Queen’s Speech 2021: key bills in Boris Johnson’s plan to 'turbo-charge' post-pandemic recovery

Boris Johnson has laid out his plans to “create a stronger, healthier and more prosperous nation” after the coronavirus pandemic with more than 30 new pieces on legislation unveiled in today’s Queen’s Speech.

As part of a strong focus on enacting the Prime Minister’s manifesto commitment to “level up” the country, there are a number of bills on improving skills and education, as well as around housing and the environment.

But crucially there is once again no concrete plan on how to reform social care, despite Johnson pledging to make it a priority when he entered Downing Street almost two years ago.

Reading out the government’s legislative programme in the House of Lords this morning, the Queen simply said: “Proposals on social care reform will be brought forward.”

Explaining the bills included in the speech, the PM said with the help of the vaccination programme allowing the country to exit lockdown, “we cannot simply return to the way things were.”

Speaking after the Queen’s Speech, Scottish Secretary Alister Jack said: “This is a Queen’s Speech which delivers for people in Scotland, and right across the United Kingdom, as we focus entirely on recovering our economy and our public services from the devastating effects of the Covid pandemic.

“The Prime Minister and the UK Government have been working tirelessly on the pandemic, putting in place an unprecedented level of financial support, and securing millions of vaccine doses for people in all parts of the country. At all times we have prioritised both lives and livelihoods. 

“The UK Government will continue to lead our recovery from the pandemic, as we Build Back Better and level up opportunities right across the UK.

“We will continue to support top level R&D, encourage our businesses to innovate, and create vital new and green jobs. We will invest directly in Scotland’s communities, building on the success of our £1.5 billion City Deals programme with Freeports, better connectivity, and a new UK Shared Prosperity Fund. 

“And Scotland’s businesses will continue to benefit as, outside of the EU, we strike new trade deals around the world.”

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