Lords debates Queen's Speech

Queen's Speech 

Parliament was opened by the Prince of Wales and Duke of Cambridge on Tuesday 10 May. The Prince of Wales delivered the speech in the House of Lords chamber.

The Queen's Speech is written by the government. It sets out the government's legislative agenda for the new parliamentary session.  

• Watch the Queen's Speech on Parliament TV
• Read the Lords Hansard transcript

House of Lords debate 

Following the speech, the House of Lords agreed a motion of formal thanks. 

The Lords then debated the different subject areas of the speech over five days between Wednesday 11 May to Wednesday 18 May.  

Research and resources 

Read House of Lords Library briefings on the different subject areas for each day of the debate. 

Tuesday 10 May: formal thanks

The House of Lords returned to work with a motion to agree a Humble Address. The motion was moved by Lord Sherbourne of Didsbury.

• Catch up on Parliament TV
• Read the Lords Hansard transcript

Day one: Wednesday 11 May 

Members debated levelling up, communities and transport.

• Catch up on Parliament TV
• Read the Lords Hansard transcript.

The Bishop of Guildford made his maiden speech in the Lords during this debate.

Day two: Thursday 12 May 

Members debated home affairs, justice, culture, media and the constitution.

• Catch up on Parliament TV
• Read the Lords Hansard transcript.

Day three: Monday 16 May 

Members debated the economy, energy and the environment.

• Catch up on Parliament TV
• Read the Lords Hansard transcript

The Bishop of St Edmundsbury and Ipswich made his maiden speech in the Lords during this debate.

Day four: Tuesday 17 May 

Members debated education, welfare, health and public services.

• Catch up on Parliament TV
• Read the Lords Hansard transcript

Day five: Wednesday 18 May 

Members debated foreign affairs, defence and trade.

• Catch up on Parliament TV
• Read the Lords Hansard transcript.

After the debate 

Following the debate, bills (draft laws) are introduced and members start work shaping laws, holding the government to account and investigating public policy. 

Copyright House of Lords 2022 / Photography by Annabel Moeller