The Queen’s Speech
Parliament is now in session again following the typically grand State Opening ceremony on Wednesday 8th May. The State Opening always attracts widespread media coverage and I know many of you like the strange traditions that continue to be part of what remains a unique and special day in Westminster. Having been summoned to the House of Lords by Black Rod (who was greeted by the now traditional heckle from veteran MP Dennis Skinner), we all made our way across Central Lobby to listen to the Queen’s Speech.
The Queen’s Speech outlines the Bills the Government will seek to bring before Parliament in the forthcoming parliamentary session. The Immigration Bill will make it much easier to deport anyone who does not have a right to be in our country. It will also deny access to services for those not entitled to them. The right of appeal against immigration decisions will be restricted and immigration officers will be given more powers. Foreign nationals who commit serious crimes will also be deported. Staying with law and order, the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Bill will see measures introduced that tackle anti-social behaviour, forced marriage, dangerous dogs and illegal firearms. The Offenders Rehabilitation Bill meanwhile will extend the supervision programme all those who serve 2 years or less in prison go onto following release to 12 months
The Pensions Bill will introduce a single-tier state-pension system as a replacement to the current basic state pension and earnings-related top-up. It will also bring forward the increase in retirement age to 67 by eight years, so it will now come in to force between 2026 and 2028. It additionally makes provision to review the retirement age in light of the increase in people's life expectancy. The Care Bill will introduce a cap on the cost of social care and give carers the legal right of support from their local council. Everyone will have a legal right to a personal care budget which they can receive as a direct payment to spend as they see appropriate. An Ofsted style rating system for hospitals and care homes will also be introduced.
The National Insurance Contributions Bill will take forward proposals announced in the Budget. It will make it easier for small businesses to employ people by making them entitled to a £2,000 employment allowance. It will also tighten up on offshore tax avoidance schemes. The Draft Deregulation Bill will see the self employed exempted from health and safety legislation whilst also seeking to reduce the amount of red tape businesses face across the board.
Other Bills include the Defence Reform Bill (leading to an increase in the size of our reserve forces), two bills relating to the funding and building of HS2, the Local Audit and Accountability Bill (extending the power to veto council tax increases) and the Intellectual Property Bill (designed to introduce a continent wide patent system). Overall, it was a good Queen’s Speech that will see a number of measures introduced to tackle some of the big challenges that need to be addressed.
The European Union
One Bill noticeable by its absence from the Queen’s Speech was one seeking to enshrine in legislation a referendum on whether the United Kingdom should remain part of the European Union. As a result, an amendment has been tabled expressing disappointment that we look set to make limited progress on this issue in this next session of Parliament.
My position on this has been consistent since I was elected and it remains unchanged. I strongly believe the time has come for everyone to be given a chance to decide what our further relationship with the EU should be. That is why I was one of the 81 Conservatives who voted for a referendum back in October 2011 and I have signed the People’s Pledge. I feel the time has come for us to begin a national debate on this issue where the facts can be presented by all sides. We then need to have a vote so this issue is resolved. Some commentators have suggested this amendment is a result of the recent strong performance of UKIP at the local elections. On a personal level, I have been calling for a referendum long before last Thursday as my voting record demonstrates and this amendment is another chance for those who support such a measure to put their case.
Local Election Results
Finally, in my previous column, I made reference to the recent local elections that saw us go to the polls to decide who we wanted to represent us on Devon County Council. The results are now in and I would like to offer my congratulations to all candidates who were successfully elected. I look forward to working alongside all of you as we fight for our shared goal of standing up for our local communities.