Queen's Speech: Boris Johnson aims to 'level up' jobs and investment in former Labour heartlands

Boris Johnson left No10 for Parliament today as he plans to heap pressure on stricken Keir Starmer with a Queen's Speech aiming to 'level up' jobs and investment in former Labour heartlands. However, the government is already facing criticism over the lack of action on social care provision - something Mr Johnson has promised to fix. Boris Johnson has vowed to inject 'rocket fuel' into his pledge to level up Britain, with the introduction of new laws to boost education opportunities for those who have not been to university The Queen will unveil the new legislative programme in her first major engagement since the death of Prince Philip Mr Johnson is trying to turn the screw on Keir Starmer after local elections, but in interviews this morning Matt Hancock had to fend off questions about the lack of action on social care Others include reforms to state aid to make it easier for the Government to subsidise industries facing unfair competition, new light-touch freeports and a shake-up of the planning regime to accelerate the rollout of new housing and infrastructure. Peers were starting to gather in the House of Lords today ahead of the pared-back Queen's Speech to reopen Parliament The final preparations have been made including the 'ceremonial search' of Parliament to help keep the Queen safe There are also claims that Mr Johnson will act to shorten election campaigns to just four weeks from more than five currently.