THE Barrow and Furness MP John Woodcock has responded to measures outlined by the Queen during the State Opening of Parliament.

He welcomed measures that would guarantee international security cooperation but was sceptical about the viability of the speech in light of the political climate.

The ceremonial Queen’s Speech marks the start of a new parliamentary term and is a chance for the Government to outline its intentions for the forthcoming year.

Independent Mr Woodcock said the speech could been seen as a ‘naked political ploy designed to designed to kickstart the Tory’s election manifesto’.

He said: “We should obviously take all of this with a pinch of salt, but there were some welcome announcements in the speech.

“The emphasis on security and future cooperation with international bodies is to be commended and I hope they are able to make something of it.

“I am also pleased to see the government remains committed to tackling domestic abuse in all its forms, and pledges for strengthening the Mental Health Act and maintaining our obligations to NATO are also welcome.”

Conservative Copeland MP Trudy Harrison said: “The Queen’s Speech set out our ambitious domestic agenda, focusing on our core priorities of getting Brexit done, investing in our NHS, tackling violent crime and dealing with the cost of living.”

South Lakes Lib Dem MP Tim Farron said: “Boris Johnson may as well have got the Queen to read out a fairy-tale.

“He can’t deliver on any of it – a) because he doesn’t have a majority, and b) because the Government’s own figures show that his Brexit plans would cost billions and therefore he wouldn’t be able to afford his spending plans.”