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As it happenedended1498065505

Day of Rage protests - live updates: Hundreds march on Downing Street demanding Theresa May quits

Follows slimmed-down Queen's Speech as Tories struggle to secure majority needed to pass legislation

Benjamin Kentish,Maya Oppenheim
Wednesday 21 June 2017 18:18 BST
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Queen's Speech in 90 seconds

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Hundreds of protesters are marching from west London to Parliament calling for Theresa May to resign over her handling of the Grenfell Tower tragedy.

The demonstration comes as the Queen delivered the 2017 Queen's Speech, which Conservative sources have told The Independent could be Theresa May's first and last as Prime Minister.

As the Prime Minister struggles to cobble together a parliamentary majority, there was no mention of many of the Tories’ key manifesto pledges.

Plans to axe universal free school meals, scrap the triple lock on pensions and lift the ban on new grammar schools now all seem likely to be ditched.

Instead, the speech focused on Brexit, with the Prime Minister under mounting pressure to abandon her plans for a hard Brexit that could result in Britain leaving the EU without a trade deal.

Other measures include new laws to improve protections of domestic violence, protect private renters from irresponsible landlords, tackle extremist ideologies, and protect people's online data.

The Government will also act to reduce motor insurance premiums and lower energy prices. The National Living Wage will be raised.

The speech included no mention of Donald Trump's scheduled state visit, fuelling reports that it may not happen. The US President is reported to be concerned about public protests in the UK should he visit.

Theresa May's Queen's Speech 'will be her first and last', Tories admit, as PM proposes plan filled with U-turns

Queen's Speech could be delivered without majority as Theresa May's DUP talks falter

Thousands to march on Downing Street in bid to 'bring down' Theresa May's government

Queen's Speech scaled back as Theresa May's legislative agenda unveiled amid uncertainty

Tory-DUP deal thrown into fresh doubt as deputy PM Damian Green says agreement only a 'possibility'

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The Queen's Speech is scheduled to begin at 11.30am. MPs are gathering in the House of Commons, from where they will proceed to the House of Lords to listen to the address.

The speech will be followed by several days of debate before MPs vote next week on the provisions in the speech .

Tory sources hope an agreement with the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) will be reached by then, giving them the parliamentary numbers - just - to win the vote.

Kristin Hugo21 June 2017 11:05
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Kristin Hugo21 June 2017 11:05
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Scant information has been released about what new laws are likely to be in the Queen's Speech - partly because ministers have been scrambling to adapt their plans in the wake of the shock election result that saw the Conservatives lose their majority in the House of Commons.

PoliticsHome reports that one announcement will be a "Hillsborough Law" that will introduce a publicly-funded "advocate" to act on behalf of families involved in a tragedy similar to the 1989 stadium disaster than killed 96 people.

New measures to protect people from fraudulent whiplash claims and stop landlords charging fees to tenants are also reported to be included.  

Kristin Hugo21 June 2017 11:25
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The Queen has arrived at the Palace of Westminster. The Union Jack that usually waves over the building is replaced with the Royal Standard to show the monarch is present.

Kristin Hugo21 June 2017 11:28
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The Queen is in the throne in the House of Lords. Black Rod, a senior member of Parliament's staff, walks from the Lords to the House of Commons to summon MPs to listen to the monarch. As part of the traditional ceremony, the door is slammed in his face - a symbol of the House of Commons' independence from the monarchy, dating back to the English Civil War.

Kristin Hugo21 June 2017 11:35
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Getty Images 

Kristin Hugo21 June 2017 11:40
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There will be a "major reform" of technical education and an increase in the National Living Wage, the Queen announces.

Kristin Hugo21 June 2017 11:47
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New laws will be brought forward to improve protection of victims of domestic violence and abuse. The Government will also prioritise mental health care, the Queen says.

"Unfair tenant fees" will be banned, and "more homes built".

Kristin Hugo21 June 2017 11:49
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Addressing the deadly fire at Grenfell Tower, the Queen confirms a full public inquiry will be held "to ascertain the causes and ensure the appropriate lessons are learned".

New measures will see an independent public advocate introduced to stand up for families who have been affected by a public tragedy such as Grenfell.

Kristin Hugo21 June 2017 11:53
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Speaking about upcoming state visits, the Queen makes no mention of Donald Trump, who was due to visit the UK later this year. Previous reports have suggested the US President is reluctant to visit because of fears of public protests against him. Downing Street has refused to confirm whether the state visit is going ahead, but the lack of any mention in the Queen's Speech makes it seem unlikely.

Kristin Hugo21 June 2017 11:58

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