UK Queen to open new session of parliament, 2 days later than scheduled

Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-15 18:54:35|Editor: Zhang Dongmiao
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LONDON, June 15 (Xinhua) -- The state opening of the British parliament by Queen Elizabeth is to take place next Wednesday, two days later than scheduled, it was announced Thursday.

The leader of the House of Commons, Andrea Leadsom gave details of the opening ceremony in a brief official statement.

Originally set to take place next Monday, the opening was delayed to enable Prime Minister Theresa May to hold talks with the Democratic Unionist Party of Northern Ireland to seek their support to prop up her minority government.

With eight seats short of an overall majority, the co-operation from the 10 DUP members will ensure May has a majority to see through her program of measures in the next session of parliament.

Political observers will now be awaiting details of the Queen's speech which will outline the government program for new bills.

Many of May's proposals outlined in her recent election manifesto are expected to be scrapped, delayed or amended following the election which saw her lose her narrow majority in the House of Commons.

In a statement, Leadsom said: "The government has agreed with Buckingham Palace that the State Opening of Parliament will take place on 21 June 2017."

The deal between May and the DUP has yet to be formerly agreed, but media in London reported that the State Opening will go-ahead even if no deal has been signed between the two parties.

The Guardian newspaper in London speculated that Queen Elizabeth will not be happy, as the opening of parliament clashes with one of her favorite events, the famous Royal Ascot horse racing festival.

"The Queen won't be happy. It is Royal Ascot from next Tuesday, and having the state opening of parliament on the Wednesday might interrupt her plans to attend that day," said the Guardian.

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