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Theresa May delays Queen's Speech as she grapples to lead minority government

The PM postpones the key address, leading to accusations she is struggling to "agree a backroom deal" with the DUP.

15:51, UK, Monday 12 June 2017 By Aubrey Allegretti, Political Reporter
http://news.sky.com/story/david-davis-admits-government-may-pursue-softer-brexit-10913263

Theresa May has been forced to delay the Queen's Speech, according to Sky sources.

The Prime Minister has postponed the key address - due to be on 19 June - as she grapples with how to control a minority government.

The Queen is expected to attend Parliament a few days later to give the speech that reveals that year's legislative agenda.

:: Live reaction to election fallout

In response to the delay, a Labour spokesperson said: "Number 10's failure to confirm the date of the Queen's Speech shows that this government is in chaos, as it struggles to agree a backroom deal with a party with abhorrent views on LGBT and women's rights."

On Monday afternoon, Mrs May met leading members of her Cabinet formally for the first time since failing to win a majority in last week's election. She will face backbench MPs later.

Earlier, Brexit Secretary David Davis admitted that the Tories' election campaign "went wrong" and some manifesto pledges would be dropped or watered down.

"We'll have to look at the Queen's Speech and what we have to get through," he told Sky News.

"It has to be voted on in Parliament in a week's time; it's a matter of practicality.

"There may be things that we simply can't put in. That will happen. That will be going on as we speak.

"We will try to carry as much of the House with us as we can."

Mr Davis also suggested Theresa May could have to re-think her approach to Brexit after losing seats in the snap election, which she called in an attempt to strengthen her hand.

"Eighty percent of the public voted for parties that reflect, respect the decision last year," he said.

"Ones that wanted to reverse it or do something different got hammered.

"We don't want to leave the single market itself, it's the Europeans saying you can't lose free movements and keep it."

He added: "The argument [of] 52-48% - we're trying to get a deal for the 100%."

Mr Davis had previously said the General Election result would show whether the public "accepted" the Tories' vision of Brexit.

He also dodged questions about a possible leadership challenge, as the election result has increased speculation about Mrs May's future.

Pressed on whether he wanted to replace her, Mr Davis said he was "not interested in running for the leadership", hailing Mrs May as "a very good prime minister".

He did not respond to Sky News presenter Adam Boulton's quip: "That's like saying Richard Hammond is a great driver."

The Conservatives have said they will deal with the pro-Brexit DUP to help them push laws through Parliament.

The confidence and supply exchange will apply only to "big issues" like the economy and security, defence secretary Michael Fallon said.

http://news.sky.com/story/david-davis-admits-government-may-pursue-softer-brexit-10913263