Tony Blair will use today's Queen's Speech to build bridges with his rebellious backbenchers, it is reported today.

The FT claims the prime minister is set to drop at least one piece of controversial legislation and is sending MPs a 100-page dossier designed to sell the proposals to critics.

Plans to dock housing benefit from anti-social tenants have been dropped, according to the Guardian.

Ministers failed to reach agreement, while housing groups argued the plans were unworkable.

The Times says that the speech will include a charities bill which will specifically target the activities of professional street fundraisers.

Although 100 Labour MPs, including former Cabinet ministers Clare Short and Robin Cook, have signalled they will support a Commons motion opposing plans for tuition fees, the prime minister will use meetings with backbenchers and a party political broadcast to promote his policy agenda and heal the rifts caused by the Iraq war.

The broadcast will appeal directly to the public to take part in a national consultation on the direction of policy, to be launched on Friday.

"Britain is changing for the better. The economy is strong, schools and hospitals are improving. Crime is falling," he will say.

"But I know we can do even better. So we want to begin a conversation with you about how... we can make the future fair... for everyone."

It will feature a 12-year-old girl asking questions on issues such as crime, schools and hospitals.