Queen's Speech delayed by a few days as government thrashes out policy plans in DUP talks
Video report by ITV News Political Correspondent Libby Wiener
The government will postpone the Queen's Speech as it continues to thrash out its policy plans as part of negotiations to return to power.
ITV News Political Editor Robert Peston understands the speech, which outlines Theresa May's legislative agenda and had been due on Monday next week, will be held on Tuesday or Wednesday instead.
First Secretary of State Damian Green confirmed there could be a delay to the speech as the Conservatives seek an agreement with the DUP, saying: "Obviously until we have that we can't agree the final details of the Queen's Speech.
"I can't confirm anything yet until we know the final details of the agreement.
"We know those talks are going well and also we know that, at this very important time, we want to produce a substantial Queen's Speech."
The State Opening of Parliament at Westminster on June 19 had already been due to clash with the start of Brexit talks.
Brexit Secretary David Davis earlier suggested the negotiations with the EU may also be moved.
The monarch's ceremonial address will be rescheduled with the government still in discussions with the DUP over a confidence-and-supply arrangement to support Mrs May's weakened administration.
The delay to the Queen's Speech may also be caused by the requirement to write it on goatskin parchment paper, which requires several days for the ink to dry and preserves it for at least 500 years.
To secure some form of agreement with the unionists, the Conservatives are expected to make some concessions to the party's campaign pledges following the chastening election result.
The delay also gives Mrs May's party an opportunity to drop some of the much-criticised manifesto's most electorally toxic policies.
Plans to drop the triple lock on pensions, introduce means-testing for the winter fuel allowance, repeal the fox hunting ban and reintroduce grammar schools are all under threat.
Mr Davis earlier said the position the government finds itself in means "some elements of the manifesto will be pruned away".
The prime minister's official spokesperson earlier declined to confirm the Queen's Speech would be held on June 19 as previously announced.
The spokesperson told a media briefing in Westminster that Leader of the Commons Andrea Leadsom will soon be releasing confirmation of the date.
The European Commission said it is ready for the Brexit negotiations to start but refused to give a date.
Spokesman Alexander Winterstein said: "We are fully prepared and ready for negotiations to start."
Labour has said the delay to the Queen's Speech shows the government is in chaos.
Meanwhile, Liberal Democrat leader Tim Farron said the delay was "an utter humiliation for Theresa May" and she should stop "trying to cling to power".
"This is the biggest embarrassment that a Prime Minister can face, she cannot announce her agenda because she has no idea what she can actually get through.
"The Tories are hanging onto office desperate for a deal from the DUP, turning them into the MayDUP government. This MayDUP coalition has fallen at the first hurdle.
"Theresa May can squat in Number 10 as long as she wants but the message is stark - she has no power, no influence and her game is up."