Her Majesty’s address to the House of Lords on Monday was, however, dominated by Brexit. “My Government’s priority has always been to secure the United Kingdom’s departure from the European Union on 31 October,” the Queen said.

“My Government intends to work towards a new partnership with the European Union, based on free trade and friendly cooperation.”

This came on the same day it was announced that Operation Brock – the traffic management plan designed to keep Kent’s roads moving in the event of disruption to Channel crossings – will go live on 28 October.

Away from Brexit, the Government’s National Infrastructure Strategy is due to be published this autumn and will set out plans to deliver a step change in infrastructure assessment, say documents accompanying the Queen’s Speech.

Its key aims will be to help close the productivity gap between London and other parts of the country, and to address critical challenges posed by climate change.

The latter ambition will be supported by a new Environmental Bill, it was announced, which includes strengthening local powers to address sources of air pollution and allowing the Government to mandate recalls of vehicles that do not meet legal emission standards.

“Legislation will also create new legally binding environmental improvement targets,” the Queen said.

Proposals on railway reform will be brought forward later this autumn when Government publishes a White Paper on the recommendations of the Williams Rail Review later this autumn. Reforms will then be implemented from 2020.

The review is prioritising improvements for passengers including more punctual services and simplified fares and ticketing, and will offer recommendations for a new industry structure.

The Queen did not mention High Speed 2 in her speech but the High Speed 2 (West Midlands - Crewe) Bill is listed as a priority within accompanying documents. This comes as a review of the whole project led by Douglas Oakervee is currently under way, with Government set to make a decision on the future of the scheme this year.

British Chambers of Commerce director general Dr Adam Marshall commented: “For the UK to prosper post-Brexit, we have to get the basics right, including a fully integrated and modern infrastructure network.

“The message from Government and Ministers should be full throated support of the major infrastructure projects that our businesses need and that send a strong message to global partners that the UK remains a great place to invest.”

Regarding railway reform, Campaign for Better Transport chief executive Darren Shirley said: “Passengers have borne the brunt of the failures of the rail network for too long.

“The recommendations from the Williams Review, particularly around local devolution and fares reform, must be swiftly brought forward and lead to enduring improvements across the railway and for the country as a whole,” he said.

There is uncertainty whether the 26 Bills announced on Monday will make it through the next Parliamentary session, given the Government does not have a majority of MPs and the prospect of a General Election.

(Photograph: Alastair Lloyd)