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Queen Elizabeth II outlines slew of measures in British parliament address

Xinhua, May 18, 2016 Adjust font size:

Making overseas visitors to Britain pay for health care, building a million new homes and a string of new universities, and introducing driverless cars were among measures outlined by Queen Elizabeth II Wednesday at the state opening of the British Parliament.

At Westminster the queen delivered a speech, written by the government, outlining the program for the new session of parliament.

She said the government will use a strengthening economy to deliver security for working people, to increase life chances for the most disadvantaged and to strengthen national defenses.

She said the government will bring in legislation to improve Britain's competitiveness and make the United Kingdom a world leader in the digital economy, ensuring the country is at the forefront of technology for new forms of transport, including autonomous and electric vehicles.

The development of the Northern Powerhouse will also be supported to spread economic prosperity across the nation, with home ownership expanded by building a million new homes.

To tackle poverty and the causes of deprivation, including family instability, addiction and debt, new indicators for measuring life chances are to be introduced.

Continuing the theme of social and life chance reforms, the Queen said more people will be given the opportunity to further their education with the establishment of new universities.

Legislation will be introduced, the Queen said, to prevent radicalization, tackle extremism in all its forms, and promote community integration.

The government will invest in Britain's armed forces, honoring the military covenant and meeting the NATO commitment to spend 2 percent of national income on defense. They will also act to secure the long-term future of Britain's nuclear deterrent.

"My government will continue to play a leading role in world affairs, using its global presence to tackle climate change and address major international security, economic and humanitarian challenges," she added.

Other measures announced include proposals to recoup money from foreign nationals using the Britain's National Health Service (NHS). The speech also included an earlier trailed announcement to reform Britain's prison service, with new self-rule prisons.

The state opening ceremony dates back to the 1500s and is the only occasion when all three strands of British democracy: monarch, House of Lords and House of Commons come together. Endit