Queen's Speech to be held days before Christmas if Tories win general election
2 min read
A stripped-back Queen's Speech will be held just days before Christmas if the Conservatives win the election.
Her Majesty will set out the Government's policy agenda to MPs and peers on 19 December, barely two months after the last Queen's Speech.
However, the 93-year-old monarch, who will once again be accompanied by Prince Charles, will not wear the full royal regalia that she was dressed up in on 14 October.
A government spokesperson said: "The State Opening of Parliament will take place with reduced ceremonial elements, as was the case following the early general election in 2017.
"This is due both to the early general election and the proximity of the State Opening to Christmas.
"The intention is for subsequent ceremonies to return to full regalia and procession, as was seen with the State Opening of Parliament on 14 October."
MPs will return to Parliament on 17 December, when they will elect a Speaker and be sworn in over two days.
Following the Queen's Speech, a Boris Johnson-led government would reintroduce the Withdrawal Agreement Bill, with MPs expected to vote on it at Second Reading on 23 or 24 December.
The House would then rise for Christmas and not return again until the New Year.
Government sources said Boris Johnson was eager to bring back the landmark Brexit legislation quickly to ensure the UK leaves the EU on 31 January.
If Labour wins the election, it is expected that the Queen's Speech will not be held until January.
Jeremy Corbyn's Brexit policy is to seek another extension to the Article 50 process, negotiate a new deal within three months and then hold a second EU referendum in the summer.
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