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03/12/2008
Queen's Speech Tackles Economic Downturn And The Unemployed
Stimulus for the unemployed to seek work, support for ailing businesses and tighter immigration controls were all outlined in the Queen's speech to Parliament earlier today.
The Monarch, addressing both houses, detailed a number of bills aimed at tackling the economic downturn, and providing the government and financial authority with more powers to steer banks away from further crisis.
Peers and MPs listened intently as the Queen delivered her carefully constructed speech from the opulent throne in the Lords' Chamber.
"My government's overriding priority is to ensure the stability of the of the British economy during the global economic downturn," said Her Majesty.
"My government is committed to helping families and businesses through difficult times."
State benefits, paid to the long-term unemployed in England, Wales and Scotland, could be cut if offers of retraining are refused.
All new benefit claimants will be assessed on their skills-level, as detailed in the Welfare Reform Bill.
Customs and immigration officials will now work together in a more co-ordinated attempt to shore-up citizenship, offering rewards for positive behaviour, with the risk of deportation for those who fail to integrate themselves, or break the law.
The revised Policing and Crime Bill will put stricter controls on lap dancing clubs and cheap alcohol sales.
Plans were also announced for more accountable policing, which could be overseen by elected representatives, sitting on local policing panels.
A Child Poverty Bill will "enshrine in law the government's commitment to eradicate child poverty by 2020", the Queen said.
The government's focus on the economy meant the Queen only delivered 12 of the original 18 draft bills previously laid out.
(PR/JM)
The Monarch, addressing both houses, detailed a number of bills aimed at tackling the economic downturn, and providing the government and financial authority with more powers to steer banks away from further crisis.
Peers and MPs listened intently as the Queen delivered her carefully constructed speech from the opulent throne in the Lords' Chamber.
"My government's overriding priority is to ensure the stability of the of the British economy during the global economic downturn," said Her Majesty.
"My government is committed to helping families and businesses through difficult times."
State benefits, paid to the long-term unemployed in England, Wales and Scotland, could be cut if offers of retraining are refused.
All new benefit claimants will be assessed on their skills-level, as detailed in the Welfare Reform Bill.
Customs and immigration officials will now work together in a more co-ordinated attempt to shore-up citizenship, offering rewards for positive behaviour, with the risk of deportation for those who fail to integrate themselves, or break the law.
The revised Policing and Crime Bill will put stricter controls on lap dancing clubs and cheap alcohol sales.
Plans were also announced for more accountable policing, which could be overseen by elected representatives, sitting on local policing panels.
A Child Poverty Bill will "enshrine in law the government's commitment to eradicate child poverty by 2020", the Queen said.
The government's focus on the economy meant the Queen only delivered 12 of the original 18 draft bills previously laid out.
(PR/JM)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:Scattered sleet and snow showers will turn increasingly heavy and more frequent in the afternoon across the north. Largely dry with sunny spells in the south, but showers spreading here towards the end of the day. Maximum temperature 4 °C.Tonight:Frequent, often heavy showers of rain, sleet and snow will affect most parts this evening and overnight, but are likely to be most frequent across the northeast. Minimum temperature -1 °C.
