The Queen opened the next session of Parliament this week outlining the Government's programme of work for the coming parliamentary year. The Countryside Alliance has welcomed many of the measures contained in the Queen's Speech, including plans to improve housing, broadband and transport, believing they will boost rural economies and address some of the challenges facing rural communities. The Government has long stated its commitment to small businesses and to the rural way of life, so it is right that they should be helping to boost local economies. The Countryside Alliance has briefed all parliamentarians ahead of the debate on Her Majesty's Gracious Speech covering the key proposals and issues from a rural perspective, which you can find here: Queen's Speech 2016 Countryside Alliance Brief Final