London (CNN) -- Queen Elizabeth II laid out the British government's plans for the coming year in a speech Wednesday marked by pomp and tradition. In the speech scripted by politicians but read in the House of Lords by the monarch, she said her ministers would reduce the deficit, strengthen regulation of the financial sector, work to keep Iran from developing nuclear weapons and promote stability in Afghanistan. The government will also act on proposals to force banks to split their retail and investment operations, she said. The speech lasted about 10 minutes, less time than it took her to travel by carriage from Buckingham Palace to Parliament.
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NEW: Queen Elizabeth II calls for banking reform and warns about Iran
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British queen delivers a speech each year scripted by politicians for her to read
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Her messenger, the Black Rod, summons lawmakers to her speech
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Elizabeth is marking her Diamond Jubilee, 60 years on the throne
By tradition, the door is slammed in his face, and he is required to pound on the door with his rod to get the attention of members of @placeholder.