that councils need to challenge cuts budgets rather than just accept it. #Teesside#EndAusterityNowpic.twitter.com/jzO1ous18K
— Teesside PA (@TeessidePA) May 26, 2015
Watch RT's live feed of the anti-austerity protests.
LIVE: 'What do we want? JUSTICE! When do we want it? NOW' http://t.co/bYDzcFNIFKpic.twitter.com/dDLIoQt6dr
— RT UK (@RTUKnews) May 27, 2015
As marchers walk towards Victoria Rail Station chanting "students and workers, unite and fight" another Vine from the protest has been posted on Twitter.
Current scenes #londonprotest#endausteritynowhttps://t.co/GKUGmaXdso
— James Cropper (@JamesCropper95) May 27, 2015
Protesters chant "this is what democracy looks like."
LIVE: Protesters chant 'this is what democracy looks like' http://t.co/bYDzcFNIFK#EndAusterityNow#QueensSpeechpic.twitter.com/UasKZ3SLXd
— RT UK (@RTUKnews) May 27, 2015
Police vans packed with officers have arrived at the march. Demonstrators greeted the cops by chanting "You killed Mark Duggan."
A Labour supporter at the anti-austerity march makes his feelings clear on immigration.
Labour Party member @lukeeholland making his feelings clear at #EndAusterityNow demo @bhameastsidepic.twitter.com/d2UNZhD5vb
— Elis Sandford (@Its_Elis) May 27, 2015
The People's Assembly in Birmingham are protesting at the Bull Ring.
@pplsassembly chanting - 'they say cut back, we say fight back' at the Bull Ring #EndAusterityNowhttps://t.co/VqgwGRbFy5
— Pupul Chatterjee (@pupulchatterjee) May 27, 2015
Mainstream media outlets are conspicuously quiet on the large group of protesters marching towards Parliament. At least one major broadcaster is covering the march.
Wow, I've actually seen BBC coverage of an anti-austerity protest! That's quite rare innit?
— John MacLeod (@mrjohnmacleod) May 27, 2015
RT corespondent Laura Burdon-Manley has posted this Vine from the protests on Whitehall.
Thousands of protesters marching to Westminster they're trying to break police lines @RTUKnewspic.twitter.com/QthjB0Li8s
— Laura Burdon-Manley (@LauraBM_RT) May 27, 2015
Reflecting on the acts civil disobedience carried out by protesters in London and across the country at the moment, Darren Mcloughlin has posted this tweet.
Unions. "If we can no longer act within the law, we'll bloody well act outside it" #ToriesOutNow
— Darren Mcloughlin (@madass13) May 27, 2015
The anti-austerity protest in Leeds has attracted "hundreds" of demonstrators, according to local reporters.
Hundreds take to Leeds city centre for #antiausterity protest @youthfight4jobs#leedsprotest@LeedsNewshttp://t.co/g6uuOkubrx
— Jonathan Brown (@JonnyBrownYEP) May 27, 2015
Activist Shelly Asquith has offered this advice to protestors held in the police kettle in London.
If you're on the left hand side of Whitehall take the underground passage it takes you out of the kettle #FucktheTories
— Shelly Asquith (@ShellyAsquith) May 27, 2015
Video of the first arrest has just been uploaded onto Twitter.
First arrest made #westminster#toriesoutnow#londonprotesthttps://t.co/11WdxbUZpi
— James Cropper (@JamesCropper95) May 27, 2015
Marchers report police attempted to block their protest.
Attempting to block a peaceful proteat #londonprotest#EndAusterityNowpic.twitter.com/x2xEiWGvSC
— Cat Denby (@CatDenby) May 27, 2015
Police in London have pinned a man to the ground and are handcuffing a man near the Palace of Westminster.
Protesters have passed the Britain's war memorial, the Cenotaph, and are marching in the direction of the Palace of Westminster.
Marchers have just gathered outside Downing Street where they are shouting "Fuck off back to Eton," in a dig at Prime Minister David Cameron's privileged upbringing.
Protests swarming on Downing Street. Lots of angry young people. #EndAusterityNowpic.twitter.com/OHfKPePwQO
— Michael Gray (@GrayInGlasgow) May 27, 2015
Clashes are breaking out across the march.
Massive clashes #london#toriesoutnowhttps://t.co/KDlYZz3vX6
— James Cropper (@JamesCropper95) May 27, 2015
Protestors are forcing their way through a blockade on Whitehall after police refused to let them pass, insisting they march on the pavement.
Police are scuffling with a masked protester after being told to march on the pavement.
