SWINDON’S MPs have given their backing to the Queen’s Speech outlining the Government’s legislative agenda for the next two years.

This year’s event was a lower key affair than is customary given the snap election and subsequent shortened time scale to prepare. It was also a speech that bore limited resemblance to the manifesto of the winning party.

Without a parliamentary majority, and reliant on a deal with the DUP that has yet to be firmed up, many of the less popular parts of the Conservative platform were dropped.

Much of what remained was devoted to the complexities of Brexit - a ‘Great Repeal Bill’ and separate Bills on customs, trade, immigration, fisheries, agriculture, nuclear safeguards and international sanctions.

In the wake of the Grenfell Tower fire and a string of terror attacks, plans were also announced for a Civil Disaster Reaction Taskforce and a new Commission for Countering Extremism.

Also included were Bills to extend HS2 to Crewe, permit the development of driverless cars and commercial satellites, cut whiplash insurance claims, protect victims of domestic abuse and ban excessive private letting fees.

After the negative response to plans in the Tory manifesto to make pensioners pay for social care by selling their homes after they died, the speech promised only a consultation on proposals which will be brought forward to improve social care.

It also pledged to “bring forward measures to tackle unfair practices in the energy market”, but made no mention of the cap promised during the campaign.

Justin Tomlinson, MP for North Swindon, said: “The Queen’s Speech reflects the election result was not the one we hoped for, so rightly we have responded with humility and resolve to the message the electorate has sent us.

“This is a Government with purpose. Determined to deliver the best Brexit deal and grasp the opportunities that lie ahead for the United Kingdom as we leave the European Union. Intent on building a stronger economy and a fairer society. Committed to keeping our country safe, enhancing our standing in the wider world and bringing our United Kingdom closer together.

"There will be a real emphasis on investment and innovation, building on our strong economic growth and record employment, vital to improve people’s living standards and fund public services like our NHS and schools on which we all depend.

“At the heart of the Speech is our pledge to build a fairer society where people can go as far as their talents will take them and no one is held back by their background - opportunity for all, exactly why I put myself forward.”

South Swindon MP, Robert Buckland, said: “The Queen’s Speech announced 27 bills and draft bills over the next two years, which will mean that Parliament will be busy.

“Apart from important bills paving the way for Brexit, I was particularly pleased to see that legislation to protect victims of domestic abuse and reform of mental health law is part of our programme, plus a strengthening of data protection and improvements to workers rights.

“We will consult on proposals to improve social care too. We have presented a clear and realistic programme for Government.”

MPs will vote on the contents of the Queen’s Speech next week.