PRINCE Charles today unveiled Boris Johnson’s masterplan to “turbocharge” Britain through the crippling cost of living hell.
The PM used the Queen’s Speech to announce a blizzard of new laws to pull his premiership “back on track” after Covid threw it off course.
His blueprint includes a crime blitz, sweeping planning reforms, and a crackdown on kids skipping school to boost education standards.
The PM stressed that strengthening the economy after Covid was his main mission and crucial to weathering the current squeeze.
But he hinted that there would be no more money any time soon – as it would sink the nation’s coffers further into the red.
Key promises in the Queen’s Speech include:
- A BREXIT bonanza to rip up £1billion of EU red tape still slapped on businesses
- A BAN on eco goons locking onto buildings and blockading vital services
- A CRACKDOWN on kids skipping school with new attendance rules
- PROSECUTING tech bosses for flouting tough new social media rules
- RIGHTS for renters from shameless landlord chucking them out
- LETTING councils turn streets into al fresco dining hubs
- BLOCKING ferry companies that don’t pay minimum wage from ports
- A BRITISH Bill of Rights to wrestle back powers from EU judges
- POWERS for local authorities to force owners to use empty properties
- GIVING local residents a say over street names
- STRIKING out with trade deals with Australia and New Zealand
- PROTECTIONS for Northern Ireland veterans from being hounded
- BANNING fake online reviews in a digital crackdown
- OUTLAWING cruel gender conversion therapy practices
- DRIVING out dodgy money and criminal gangs
Delivering the speech in place of his frail mother, Charles told Parliament: “Her Majesty’s government’s priority is to grow and strengthen the economy and help ease the cost of living for families.”
In a blunt dose of reality he said: “No country is immune and no government can realistically shield everyone from the impact.”
He added: “We must also remember that for every pound of taxpayer’s money we spend on reducing bills now, it is a pound we are not investing in bringing down bills and prices over the longer term.
“And that if anything, this moment makes clear our best remedy lies in urgently delivering on our mission to turbo charge the economy, create jobs and spread opportunity across the country.”
He said unleashing the economy with Brexit bonuses was the best way to bring bills down in the long run.
The monarch, 95, did not attend the State Opening of Parliament for the first time in six decades.
Her Majesty, 96, made the tough decision not to attend due to her difficulties walking.
Prince Charles, 72, stepped in for his mother at Parliament, following a conversation between the Queen and her aides.
The monarch has missed only two state openings — in 1959 and 1963, when she was pregnant with the future princes Andrew and Edward.
In her absence, Charles took on the head of state’s major constitutional duty. It’s a move that will be seen by many as a significant shift in his responsibilities as king-in-waiting.
It’s also the first time William, who wore a morning suit, has attended the State Opening. He travelled separately, and arrived ahead of his father and stepmother, pausing to meet dignitaries.
Neither of the royals sat on the throne, which has instead been kept empty.
Charles also chose not to wear a crown, and took his seat in his naval uniform beside future queen consort Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall.