5 Things You Need To Know (21/6/17)
Please note this blog post was published over 12 months ago and so may not include the most up-to-date information, for example where regulation around investing has changed.
Welcome to our daily update, where we summarise the key talking points from the last 24 hours.
1. Queen’s Speech
The Queen’s Speech has been delivered, with Her Majesty setting out the Government’s legislative agenda to Parliament.
The key issue on Theresa May’s agenda is Brexit, with the Great Repeal Law being central to this. All of the EU laws will pass into British law, with the choice then being made whether to keep or remove certain aspects. Bills covering trade and customs are also included.
Much of the Conservative manifesto has been discarded, with means testing of winter fuel payments and an energy price cap no longer on the agenda. Scrapping of free school meals has also been dropped, and the social care policy has been diluted. And it is good news for foxes, with no mention of a reversing of the fox hunting ban.
2. Trump’s UK State Visit
Another big talking point of the Queen’s Speech was the omission of President Donald Trump’s state visit. Traditionally, any state visit should be announced at the Queen’s Speech. This could be viewed as a sign of the rumoured cancellation of Trump’s trip, although Number 10 said the lack of mention is because a date hasn’t been confirmed.
3. Prince Philip
The Duke Of Edinburgh missed today’s Queen’s Speech, after being admitted to hospital as a precautionary measure.
He is being treated for an infection arising from a pre-existing condition. The 96 year old announced in May that he will retire from royal duties this autumn.
4. Republican Victory
Karen Handel, the Republican candidate for Georgia’s congressional election, has proved victorious in a closely contested election.
The polling had taken on extra significance, with many people viewing it as a referendum on Donald Trump’s presidency. Democrats had been hoping to win, and the race became the most expensive congressional election in US history.
President Trump celebrate the victory, tweeting “Well, the Special Elections are over and those that want to MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN are 5 and O! All the Fake News, all the money spent = 0”
5. UK Temperatures
It is officially the hottest June since 1976, with a temperature of 33.9C recorded at Heathrow, London today.
What do you think about the debate behind today’s big news stories? Have your say on our twitter or facebook
