From climate change to counter-terrorism, this year's Queen's Speech encompassed some of the most controversial issues in contemporary Britain. Find out more about the government's legislative plans in this bill-by-bill guide to the highlights.

The Queen's Speech signals the State opening of Parliament - once upon a time, the main event in the parliamentary calendar. As the government sets out its vision for the country, follow the speech in real time with our minute-by-minute blog.

It's the state opening of Parliament again, which means the monarch has outlined the government's plans for the country in her annual Westminster address. What do you think of the speech? Were there any glaring omissions? Did Gordon Brown restore his credibility? And what did you think of the pomp and pageantry?

Prime Minister Gordon Brown has laid out his first full programme for government, promising to respond to "the rising aspirations" of the British people .A raft of 28 Bills and Draft Bills in the Queen's Speech contained no surprises, but promised to raise the education leaving age to 18 and make more affordable housing available.

In this exclusive video interview, Hazel Blears tells MSN how Twitter, Facebook and instant messaging could revolutionise British politics.

Breeders and revellers from all over Peru have made their way to the town of Huacho for the country’s third annual guinea pig festival.