This Country

The government has promised to tackle sharp rises in the cost of living by boosting the economy, as it set out its plans in The Queen 's Speech.

But Boris Johnson warned that the government could not " shield everyone" from the effect of global inflation.

Labour has called for measures like a windfall tax on energy companies and an emergency budget to address the cost of living.

This year's Queen's Speech contained 38 bills and draft bills.

The Speech , delivered by Prince Charles in The Queen 's absence, allows the government to unveil its legislative plan for The Next session. It included proposals for laws including energy security, carbon emissions and post-Brexit economic arrangements.

One bill proposes tougher penalties for protest groups, like Insulate Britain and Extinction Rebellion , which use disruptive tactics.

The Speech also pledged support for Ukraine and to reduce regional inequality, but trade unions complained about the aimed at improving workers' rights.

The Speech came amid widespread concerns over The Rising cost of living, with the that inflation could hit around 10% later this year.

None of The Bills outlined by the government directly addresses the issue, but the Prime Minister said wider economic reforms would help households.

And although in his speech he hinted at an announcement on the cost of living in The Coming days, Downing Street said the PM was referring to the wider work being done in departments to address the pressures households face.

The Political Parties will spend several days debating the contents of The Queen 's Speech.

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer told MPs: " This Country faces great challenges, but at the same time great opportunities are within our reach.

" We need a government of The Moment that meets the aspirations of the British People . "

Sir Keir added that The Queen 's Speech had provided " a pathetic response to the cost-of-living crisis" calling it " bereft of ideas" and " without a guiding principle or a road map for delivery".

Mr Johnson replied: " However great our compassion and commitment, we cannot simply spend our Way Out of problems.

" We need to grow our economy out of these problems by creating hundreds of thousands of high-waged, high-skilled jobs across the country. "

In The Queen 's Speech there are seven bills which ministers say will help deliver the benefits of Brexit, while a Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill is expected to change planning rules in England.

A Public Order Bill would create a criminal offence, with a maximum sentence of 12 Months , of " interfering with key national infrastructure" such as airports, railways and printing presses. This would also make it illegal to obstruct major transport works such as HS2.

The Liberal Democrats called the proposed changes " dangerous and draconian" but Home Secretary Priti Patel argued they were needed to deal with a " self-indulgent minority who seem to revel in causing mayhem and misery".

And the government said the Energy Security Bill would " accelerate our transition to more secure, more affordable and cleaner homegrown energy supplies".

But opposition parties focused on the cost of living, with Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey saying millions of households would be " bitterly disappointed" by The Queen 's Speech.

And SNP Westminster leader Ian Blackford accused ministers of a " deafening silence" over potential rises in poverty, saying they had to " deliver desperately needed support to put money into people's pockets".

Source of news: bbc.com