British monarch unveils policies, legislative agenda for new UK gov't

Queen Elizabeth II unveiled the proposed policies and legislative agenda of the incoming British government in her speech at the opening of the new parliament here on Wednesday.

Early legislation is to be introduced to provide a referendum on Britain's membership in the European Union (EU) by the end of 2017, the monarch said.

"My government will renegotiate the United Kingdom's relationship with the European Union and pursue reform of the European Union for the benefit of all member states," she noted.

British Prime Minister David Cameron has pledged to hold an "in or out" referendum on whether Britain should withdraw from the EU by 2017.

Other proposed legislation in the 26-bill package unveiled Wednesday was to provide more devolved powers for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland and possible "English votes for English laws" arrangements.

Additional legislative goals included a ban on increase in value added tax (VAT), income tax, and national insurance increases for five years, seven-day National Health Service (NHS) access, more restrictions on strikes, new measures to tackle extremism, and greater powers for Manchester.

The British monarch also announced her planned visits abroad and forthcoming state visits to the United Kingdom by foreign leaders, including Chinese President Xi Jinping and his wife, Peng Liyuan.

"We also look forward to welcoming His Excellency the President of The People's Republic of China and Madame Peng on a state visit in October," she added.

The Queen said the British government was looking forward to "an enhanced partnership" with India and China under the nation's new leadership. Endit