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Queen's Speech promises new laws 'for working people'

An EU referendum, tax cuts and more powers for Scotland are among the measures unveiled in the first Conservative-only Queen's Speech in nearly two decades.

Prime Minister David Cameron said the "One Nation" package was a "clear programme for working people, social justice and bringing our country together".

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Human Rights Act repeal absent from Queen's Speech

David Cameron's pledge to abolish the Human Rights Act and replace it with a British bill of rights was conspicuously absent from the Queen's Speech.

ITV News' Deputy Political Editor Chris Ship reports on why the PM decided his plans for abolishing the Act needed more work.

Three arrests at anti-austerity protest near Whitehall

The anti-austerity demonstration took place to coincide with the Queen's Speech. Credit: Hannah McKay / PA Wire/PA Images

Scotland Yard said three arrests had been made before 7pm in relation to the anti-austerity demonstration which took place to coincide with the Queen's Speech and the State Opening of Parliament.

A 17-year-old youth was arrested on suspicion of assault.

A man, whose age has not been given, was arrested on suspicion of violent disorder and possession of an offensive weapon.

Police also arrested a 45-year-old man who was wanted on suspicion of violent disorder in relation to an incident in Whitehall on May 9th.

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Ukip MP Carswell 'shaken' after mob confrontation

Ukip MP Douglas Carswell ws escorted into a police van for his own safety Credit: PA

Ukip's only Member of Parliament Douglas Carswell has said he genuinely feared for his life after being surrounded by a "lynch mob" of anti-austerity protesters as he tried to leave Westminster following the Queen's Speech.

Mr Carswell said the group that shouted abuse at him as he waited for a bus appeared to have "pretty murderous" intent before he was escorted by officers into the back of a police van as demonstrations turned nasty.

He was caught up in one of several violent flashpoints as he waited for public transport not far from the House of Commons.

EU vote at centre of Conservative's Queen's Speech

A total of 26 new Bills were laid out in the Queen's Speech today but at the heart of it was confirmation of an in/out referendum on Britain's membership of the EU.

David Cameron said it was also a programme for working people, with promises of tax freezes and more free childcare.

ITV News' Political Editor Tom Bradby reports on the pomp and pageantry:

Scuffles during anti-austerity protest in Downing Street

Scuffles have broken out between police and protesters at an anti-austerity demonstration being held in Downing Street to coincide with the Queen's Speech, ITV News' Emma Murphy reports.

The 'End Austerity Now' demonstration has been organised by The People's Assembly Against Austerity.

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Harman insists Labour will be a 'vocal' opposition

Acting Labour leader Harriet Harman has been responding to the Queen's Speech. Credit: Dan Kitwood / PA Wire/PA Images

Acting Labour leader Harriet Harman has said Labour will not hesitate to hold the Government to account if it does not act in the country's best interests, as she responded to the Queen's Speech.

Ms Harman joked she shared the status of "interim leader" with David Cameron but congratulated him on returning to the Commons as Prime Minister.

She insisted that her party will be "a determined, forensic and vocal opposition".

Where you act in the interests of the country, we will support the Government. When you don't, we will not hesitate to be a determined, forensic and vocal opposition and that is what every one of our 232 Labour MPs will do.

Britain faces a fragile future - for our economy, our constitution and our public services.

Although we are seeing economic growth return, its benefits are not being shared and the economy remains fragile.

Compared to other countries, Britain's productivity lags behind. Tax revenues have fallen short of where the Government said in 2010 that they would be now, meaning it's taking longer to reduce the deficit.

Britain cannot succeed by low skilled, low wage, insecure employment with a race to the bottom. The path to economic prosperity and recovery must be with a high skilled, long term approach.

But our productivity is being held back by a lack of investment in training, infrastructure and industry.

– Harriet Harman

Will the SNP prove to be a thorn in the Tories side?

It was a State Opening steeped in tradition- but less conventional was the frosty silence as Labour's acting leader Harriet Harman walked with the Prime Minister.

Equally unimpressed SNP members chose to wear the white rose of Scotland, a nationalist symbol - but will they prove to be a thorn in the government's side?

ITV News Political Correspondent Libby Wiener reports:

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