VOA标准英语2010年-Queen Elizabeth Formally Opens Britain

Britain's Queen Elizabeth II holds the hand of her husband Prince Philip as she arrives deliver the Queen's speech in the House of Lords, during the State Opening of Parliament in Westminster, 25 May 2010

Britain's Queen Elizabeth II has formally opened parliament in a traditional ceremony full of pomp and circumstance.  The queen presented the government's program, this year proving especially interesting as Britain's new coalition¹ government outlined its plans to include tough budget cuts.

Amid centuries-old tradition featuring royal carriages, cannon² fire and state trumpeters, Queen Elizabeth has formally opened Britain's parliament. 

The queen's speech outlined the government's plans and program, and was put together by the country's officials. 

Her words today were written by Britain's new coalition government and emphasized the need for budget cuts. 

"The first priority is to reduce the deficit³ and restore economic growth.  Action will be taken to accelerate the reduction of the structural⁴ budget deficit," said Queen Elizabeth.

Britain is estimated to be facing more than $270 billion in debt.  On Monday, leaders announced plans to cut more than $7 billion from this year's budget. 

Also on the new Conservative-Liberal Democrat⁵ legislative⁶ agenda was the topic of immigration. 

"My government will limit the number of non-European Union economic migrants entering the United Kingdom," she added.

With regard to foreign policy, Queen Elizabeth lent her support to the country's armed forces and called for a defense⁷ and security review of military operations.

"My government will work with the Afghan government, Pakistan and international partners for lasting⁸ security and stability in Afghanistan," said Queen Elizabeth.

The British monarch⁹ announced more than 20 new bills, which legislators will work to enact¹⁰ during the next 18 months.
 

1 coalition   

n.结合体，同盟，结合，联合

参考例句：

• The several parties formed a coalition.这几个政党组成了政治联盟。
• Coalition forces take great care to avoid civilian casualties.联盟军队竭尽全力避免造成平民伤亡。

2 cannon   

n.大炮，火炮；飞机上的机关炮

参考例句：

• The soldiers fired the cannon.士兵们开炮。
• The cannon thundered in the hills.大炮在山间轰鸣。

3 deficit   

n.亏空，亏损；赤字，逆差

参考例句：

• The directors have reported a deficit of 2.5 million dollars.董事们报告赤字为250万美元。
• We have a great deficit this year.我们今年有很大亏损。

4 structural   

adj.构造的，组织的，建筑（用）的

参考例句：

• The storm caused no structural damage.风暴没有造成建筑结构方面的破坏。
• The North American continent is made up of three great structural entities.北美大陆是由三个构造单元组成的。

5 democrat   

n.民主主义者，民主人士；民主党党员

参考例句：

• The Democrat and the Public criticized each other.民主党人和共和党人互相攻击。
• About two years later,he was defeated by Democrat Jimmy Carter.大约两年后，他被民主党人杰米卡特击败。

6 legislative   

n.立法机构，立法权；adj.立法的，有立法权的

参考例句：

• Congress is the legislative branch of the U.S. government.国会是美国政府的立法部门。
• Today's hearing was just the first step in the legislative process.今天的听证会只是展开立法程序的第一步。

7 defense   

n.防御，保卫；[pl.]防务工事；辩护，答辩

参考例句：

• The accused has the right to defense.被告人有权获得辩护。
• The war has impacted the area with military and defense workers.战争使那个地区挤满了军队和防御工程人员。

8 lasting   

adj.永久的，永恒的；vbl.持续，维持

参考例句：

• The lasting war debased the value of the dollar.持久的战争使美元贬值。
• We hope for a lasting settlement of all these troubles.我们希望这些纠纷能获得永久的解决。

9 monarch   

n.帝王，君主，最高统治者

参考例句：

• The monarch's role is purely ceremonial.君主纯粹是个礼仪职位。
• I think myself happier now than the greatest monarch upon earth.我觉得这个时候比世界上什么帝王都快乐。

10 enact   

vt.制定(法律)；上演，扮演

参考例句：

• The U.S. Congress has exclusive authority to enact federal legislation.美国国会是唯一有权颁布联邦法律的。
• For example,a country can enact laws and economic policies to attract foreign investment fairly quickly.例如一个国家可以很快颁布吸引外资的法令和经济政策。