The Legislative Programme will build on the Pre-Budget Report announced last week and will help equip people to meet the economic challenges facing our country as a result of global downturn.

This Government will go on taking urgent action now to give people real help to get through these difficult times. As we concentrate on bringing people through this as quickly as possible, we must also prepare for the future so Britain emerges from this downturn fairer and stronger than ever before.

Our determination is that Britain is a country of fair chances where hard work is rewarded. So we will provide real help for communities with renewed investment in reformed public services to support the economy.   Our commitment to a fair chance for all will be taken forward in bills to eradicate child poverty, to promote equality, to promote excellence in schools, and give our young people the skills and education to equip them for future challenges.

A fairer future is built on communities where fair rules apply to all and where everyone can have a fair say. People need to know that there are clear rules in place which are seen to be fair, enforced and making a difference – on the streets and in the boardroom.  Our package of laws will help promote fair rules with tough measures to punish and prevent crime. We will strengthen the border and ensure earned citizenship.

This Labour Government has always represented the interests of the many, not the few which is why this Queen’s Speech is about a fairer future for all, not just for some.