Mid Worcestershire MP Nigel Huddleston welcomed the opening of the new session of Parliament and the Government’s focus on protecting the environment, investing in new transport infrastructure and strengthening the NHS.

The Queen’s Speech, which sets out the Government’s legislative agenda for the year ahead, began with Brexit, reaffirming its commitment to leaving the EU on 31 October, with a good deal in place.

Other important pledges include putting into law substantive proposals to fix the crisis in adult social care and making sure every child is provided with a world class education. There is also a commitment to strengthen the criminal justice system and provide more victim support.

Mr Huddleston said: “The Government’s agenda as set out in the Queen’s Speech is both ambitious and strongly focused on what matters to my constituents most.

"Regarding the environment, I am pleased that measures will be introduced to improve air and water quality and that tougher action will be taken on plastic pollution. The Animal Welfare Bill, which will increase the maximum jail sentence for animal abusers, will also be returning to this Parliamentary session so  it can be enshrined in law.”

The Worcestershire MP added: “I receive a lot of correspondence about broadband coverage across the constituency, so I am particularly pleased that new legislation is to be introduced to accelerate the delivery of fast and reliable broadband across the county.

"I will be making sure Worcestershire gets its fair share of any additional investment that comes as a result of these measures.”