I have now taken the Oath of Allegiance as required by law. It is quite a formal process and the first step to being able to participate in the debates in the House of Commons. Until the oath has been taken an MP cannot speak. The next challenge will be my Maiden Speech! I have tabled a question to the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills on apprenticeships and will see whether I am lucky in the ballot which determines whether or not the Speaker calls me. It needs to be easier for local businesses to take on apprentices, something we need to see more of in Newton Abbot.
We Back Benchers are represented as a group by the 1922 Committee. Its purpose is to act as a check and balance to what the Front Bench team does. That is important. I am pleased that this committee will continue to have that role without the Front Bench being able to vote on what we do. We have just elected a new Chairman, Graham Brady, who will I am sure keep up the level of scrutiny needed.
The Queen’s Speech
The state opening of Parliament was a splendid affair with all the pageantry and tradition of generations that have gone before us. The Queen’s Speech set the shape of our legislative agenda for the year, underpinned by the principles of freedom, fairness and responsibility. The first priority is to reduce the deficit and restore economic growth and a new Office for Budget Responsibility will provide confidence in the management of the public finances.
…tax, immigration and infrastructure
Key pieces of legislation for this parliament will include simplifying the tax and benefits system, reforming financial services regulation and making fair and transparent payments to Equitable Life policy holders. A cap will be introduced on non EU immigration. The government will look at investing in high-speed broadband and a high-speed railway network and modernising Royal Mail.
…charities, councils and planning
The role of social enterprise and charities will be enhanced and the number of public bodies reduced. A bill will be introduced to devolve greater power to local councils and communities. Local communities will be given control over housing and planning decisions and legislation introduced to improve energy efficiency in homes and businesses.
…education, health and crime
Legislation will be introduced enabling more schools to achieve academy status and giving teachers more freedom over the curriculum. We will strengthen the voices of patients and the role of doctors to improve public health and reduce health inequalities. We will also set up a commission to consider a sustainable long-term structure for the operation of social care. A Bill will be introduced to make the police service more accountable and to tackle alcohol-related violence and anti-social behaviour.
Reforming Parliament
We need to clean up parliament. The Queen’s Speech included measures to give constituents the right to recall their MPs where they are guilty of serious wrongdoing and to reform the funding of political parties, both of which will I am sure be very welcome. Parliamentary privilege will also be reformed to ensure we as MPs are properly accountable. Proposals to reform the House of Lords will also be brought forward along with a bill for a referendum on the Alternative Vote system and to introduce fixed five year term parliaments.