Tense atmosphere here #toriesoutnowhttps://t.co/5JEc0dI3Mw
— James Cropper (@JamesCropper95) May 27, 2015
Activists are beginning to gather in Leeds for the anti-austerity demo there.
Bit more of the crowd at Leeds demo #EndAusterityNow#QueensSpeechpic.twitter.com/wdXNwApD6g
— Deborah Fenney (@DFenney) May 27, 2015
The march has started, with protestors leaving Trafalgar Square and walking in the direction of Downing Street.
March has started #toriesoutnow#wndausteritynowhttps://t.co/XHb3gEgnp9
— James Cropper (@JamesCropper95) May 27, 2015
Shakira Martin, NUS vice-president of further education, is speaking to crowds gathering in Trafalgar Square.
@ShakiraSweet1 takes to the megaphone #fuckthetories#QueensSpeechpic.twitter.com/2WFXEF4CFw
— Against Fees & Cuts (@NCAFC_UK) May 27, 2015
NUS vice-president Shelly Asquith, who will speak at the End Austerity Now protests, made her feelings clear about five years of Conservative government in a tweet sent a couple hours ago.
#FucktheTories, fuck the Tories, fuck em!
— Shelly Asquith (@ShellyAsquith) May 27, 2015
Protestors outside Downing Street have stripped down to their waists and begun DJing against austerity.
Downing Street disco party against the Conservative party. #TapsAff#EndAusterityNowpic.twitter.com/lHDuOBApcw
— Michael Gray (@GrayInGlasgow) May 27, 2015
Another of the marches converging on Westminster is making its way through Holborn.
Feeder march makes its way through Holborn #endausteritynow#toriesoutnowhttps://t.co/es21Wh60GH
— James Cropper (@JamesCropper95) May 27, 2015
There are also protests taking place across the country to coincide with the Queen's speech.
And for the afternoon crowd: Anti-austerity protest. Today. 5pm. Outside Leeds Art Gallery. Have your voice heard.
— Lisa Holdsworth (@WorksWithWords) May 27, 2015
Protesters beginning to gather in Exhibition Square in #york - protest against #queensspeechpic.twitter.com/CLgtkd5I3U
— Gemma-News (@GemmaLDillon) May 27, 2015
Anyone else noted @LivEchonews blackout for the people of r great cities protest against #austerity in Liverpool tonight? #shameonthem
— Joseph Boyd (@josephboyd73) May 27, 2015
The NCAFC have reported another arrest from earlier in the day, which they say was in relation to a 'Class War' demo.
The Trafalgar Square meet appears to be without disruption so far.
Protester takes to Trafalgar Square fountain as people gather for #QueensSpeech anti austerity demo. pic.twitter.com/vZ68YsCH3T
— Dominic Hurst (@DominicHurst) May 27, 2015
The police are already in Trafalgar Square, where the protesters are gathering.
Riot police lead away a protester in Trafalgar Square. Others chant "shame on you" #QueensSpeechpic.twitter.com/ct5ia2bALP
— Dominic Hurst (@DominicHurst) May 27, 2015
Here's what happened in Parliament Square while the Queen was making her speech.
The afternoon appears to be host to a number of demonstrations, all of which converge on Westminster.
This one, organised by the People's Assembly, features a number of notable speakers including comedians, activists and politicians:
Shappi Khorsandi - Comedian and Activist
Jeremy Corbyn MP - Islington North
Mark Serwotka - General Secretary, PCS
Natalie Bennett - Leader of the Green Party
Shelly Asquith - NUS Vice President
Sam Fairbairn - The People's Assembly
Lindsey German - Stop the War Coalition
Kate Hudson - General Secretary, CND
The NCAFC have reported one arrest already, with an hour to go until the protest officially starts.
Looks like the police are already arresting people! #fuckthetories#QueensSpeech#NoJusticeNoPeacepic.twitter.com/qVIC8HCNSa
— Against Fees & Cuts (@NCAFC_UK) May 27, 2015
The National Campaign Against Fees and Cuts have opted for a subtle hashtag for this afternoon's demonstration.
Hash tag for today's demo is #FucktheTories@AnaOpp@alasdair_clark@AntiAusterityUK@chunkymark@abbyyoungpowell@are_eb@joshberlyne
— Against Fees & Cuts (@NCAFC_UK) May 27, 2015
In less than one hour, thousands of people are expected to take to the streets in an anti-austerity demonstration.
