Queen outlines slimmed-down British agenda

LONDON, Dec. 3 (UPI) -- Queen Elizabeth II outlined her government agenda for the coming year Wednesday, focused on helping Britain make it through the recession, officials said.

A banking bill that would impose tougher regulations on the financial sector, designed to strengthen protection for depositors and encourage financial stability, was the highlight of what reports called a "slimmed-down" program, the Daily Telegraph said.

In an address prepared for delivery as part of the ceremonial opening of parliament, the queen said the "overriding priority" in the new session will be "to ensure the stability of the British economy during the global economic downturn."

She added, "My government is committed to helping families and businesses through difficult times."

The queen's address was almost eclipsed by talk of the recent arrest of Damian Green, a Tory frontbencher and the shadow immigration minister, for illegal Home Office leaks, the Times of London said.