Brexit bills dominate UK govt agenda
A Host of proposed new laws designed to prepare the United Kingdom (UK) for a "smooth and orderly" departure from the European Union (EU) have been announced in the Queen's Speech.
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Of 27 bills, eight relate to Brexit and its implications for key industries.
As well as a bill to convert EU rules into UK law, there are measures on trade, customs, immigration, fisheries, agriculture, nuclear and sanctions.
But other key manifesto plans have either been axed or delayed after the Conservatives lost their majority.
There was no mention of the United States (US) President Donald Trump's proposed state visit to the UK later this year, appearing to confirm suggestions it has been delayed. Ministers said the reason it was not included was purely because no date had been set.
Prime Minister Theresa May has promised to work with "humility and resolve" after failing to win the general election outright while senior ministers have said they are
"getting on with the job" amid continuing discussions with the DUP about a deal to enable the Tories to govern.
The Queen announced the government's legislative programme for the next two years at the State Opening of Parliament.
She was accompanied by the Prince of Wales, rather than the Duke of Edinburgh, after Prince Philip was admitted to hospital yesterday.
Buckingham Palace said it was a "precautionary measure" for treatment of an infection arising from a pre-existing condition.
With Brexit talks now under way, the government has set out the laws needed to leave the EU - irrespective of the final deal agreed with Brussels.