LONDON: Prime Minister Theresa May promised on Wednesday to listen more closely to businesses’ concerns about Britain leaving the European Union as she set out a Brexit-focused government programme, pared-back to reflect her weakened authority.
Chastened by an election which left her Conservative Party short of a majority in parliament and reopened debate on the nature of Britain’s EU exit, May also dropped firm pledges on social care, education and corporate governance.
The two-year programme for government, known as the Queen’s Speech, was prepared by ministers and read out by Queen Elizabeth in parliament at its formal opening ceremony.
At a time of unprecedented political uncertainty, May is under increasing pressure to secure a deal with Northern Ireland’s Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) to prop up her government after nearly two weeks of talks.
The queen told lawmakers from both the upper and lower houses of parliament that the government is committed to building “the widest possible consensus” on Brexit, working with parliament, devolved administrations, business and others.
Theresa May’s government said it remained committed to helping consumers hit by the most expensive energy tariffs, but had not decided how to intervene in the market and did not mention a price cap when setting out policy objectives.
May previously said she would tackle high household energy prices if she was re-elected by introducing a cap on standard variable tariffs that could affect about 17 million families.
“My government’s priority is to secure the best possible deal as the country leaves the European Union,” the queen said. The traditionally ceremonial address, dominated by pageantry, was a crucial testing ground for May’s ability to run the country during its most challenging period for generations.
Her authority has been badly damaged just as Britain begins Brexit negotiations. — AFP
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