Britain's Queen Elizabeth II travels from Buckingham palace to deliver a speech at the state opening of parliament.<br/> <br />The occasion was full of the traditional pomp and ceremony that accompanies the yearly event.<br/> <br />Addressing both the House of Lords and the House of Commons, the Queen laid out the legislative priorities for the year ahead.<br/> <br />(SOUNDBITE) (English) QUEEN ELIZABETH II:<br/> <br />"My government's legislative programme will focus on economic growth justice and constitutional reform. My ministers' first priority will be to reduce the deficit and restore economic stability."<br/> <br />The Queen announced a package of measures and government bills, put together by the ruling coalition government whose leaders were in attendance.<br/> <br />Prime Minister David Cameron is under renewed pressure to tackle the country's budget deficit after the UK entered a double dip recession and his party suffered in local elections.<br/> <br />Other measures included measures to support families and children, break up the banks, and protect the UK from liability for future EU bailouts.<br/> <br />The Queen also announced a controversial reform of the House of Lords, which could result in an 80% elected upper house.<br/> <br />In total, the speech set out 19 government bills including four in draft forms.<br/> <br />Simon Hanna, Reuters.
