MPs will return to parliament to elect a speaker on May 11 before the Queen's Speech takes place the following Tuesday, the government has confirmed.

Michael Martin will stand for speaker again and is likely to be elected unopposed.

The new parliament will be sworn in that week, but MPs will not begin formal debates until they meet following the Queen's Speech on Tuesday May 11.

The current parliament is to be prorogued on Thursday or Friday.

Dissolution will "take place by proclamation" on Monday 11 April.

The government has also confirmed that there have been "constructive discussion"s through the usual channels on the Serious Organised Crime and Police Bill.

Any legislation which does not reach the statute book by Friday can be reintroduced during the new parliament.