BRITISH Queen Elizabeth II opened a new session of the British parliament Monday in a ceremony packed with pomp and ceremony.

The traditional Queen’s Speech by the monarch, outlining the Conservative government’s proposals, came under attack from opposition politicians who described it as an election manifesto.

The Queen opened her speech by saying the government’s priority has always been to secure the United Kingdom’s departure from the European Union on Oct. 31.

The Queen said the government wants a new partnership with the European Union, based on free trade and friendly cooperation.

She said EU citizens living in Britain will be able to stay in the country. An immigration bill, ending free movement, will also be introduced for a fair and modern system, the monarch added.

The Queen listed over 20 bills, a third of them allowing Britain to seize the opportunities that Brexit will present once Britain has left the bloc. New bills will cover a range of issues from crime and punishment, climate issues and care for the elderly.

She added that as Britain leaves the EU, it will continue to play a leading role in global affairs, and defense spending of 2 percent of the country’s GDP will be maintained.

(Xinhua)