Public 'get Queen's Speech input'

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Harriet Harman has given details of plans to give the public a say on the contents of the Queen's Speech.

In a break with tradition, ministers will set out their legislative programme for the next Parliamentary session before the summer recess.

The Commons leader said MPs would then be allowed to debate it and there would be an extensive public consultation.

The move is intended to boost public and parliamentary awareness of the plans ahead of the Queen's Speech.

Ms Harman told MPs: "We intend to issue a document to the public which sets out what the government's priorities are for new laws so they can see it.

"All of these are things which previously would have happened behind closed doors and engaged the machinery of government but be hidden to the outside world."

Ms Harman also advised MPs they did not have to wait for the weekly session of forthcoming business to raise issues with her.

"My office is just down the corridor there and the door is open," she said.