Prime minister Gordon Brown will give a preview of his first legislative programme this afternoon, with a focus on housing, education and the NHS. In a break with tradition, Mr Brown is announcing in advance a large part of the Queen's speech, and he has promised a series of region-by-region public consultations on his proposals before the programme is finalised in November.

He said: 'We are in a new world. People have a right to be consulted and involved. Therefore, you have got to be outward looking.'

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