Domonic Gates, 19 November 2009
Yesterday the Queen made her annual speech for the state opening of Parliament. The speech showcased the legislative proposals by the current Government for the next parliamentary session. A wide range of proposals were brought forward, with a particular focus on pensioners, parents and economic recovery. Her Majesty made reference to the necessity for sustained growth and prosperity for families and companies throughout the United Kingdom
Her Majesty stated the need to restructure, reform and strengthen the financial sector, though the proposed Financial Services Bill and Fiscal Responsibility Bill, being brought forward in the coming months. Both aim: “to strengthen governance of the financial sector and to control the system of rewards… [and] …reduce the budget deficit and ensure that national debt is on a sustainable path
Another strong focus of the speech was towards families with a particular focus on protecting communities through the Crime and Security Bill increased measures toward antisocial behaviour, gang crime and guarantees for educational standards through the Children, Schools and Families Bill
The Government will push forward legislation for pensioners in the Personal Care at Home Bill: “to enable the wider provision of free personal care to those in highest care need”.
Communications were also high on the agenda, both in terms of rail infrastructure through the incoming recommendations for: “high-speed rail services between London and Scotland”. Also, through the Digital Economy Bill, aiming to strengthen the communications infrastructure of the United Kingdom so that our citizens can compete globally in the ever modernising digital age and support our future economic growth.
The speech covered a wide spectrum of New Labour proposals they wish to bring before the Houses of Parliament in the coming months prior to the General Election. Here are a list of these proposals:
·Financial Services Bill
·Fiscal Responsibility Bill
·Personal Care at Home Bill
·Children, Schools and Families Bill
·Crime and Security Bill
·Digital Economy Bill
·Energy Bill
·Floods and Water Management Bill
·Bribery Bill
·Cluster Munitions (Prohibition) Bill
·House of Lords Reform Bill
·International Development Spending Bill
·Equality Bill
·Child Poverty Bill
·Constitutional Reform and Governance Bill
·High-Speed Rail
·Agency Workers Regulations 2010
