List of Queen's Speeches
The Queen's Speech is read by the Queen from the Throne in the House of Lords at the State Opening of Parliament. It is drawn up by the government, and contains an outline of the government's policies and proposed legislative programme for the new parliamentary session.
You can read the full text of previous speeches in House of Lords Hansard:
Queen's Speech 18 November 2009
Queen's Speech 3 December 2008
Queen's Speech 6 November 2007
Queen's Speech 15 November 2006
Queen's Speech 17 May 2005
Queen's Speech 23 November 2004
Queen's Speech 26 November 2003
Queen's Speech 13 November 2002
Queen's Speech 20 June 2001
Queen's Speech 06 December 2000
Queen's Speech 17 November 1999
Queen's Speech 24 November 1998
Queen's Speech 14 May 1997
Queen's Speech 23 October 1996
Queen's Speech 15 November 1995
Queen's Speech 16 November 1994
If you are interested in finding earlier editions, please contact the Parliamentary Archives.
Related information
Sessions and parliaments
What is the difference between a parliament and a session?
A parliament can last a maximum of five years and runs from one general election to the next.
A session of Parliament runs from the State Opening of Parliament usually in November through to the following November. If there is an election however the Session begins after the election and runs to the autumn of the following year e.g. May 1997 through to November 1998.
Glossary
Prorogation (pro'ro-ga'tion): Term for the formal end of the Parliamentary year.
