But in a speech interpreted as radical and progressive she praised the richness of Britain’s

But in a speech interpreted as radical and progressive, she praised the richness of Britain’s multicultural society, referring to the nation’s “pride in our tradition of fairness and tolerance”. She told the 1,800-strong audience that “the consolidation of our richly multicultural and multifaith society, a major development since 1952, is being achieved remarkably peacefully and with much goodwill”.The speech, the fifth address to both houses in the Queen’s 50 years on the throne, marks the official start of her jubilee celebrations.She spoke of constant change over the past half century, but pointed to the “long and proud history” that provided a “trusted framework of stability and continuity”.She said: “What endure are the characteristics that mark our identity as a nation and the timeless values that guide us. These values find expression in our national institutions, including the monarchy and Parliament, institutions which in turn must continue to evolve if they are to provide effective beacons of trust and unity.”Her comments provoked calls for a national debate on reform of the monarchy.Michael Jacobs, the general secretary of the Fabian Society, called for talks on the role and funding of the monarchy, while Graham Allen, the Labour MP for Nottingham North and a campaigner on constitutional issues, said: “The Queen’s speech this morning showed a radical edge which, had it been made by a Labour backbencher, would have precluded them from a Blair cabinet. Talk of a need to reform the monarchy and Parliament needs to be acted upon not only by MPs but by the Royal Family itself.”The Queen’s statement that she would not abdicate was welcomed. Lord St John of Fawsley, a constitutional expert, said: “There was speculation that she mightn’t continue on the throne, and the Queen clearly decided it was much better to dispose of it, rather than let it rumble on I am delighted she is to continue. The down side of this is that Prince Charles’s reign would look as though it might not be a long one, which would be a great pity, as I think he is liable to be one of our greatest kings.”Lord Blake, a constitutional historian, said: “I think she has regarded it as her duty to carry on with the trust she has been given by the nation, as long as her health is good and she is capable of doing so.”In her speech, the Queen said she had “witnessed the transformation of the international landscape through which this country must chart its course: the emergence of the Commonwealth; the growth of the European Union; the end of the Cold War; and now the dark threat of international terrorism”.She added: “Change has become a constant; managing it has become an expanding discipline. The way we embrace it defines our future.”The Lord Chancellor, Lord Irvine of Lairg, referred to the death of Princess Margaret and the Queen Mother.

“We hope that the sadness of the early months of this year will begin to fade in the warmth of the affection of your people,” he said. The Speaker, Michael Martin, said the monarchy was a “beacon of stability”.. The Queen dismissed standing down in favour of the Prince of Wales yesterday in a speech to both Houses of Parliament marking 50 years on the throne. Mr Blair told the BBC of his close relationship with the Queen, describing her as a “source of tremendous wisdom and experience”.Graham Allen, a former Labour whip, said: “Discussions should take place in the strictest confidence so that an announcement can be made enabling the Queen to step down to national acclaim and gratitude.”. More political advisers and private consultants could be drafted into Whitehall under a major reform of civil service recruitment, the new head of the civil service suggested yesterday. Such advisers could help “with a particular method of thinking or drawing up a strategy from which to develop a plan”, he said.Sir Andrew, who will take over from Sir Richard Wilson in September, told The Times that civil servants would be expected to gain experience in the private sector, while recruiting from the private sector would be made easier.He rejected criticism that special advisers were simply replacing civil service jobs. “The last thing I want to be seen as is another professional organisation that wants to protect against competition,” he said.Any proposals to increase the number of party-political appointees within Whitehall would be controversial after the infighting in the Transport Department that led to the departure of Stephen Byers’ spin doctor Jo Moore and his head of communications, Martin Sixsmith, earlier this year.The apparent politicisation of the civil service has also roused concerns.

But Sir Andrew said it was important to consider how to use people who had a political allegiance but still had a contribution to make.. Tony Blair is to take personal charge of an effort to revive the Government’s much-delayed plans to set up English assemblies, writing a forward to a White Paper next week on regional government. If approved the assembly would start sitting the following year. Ministers believe the North-west and Yorkshire and Humberside would follow shortly afterwards, although they concede there is little appetite for assemblies elsewhere in the country.Mr Blair has previously been undecided over the merits of assemblies, even though his Sedgefield constituency is in the North-east. His intervention follows a squabble between Stephen Byers, the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions, and John Prescott, the Deputy Prime Minister, over who should take the lead in regional policy.The Independent has learned that the White Paper will envisage assemblies taking control of economic development, planning, transport, environment and culture. Unlike the Greater London Authority, however, they will not run police and fire services.Assemblies, comprising a leader and board, would operate in tandem with regional development agencies in an effort to attract investment.Pressure for an assembly in the North-east has grown since the creation of the Scottish Parliament, with supporters arguing that the lack of a regional voice is hampering its economic growth.