The Queen's Speech

In reply to the Queen’s Speech Michael Howard MP, Leader of the Opposition, said:

“Labour has promised far too much and delivered far too little.

“We Britain could be doing so much better. After all, we are the world’s fourth largest economy. We are a nation of hard working, energetic and enterprising people. We have great potential. But this Government, which promised so much, has let our country down.

“In the absence of any real reform, its only answer is higher tax. When that fails, it can only turn to higher taxes still. They approach every problem with an open wallet and an empty mind. They are taxing and spending and failing.

“This Queen’s Speech should have included a programme that delivers real power to patients, to parents and to front line professionals. It should have included a programme that gives value for taxpayers’ money and security for the national interest.

“But that programme will only be put in place by a different government: a government that boosts the economy rather than chains it; that implements serious reform of our public services; a government that gives real power to people”.