Menu
23/11/2004
Security measures at heart of Queen's speech
Anti-crime and terror measures, ID cards and education provision are at the heart of the government's legislative schedule for the coming parliamentary session.
At the state opening of Parliament today, the Queen delivered her speech setting out the broad areas at which this sessions 32 Bills will be aimed.
The speech maintained Labour's commitment to its image as a visionary and reforming administration – the government will push forward with reform of the NHS, reform of the Welfare State and reform of the constitution.
The Queen's speech contained a broad sweep of government pledges to: "pursue policies which entrench economic stability and promote growth and prosperity"; "reform the public services to ensure they provide more security and opportunity for all"; and extend "educational opportunity so that all individuals can realise their full potential and the country can benefit from the talents of all its people".
More specifically, the government intends to introduce its identity cards scheme, and establish the Serious Organised Crime Agency – ensuring the powers the police and others have to fight crime "will be strengthened". In particular, the Bill will introduce new measures to deal with harassment by animal rights extremists.
Drug abuse, drug-related crime, and the disorder and violence that can arise from alcohol abuse will also be addressed in the legislative programme.
The government will assume the Presidency of the EU in July and has said it will use the opportunity to work towards building "an increasingly prosperous and secure Europe".
In addition to the EU presidency, Britain will also hold the G8 Presidency in 2005, which will include working on the issues relating to Africa and climate change.
Internationally, the Queen's speech touched upon Labour's intention to work to prevent terrorism and the proliferation of nuclear, chemical and biological weapons, deal with the problems of drug smuggling and international crime; strengthen Nato, support the government of Iraq and ensure that elections can be held in January.
(gmcg/sp)
At the state opening of Parliament today, the Queen delivered her speech setting out the broad areas at which this sessions 32 Bills will be aimed.
The speech maintained Labour's commitment to its image as a visionary and reforming administration – the government will push forward with reform of the NHS, reform of the Welfare State and reform of the constitution.
The Queen's speech contained a broad sweep of government pledges to: "pursue policies which entrench economic stability and promote growth and prosperity"; "reform the public services to ensure they provide more security and opportunity for all"; and extend "educational opportunity so that all individuals can realise their full potential and the country can benefit from the talents of all its people".
More specifically, the government intends to introduce its identity cards scheme, and establish the Serious Organised Crime Agency – ensuring the powers the police and others have to fight crime "will be strengthened". In particular, the Bill will introduce new measures to deal with harassment by animal rights extremists.
Drug abuse, drug-related crime, and the disorder and violence that can arise from alcohol abuse will also be addressed in the legislative programme.
The government will assume the Presidency of the EU in July and has said it will use the opportunity to work towards building "an increasingly prosperous and secure Europe".
In addition to the EU presidency, Britain will also hold the G8 Presidency in 2005, which will include working on the issues relating to Africa and climate change.
Internationally, the Queen's speech touched upon Labour's intention to work to prevent terrorism and the proliferation of nuclear, chemical and biological weapons, deal with the problems of drug smuggling and international crime; strengthen Nato, support the government of Iraq and ensure that elections can be held in January.
(gmcg/sp)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
09 July 2012
Miliband Calls For Banking 'Code Of Conduct'
Following the recent scandals within the industry, Labour leader Ed Miliband has called for a code of conduct to be set up for bankers. He argued that those guilty of wrongdoing should be "struck off", as happens to doctors and lawyers. Mr Miliband told an audience of financiers it was time to move from "casino" to "stewardship" banking.
Miliband Calls For Banking 'Code Of Conduct'
Following the recent scandals within the industry, Labour leader Ed Miliband has called for a code of conduct to be set up for bankers. He argued that those guilty of wrongdoing should be "struck off", as happens to doctors and lawyers. Mr Miliband told an audience of financiers it was time to move from "casino" to "stewardship" banking.
25 May 2010
Cautious Welcome For Queen's Speech
Today's Queen's Speech aims at getting the UK's finances back on track - but without jeopardising recovery Major plans to reform schools, police, welfare and Britain's political system are at the heart of the coalition government's first such set of policy proposals.
Cautious Welcome For Queen's Speech
Today's Queen's Speech aims at getting the UK's finances back on track - but without jeopardising recovery Major plans to reform schools, police, welfare and Britain's political system are at the heart of the coalition government's first such set of policy proposals.
18 November 2009
Last Queen's Speech Before Election
Fifteen new bills were outlined in today's Queen's Speech to Parliament, with accusations the constitutional ceremony was exploited by the government to bolster its election fight. Emphasis was placed on implementing tighter regulations in the City and cutting public debt.
Last Queen's Speech Before Election
Fifteen new bills were outlined in today's Queen's Speech to Parliament, with accusations the constitutional ceremony was exploited by the government to bolster its election fight. Emphasis was placed on implementing tighter regulations in the City and cutting public debt.
03 December 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.
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.
06 November 2007
Few Surprises As Queen's Speech Unveils PM's Plans
Prime Minister Gordon Brown has laid out his plans for the government in his first Queen's speech. The speech, which was delivered by the Queen at the State Opening of Parliament, included bills on education, immigration, housing, constitutional reform and counter-terrorism, health and the environment.
Few Surprises As Queen's Speech Unveils PM's Plans
Prime Minister Gordon Brown has laid out his plans for the government in his first Queen's speech. The speech, which was delivered by the Queen at the State Opening of Parliament, included bills on education, immigration, housing, constitutional reform and counter-terrorism, health and the environment.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Showers, scattered in the evening, will clear by midnight leaving the night dry with clear spells. Perhaps a touch of ground frost. Cloud will spread east towards morning. Minimum temperature 2 °C.
