The Queen’s Speech – in which the government sets out its legislative programme – has been delayed indefinitely. Originally due to take place next week, it’s now on hold until the Conservatives manage to come to a satisfactory ‘confidence and supply’ agreement with the DUP.
This is an un-precedented move – and not a good sign. Even in 2015 when the Tories went into coalition with the Lib Dems, the state opening of Parliament went ahead as planned. As a general rule, it’s not a great idea to keep the Queen waiting – and in this instance, Her Majesty had cancelled the annual order of the garter ceremony so that she could attend the state opening of Parliament.
Now David Davis has already predicted that some parts of the Tory manifesto will have to be ‘pruned’ following last week’s result. However, what this delay suggests is that Theresa May is not on top of her brief and this minority government is already facing difficulties.
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