In a speech delivered by Queen Elizabeth at a colourful ceremony in parliament, the government also announced plans for a shakeup of Britain's framework for dealing with banks in financial difficulties and for protecting bank deposits.

The failings of the present system were cruelly exposed in September when mortgage lender Northern Rock (NRK.L) suffered Britain’s first bank run in more than a century.

‘People’s aspirations’

“My government’s programme will meet people’s aspirations for better education, housing, healthcare and children’s services, and for a cleaner environment,” the queen said at the state opening of parliament that draws on centuries-old customs.

The queen, escorted by the Household Cavalry, had earlier arrived at parliament in a horse-drawn carriage to address a joint session of parliament, including members of the upper House of Lords clad in ceremonial red and ermine robes.

Laws

The queen’s speech, drawn up by the government, sets out laws the government will introduce in the year ahead.

Brown, who took over from Tony Blair in June, needs a new start after his decision in October to pull back from calling an early election undermined his prestige and gave a boost to his Conservative opponents. Brown’s Labour Party trailed the Conservatives by five points in a recent poll.