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

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