Today 5.30pm #QueensSpeech London protest Downing Street Called by @pplsassemblyhttps://t.co/qWZEcSnKHVpic.twitter.com/N2KoU3gtDa
— Socialist Action (@SocialistAct) May 27, 2015
The Facebook event for the protest reads:
"The new Government is going to try to: smash the welfare state by £12bn, privatise the NHS, raise tuition fees, decimate local services, make strike action illegal, scapegoat migrants, worsen the housing crisis and to crush all dissent that stands in their way.
There is now only one thing stopping this from becoming a reality: us. Over the coming weeks and months, we are going to have to show the Tories that we will not let them do this, and we will have to inspire broader layers of the population into resisting austerity. That new wave of resistance starts now."
As the Prime Minister and other MPs make their opening speeches in the new parliament, unions and campaign groups have responded to the new measures laid out in the Queen's Speech earlier today.
The union Unite released a statement saying Cameron's pledges do not operate with the British public in mind, adding that new strike laws make it hard for workers to exercise their rights.
General Secretary, Len McCluskey said,
“Given the profound challenges facing this nation, it is staggering that a priority for this government is not to create decent jobs and offer a helping hand to insecure workers but to attack trade unions. Seven million UK workers and their families turn to their unions for help. Our members are the people who clean our streets, care for our kids, work in our shops – they are not the cause of this country’s broken economy and deserve far better than the hostility directed at them by this government.
“Unite has said repeatedly that the way to increase turnouts in strike ballots is not to make it harder for people to exercise fundamental rights, but to modernise voting. This can be easily achieved through consensus and discussion, and without the division and fear that the government’s approach prefers.
“We urge this government to think again. People will not be fooled by claims to be the party of working people if freedoms and democracy are swept away in a tide of repressive laws and showy PR"
The action has ended in Westminster for this morning, but activists are expected to come out in their thousands this evening to protest austerity measures and the scrapping of the Human Rights Act.
Read our full article about the protests here and tune in here later for the latest protest news.
Backlash at the proposals in the speech is flooding social media, with the so-called Snoopers' Charter and new strike laws coming under heavy criticism from charities and commentators.
"My government will modernise law on communications data" - sounds like the snoopers charter & more mass surveillance on all #QueensSpeech
— Amnesty UK (@AmnestyUK) May 27, 2015
A party which ONLY got support from 24% of voters want to implement a 40% vote threshold for strikes. #QueensSpeechpic.twitter.com/aXeyGV4UMk
— George Aylett (@GeorgeAylett) May 27, 2015
The Economist noted that within the 21 new bills announced in the speech, four of them were about devolution and decentralisation.
The prominence of regional autonomy has followed the pressure of the 2014 Scottish Independence Referendum, and subsequent popularity of the SNP.
Speaking before the speech, SNP MP Angus Robertson said:
"On a range of issues - such as gaining a Commons debate on the whistleblower report about the security of Trident nuclear weapons, to demanding urgent action on the Mediterranean refugee crisis - the SNP group of 56 are already a strong and effective opposition to the Tory government...
"In terms of more powers for Scotland, it is an early test of the UK Government's good faith that the Scotland Bill lives up to both the spirit and the letter of the Smith Commission. The Scottish Government has already set out the shortcomings of the draft legislation published in January, and submitted detailed amendments to the UK Government to bring their original proposals into line with Smith, so there can be no excuse...
"In these and many more important areas, the real opposition to the Tories at Westminster is coming - and will continue to come - from the SNP."
Rather than focusing on the new Tory pledges, the ceremony itself is being scrutinized - can such a ceremony be justified in times of austerity?
Do we know the cost of this charade? Forgive my cynicism, but couldn't that just have been posted online? #QueensSpeech
— Nicky Marr (@nickymarr) May 27, 2015
That crown weighs 2lbs and has 2,868 diamonds, 273 pearls, 17 sapphires, 11 emeralds, and 5 rubies #heavyweight#queensspeech
— Deborah Blausten (@DebzyBee) May 27, 2015
One can't help but be distracted by that 317ct diamond on the front of Her Majesty's crown... #QueensSpeech
— Brad Jordan (@bradj) May 27, 2015
During the speech, the British Bill of Rights was referred to as a "proposal" rather than a "measure". The key difference here is that a measure means a law, whereas a proposal is a matter subject to discussion, which indicates that, following increased pressure, Cameron is less confident about scrapping the Human Rights Act.
'Bring forward proposals for a British Bill of Rights' << not legislation then. So Cameron has blinked first on #HRA#QueensSpeech
— Chris Ship (@chrisshipitv) May 27, 2015
The UK will continue to put pressure on Russia, the Queen has said, as well as attempting to eradicate terrorism in the Middle East as part of the NATO alliance.
