17 May 2005
A total of 45 Bills were announced during the Queen’s Speech.
MPs and peers will debate the Bills between now and November 2006.
Here is a summary of some of the main measures the Government is proposing.
Law and Order
A number of Bills will be debated which aim to ‘improve community safety and protect national security’ while creating a ‘culture of respect’.
New laws to tackle violent crime, terrorism, immigration abuse and identity fraud were set out in the Queen’s Speech. National ID cards and the outlawing of incitement to religious hatred are included.
Home Secretary Charles Clarke said he would do everything possible to ensure people can live ’safe, secure and prosperous lives.’
Education
A package of measures are contained with the Education Bill.
Successful schools and colleges will be offered greater independence, while primary schools will be able to become foundation schools.
Meanwhile, new providers will be encouraged into the state system to build on the tradition of church and other faith groups operating within the system.
The Queen said that ‘education remains my Government’s main priority.’
Environment
A new body called Natural England will be created to integrate English Nature, the bulk of the Countryside Agency and the Rural Development Service.
Its aim will be to make access to advice and support ’simpler and easier.’ Meanwhile, a newly-formed Commission for Rural Communities will make a ‘real and tangible difference’ to people in rural areas.
There will also be greater protection for the common land of England and Wales with reinforced powers to stop abuse or unauthorised development.
Health
The Health Improvement and Protection Bill will outlaw smoking from a ‘vast majority’ of enclosed public places and workplaces, the Queen announced.
A new hygiene code to tackle infections such as MRSA will be introduced. And pharmacy services will be modernised to enable fully-qualified technicians to supply drugs safely without the pharmacist needing to be present.
The Queen said the Government would continue to reform the NHS in a way that ‘maintains its founding principles.’
Other measures
Legislation to clear the way for a referendum on the EU Constitutional Treaty has been proposed, as have enabling laws to ratify Romania and Bulgaria’s accession to the EU.
Power to extend the period of Statutory Maternity Pay, Maternity Allowance and Statutory Adoption Pay will be discussed.
And consumer credit law will be updated to provide greater protection for people and create a ‘fairer, more competitive credit market.’
What happens next?
Following the State Opening, the Government’s programme is debated by both Houses.
In the Commons the first motion is that the House send an address to the Queen thanking her for the speech.
The subsequent debate, which lasts several days, is a chance for MPs to speak on any matter of Government policy.
Extra information
- A guide to the State Opening of Parliament
- Transcript of the Queen’s Speech
- List of Parliamentary Bills for 2005/6 (opens in new window)
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