LONDON: The British government announced proposals on Wednesday to bring in pooled pensions and back controversial fracking plans as Queen Elizabeth II opened the final session of parliament before the 2015 general election.
The Queen's Speech set out the last batch of legislation proposed by Prime Minister David Cameron's Conservative-Liberal Democrat coalition before the election next May.
But it presented just 11 new bills -- the second-lowest number in two decades -- leading the Labour opposition to claim it was a "zombie government" that has run out of ideas on which the two coalition partners can agree.
The state opening of parliament, one of Britain's set-piece occasions, sees the monarch spell out her government's plans for the year ahead of a ceremony filled with tradition and pomp.
Wearing the Imperial State Crown and an ermine robe, the 88-year-old queen summoned both houses of parliament to the throne.
"My lords and members of the House of Commons, my government's legislative programme will continue to deliver on its long-term plan to build a stronger economy and a fairer society," she began.
"To strengthen the economy and provide stability and security, my ministers will continue to reduce the country's deficit."
Reform package:
Pension reforms, which Cameron called the "centrepiece" of the Queen's Speech, will mean workers can join Dutch-style collective schemes, where tens of thousands of employees get together in a single pension plan.
It might involve employees across an industry such as shop workers rather than a single company, as is now more commonly the case in Britain.
In other measures, an infrastructure bill supporting the development of fracking -- hydraulic fracturing for shale gas will be brought forward. Early fracking tests have sparked protests over its potential impact on the environment.
In political reform, voters will be able to trigger a by-election if their lawmaker is jailed or found guilty of serious wrongdoing by the House of Commons, the lower house of parliament.
A five pence (eight US cent, six euro cent) charge for plastic bags will be introduced in England in an attempt to reduce waste.
With the Scottish independence referendum looming in September, the monarch said her government would hand new financial powers to the Scottish parliament "and make the case for Scotland to remain a part of the United Kingdom".
Opinion polls currently point to a 'No' vote, but a potentially crucial chunk of the electorate remains undecided.
On international affairs, the queen said Britain would ensure the ongoing withdrawal of combat troops from Afghanistan goes smoothly and try to reach a comprehensive nuclear agreement with Iran.
'Secure the economic recovery':
The speech did not specifically mention immigration despite the victory in European Parliament elections last month of the anti-EU, anti-mass immigration UK Independence Party Reuters
The queen said however the government would promote reforms of the European Union, to create a "stronger role for member states and national parliaments".
Conservative leader Cameron and Lib Dem Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg countered suggestions of coalition strains by saying their joint aim was to "secure the recovery for our country", as the economy continues to strengthen.
"We may be two parties, with two different philosophies, but we understand one thing: countries rise when their people rise," they said in the document. It was the 63rd time Elizabeth has opened parliament.
The head of state and her 92-year-old husband Prince Philip arrived at the Palace of Wesminster in the new Diamond Jubilee State Coach, made of timbers from famous British ships, palaces, castles and cathedrals.
Prince Charles, the 65-year-old heir to the throne, and his wife Camilla, also attended for the second straight year, underlining their increasing role in matters of state.
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