Queen Elizabeth II sounded confident that the United Kingdom will leave the European Union on October 31 as she delivered her 65th speech to Parliament on Monday in the House of Lords.
"As the United Kingdom leaves the European Union, my Government will ensure that it continues to play a leading role in global affairs, defending its interests and promoting its values," she said.
Her speech outlined 26 bills, several of which are centered on the Conservative government's post-Brexit plans, and law and order, such as stricter jail sentences.
Per parliamentary rules, the speech was written by the government. That explains all the nods from Prime Minister Boris Johnson and his fellow Tories while the queen was reading it. When all the pomp and circumstance was over, the heckling resumed. Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn proceeded to tear apart the speech in the House of Commons.
"The prime minister promised us this queen’s speech would dazzle us," Corbyn said. "Upon closer inspection, Mr. Speaker, it is nothing more than fool’s gold."
“This legislative program is a propaganda exercise that cannot disguise that this government has failed on Brexit for over three years," he added.
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In his response, Johnson asked why Corbyn had not yet agreed to a new general election. The latter replied simply that he "doesn't trust" the Conservatives and that he wants to wait until the uncertainty of a no deal Brexit has subsided.
"We may only be weeks away from the first Queen’s Speech of a Labour government," Corbyn grinned.
The Labour leader also noted that they want a second Brexit referendum before a new election.
Johnson has maintained that Britain is leaving the EU on Halloween, but if the UK doesn't agree to a deal with the bloc by the end of Tuesday, they may be looking at another delay.
You can read the Queen's speech in its entirety here.
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