Main points

Here are the main points from Queen Elizabeth II’s speech in parliament yesterday setting out the British government’s legislative programme:

Brexit: Government’s priority is to deliver Britain’s departure from the EU on January 31, 2020. London to seek a future relationship with Brussels based on a free trade agreement. Britain to begin trade negotiations “with other leading global economies”.

Northern Ireland: Integrity of the United Kingdom “of the utmost importance”. Ministers to work urgently to facilitate talks on restoring devolved regional government in Northern Ireland.

Health: National Health Service funding boost to be “enshrined in law”. Boosting size of NHS workforce. Foreign healthcare professionals to have “fast-track entry” visa to Britain. Government to seek cross-party accord on long-term social care policy.

Immigration: “A modern, fair, points-based immigration system will welcome skilled workers from across the world.”

Defence: “Measures will be developed to tackle hostile activity conducted by foreign states.” Nato commitment to spend two percent of national income on defence reaffirmed.

Climate change: Net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 target reaffirmed. Legally binding targets, including for air quality. Export of polluting plastic waste to countries outside the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development to be banned.

Parliament: Laws blocking the prime minister from calling an election at the time of his choosing to be repealed.

Education: Funding per pupil to increase.