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Scottish independence: Rivals respond to Queen's speech Scottish independence: Rivals respond to Queen's speech
(35 minutes later)
The Queen has re-affirmed the UK government's commitment to keeping Scotland in the Union, as she opened parliament at Westminster.The Queen has re-affirmed the UK government's commitment to keeping Scotland in the Union, as she opened parliament at Westminster.
Her Majesty said UK ministers would continue to "make the case for Scotland to remain part of the United Kingdom".Her Majesty said UK ministers would continue to "make the case for Scotland to remain part of the United Kingdom".
The Queen's speech outlined the coalition's final legislative plans ahead of the next UK election.The Queen's speech outlined the coalition's final legislative plans ahead of the next UK election.
It also came ahead of the 18 September independence referendum.It also came ahead of the 18 September independence referendum.
The Queen's speech came as rival politicians set out their visions for Scotland's future.The Queen's speech came as rival politicians set out their visions for Scotland's future.
Scotland's Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said only a referendum "Yes" vote would give Scotland "the government it deserves". The SNP's Westminster spokesman Angus Robertson pointed out that the Queen did not mention any new powers for the Scottish Parliament.
But shadow Scottish Secretary Margaret Curran urged people to vote "No" and elect Labour to lead the UK at the next general election. But Scottish Secretary Alistair Carmichael said nine of the 11 bills contained in the speech would apply in Scotland.
During her speech at parliament, the Queen said: "My government will continue to implement new powers for the Scottish Parliament and make the case for Scotland to remain a part of the United Kingdom."During her speech at parliament, the Queen said: "My government will continue to implement new powers for the Scottish Parliament and make the case for Scotland to remain a part of the United Kingdom."
Ms Sturgeon, said: "By voting 'Yes' in September, we can build the country we want - developing a strong economy and society, and banning nuclear weapons. Mr Robertson responded: "The absence of any mention at all of the Westminster parties' plans for Scotland in the Queen's speech is extraordinary.
"For too long our hands have been tied by damaging decisions made at Westminster, by governments we didn't elect. "Not even Air Passenger Duty was mentioned, even though this could be transferred to the Scottish Parliament now, as the Tories admitted this week.
"The policies the SNP want to implement in the first parliament of an independent Scotland will deliver the transformational changes the people of Scotland need and deserve." "In this - the year of the biggest opportunity in Scotland's history - Scotland hardly even gets a nod at Westminster, and not a single mention of future plans for improving government in Scotland."
Ms Curran urged voters to take a different course, adding: "In September, people across Scotland can say no thanks to separation and then, less than a year from now, elect a Labour government. Mr Carmichael said the UK government was "building on strong foundations for a prosperous and exciting future in Scotland".
"In our first Queen's Speech we'll freeze energy prices to help hard-working families. He added: "This legislation will help improve the lives of people across the country and lend a helping hand to working families and the businesses at the heart of our economy.
"We will tax bankers' bonuses to get thousands of young people across Scotland back to work, bring back the 50p tax on people earning over £150,000 and pass more powers over tax, welfare and jobs to the Scottish Parliament." "At the same time we will further support the North Sea industry and give Scotland's pensioners security and flexibility over their retirement funds. It is a comprehensive package for Scotland and I welcome the positive changes it will bring."