London - Measures to tackle the economic downturn in Britain were at the heart of the ceremonial presentation by Queen Elizabeth II Wednesday of the government's legislative programme for the coming year.

The monarch, 82, outlined the programme in what is known as the Queen's Speech, a traditional ceremony in parliament accompanied by pomp and circumstance.

"My government's overriding priority is to ensure the stability of the British economy during the global economic downturn," she said.

The government was committed to "helping families and businesses through difficult times."

It would also seek to ensure a better co-ordination of the international response to the downturn and aim to push forward the reform of international financial institutions.

Among the legislation planned, or already in progress, is the banking bill, under which banks would have to adhere to a mandatory code of conduct, preventing them from arbitrary changes to loan arrangements or the interest rates they charge.

The bill, which has already started its passage through parliament, would allow the Treasury and financial watchdogs to intervene at an early stage to prevent a possible banking crisis. (dpa)