"My government will continue to play a leading role in global affairs, using its presence all over the world to re-engage with and tackle the major international security, economic and humanitarian challenges.
My ministers will remain at the forefront of the NATO alliance and of international efforts to degrade and ultimately defeat terrorism in the Middle East.
The United Kingdom will continue to seek a political settlement in Syria and will offer further support to the Iraqi government’s programme for political reform and national reconciliation.
My government will maintain pressure on Russia to respect the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine, and will insist on the full implementation of the Minsk agreements.
My government looks forward to an enhanced partnership with India and China."
The Queen opens with the classic Tory line so familiar from the election campaign: the new government will help Britain "live within its means".
She has so far announced the expected plans to increase levels of free childcare, scrap income tax for those working 30 hours a week on minimum wage and reducing the deficit.
She has also announced an NHS five year plan, with an increase the health budget and 7 day opening.
Our live feed of Parliament Square shows the police apprehending one lonely protester.
Black Rod (no, really, not a character from Game of Thrones) has just made his entrance. The symbolic knocking of the door has triggered some backlash on Twitter about the archaic traditions of the house.
"The crucial factor is how long it takes the Queen to get dressed" Jeez #Britshdemocracy#QueensSpeech
— Johanna Thomas-Corr (@JohannaTC) May 27, 2015
This is my favourite bit. It's such an important symbol slamming the door in the Black Rod's face. #QueensSpeech
— Paul Cruikshank (@PAShanky) May 27, 2015
How much does state opening of parliament cost the tax payer? Just wondering if it's worth it in these times of austerity! #QueensSpeech
— Lorna Finn (@Lornafinn) May 27, 2015
Follow Ruptly's live feed of the reported demonstration here.
There are reports of a small demonstration which will take place during the speech, before the main protests across the country this evening. Our film crew will be live shortly.
Secret rooms, monarchy, gold hats, gold sticks, horses wearing gold hats.. British "democracy" is an absolute joke
Human Rights will be top of the agenda today, with Cameron facing a backbench rebellion from his own MPs, and a series of non-political high-profile opponents.
To coincide with the Queen’s Speech, a number of high profile celebrities have also come out in opposition of the Tory’s British Bill of Rights proposal.
Benedict Cumberbatch, David Harewood, Indira Varma, Vanessa Redgrave and Simon Callow have starred in short films based on experiences of people who have relied on the Human Rights Act.
Cumberbatch said: "Our Human Rights Act belongs to all of us. It's not for politicians to pick and choose when they apply or who deserves protection.
"Repealing it will mean less protection against state abuse or neglect, and weaken the rights of every single one of us - and the vulnerable most of all."
Here's the official order of ceremony. Look out for the ominous sounding Black Rods.
Queen's Speech Quiz: Are these job titles, or just the names of some really niche local newspapers? pic.twitter.com/RoTjxeOvZ3
— Michael Moran (@TheMichaelMoran) May 27, 2015
The Queen has arrived at the Palace of Westminster, with her husband the Duke of Edinburgh. They will now go into the 'robing room' to be dressed for the ceremony.
Shadow Justice Secretary Lord Falconer spoke to the BBC's Today Program about the impeding Bill of British Rights.
He said:
"We’ve been saying all along that people’s right to be protected from an over-mighty state depends on there being accepted rights that they can enforce in court. What the Tories appear to have been suggesting is that you could have only the rights the government approved of and still stay in the European convention on human rights.
Well, I don’t think you can do that. I think it would make the UK look like a state that didn’t properly adhere to human rights. It would have undermined the devolution settlement in Scotland, it would have undermined the Good Friday agreement, which brought peace in Northern Ireland. It was a very, very bad idea that couldn’t be implemented. And I hope the briefing this morning or last night from the Conservatives indicates they now accept that".
The Queen's carriage is making its way to Parliament Square, accompanied by guards from the Household Cavalry.
Household Cavalry outside #Parliament rehearsing for #StateOpening which takes place on 27 May http://t.co/FQrkc5BSKHpic.twitter.com/grvj2V3nt3
— UK Parliament (@UKParliament) May 22, 2015
The Prime Minister is on Periscope!
Update: it's quite disappointing. He hasn't actually said anything, just pictures of Parliament Square.
LIVE on #Periscope: In the crowds for the #QueensSpeech procession https://t.co/cCV7tGjemB
— UK Prime Minister (@Number10gov) May 27, 2015
As the pomp and pageantry takes place inside Westminster, crowds are forming to watch the arrival of the Queen.
It's the #QueensSpeech today. pic.twitter.com/tD0c5bzm6e
— Greg Mulholland (@GregMulholland1) May 27, 2015
Her Royal Highness Queen Elizabeth has left Buckingham Palace and will make her way to the Houses of Parliament. She doesn't have Twitter, but her parody account doesn't seem too bothered...
Ok, bring the carriage round. Let's get this show on the sodding road. #QueensSpeech
— Elizabeth Windsor (@Queen_UK) May 27, 2015
Here is the full text of outgoing LibDem leader Nick Clegg's statement in response to the Queen's Speech:
“The Liberal Democrats worked hard to ensure that the Coalition Government’s agenda had a clear thread of liberalism running through it – from the priority we gave to mental health and the green agenda, to creating the pupil premium and protecting our civil liberties.
“So it is dispiriting – if pretty unsurprising – to see how quickly, instead of building on those achievements, the new Conservative Government is turning its back on that liberal stance.
“The human rights we hold dear, our right to privacy in an online age, our future as an open-minded, outward-looking country, are all hanging in the balance again because of the measures being announced by the Conservative Government.”
“My party’s parliamentary presence may be reduced in size, but our mission is clearer than ever. “As we did in the Coalition Government, we will fight any attempt to weaken the fundamental rights of our citizens.
“We will stand up for the poorest and the most vulnerable.
“And we will always defend a Britain that is at its best when it is open-hearted, open-minded and outward-looking.”
Leader of the Green Party Natalie Bennett has used the Queen's Speech to promote the petition advocating votes for 16 and 17-year-olds in an EU referendum.
It's important issue. Can we get petition to 5,000 signatures before #QueensSpeech starts? https://t.co/1ECTyivIxVhttps://t.co/MAR6pHGrV7
— Natalie Bennett (@natalieben) May 27, 2015
David Cameron has set off for the opening, to cries of "life is better without the LibDems".
Prime Minister leaves for the State Opening to shouts of "is life better without the LibDens #QueensSpeechpic.twitter.com/e8CivjJT13
— Paul Twinn (@PaulTwinn) May 27, 2015
Find out how the morning's events unfold, from the Yeoman Usher of the House of Lords, with events including a ceremonial search to "check for gunpowder" under the seats - a throwback to the Gunpowder Plot of 1605, where Catholics attempted to blow up the Houses of Parliament.
As the MPs arrive in Westminster, anti-austerity protesters across the country are rallying to demonstrate against further planned cuts to spending.
Join the fight back against #austerity. Come to Whitstable Anti Cuts group at the @TheWhitstableLC on 9th June at 7:30 #ResistAusterity
— Whitstable Anti Cuts (@WhitsAnticuts) May 27, 2015
Join the anti-austerity protest in #Leeds today organised by @YorkshireYFJ 5pm outside library/art gallery #QueensSpeech#saynotoausterity
— Iain Dalton (@SocialistIain) May 27, 2015
Anti-austerity protest today in #Coventry starting at 5pm in the city centre.
— Sisi Majok (@modernemeid) May 27, 2015
This is so so important! Solidarity to all those marching against austerity tonight! #antiausterity#QueensSpeechhttps://t.co/Rz8hSg12cy
— Charlotte Casey (@CaseyCharlotte) May 27, 2015
Speaking ahead of the official opening, Prime Minister David Cameron released this statement:
"Behind this Queen’s Speech is a clear vision for what our country can be. A country of security and opportunity for everyone, at every stage of life.
That is our ambition. 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."
To read more about the proposals expected to be included in the speech, and reactions from the LibDems and the SNP, read our full piece here.
UKIP's only MP Douglas Carswell has just been Periscoping from the foyer of the Houses of Parliament. He said he is going to "push the limits" of Periscope rules and may try and broadcast live from the chamber as the speech takes place.
. @DouglasCarswell is threatening to Periscope live from the Commons chamber. Could be fireworks. #QueensSpeechpic.twitter.com/osnD0Z34L5
— Asa Bennett (@asabenn) May 27, 2015
At 11:30 BST the Queen will officially open parliament. Here's what to expect in her speech:
- A British Bill of Rights to replace the Human Rights Act and clamp down on abuse of the HRA.
- Increased levels of free childcare for three and four year-olds.
- No income tax for those working a 30 hour week on minimum wage.
- A bill to pave the way for a referendum on the UK's membership of the EU.