The new parliament officially begins with the grand State Opening of Parliament ceremony today. The Queen will deliver the first Conservative Queen’s Speech in 19 years this morning, outlining the topics her government intends to legislate on over the next year. Plenty of details have appeared in the press already, with numerous reports suggesting that it will be ‘one-nation’ speech, with a blue-collar tinge. But what will actually be in the speech, and what’s expected to be missing?
EU referendum: as per the Conservative manifesto, the government is likely to introduce a bill for a referendum on Britain’s EU membership (again) — to take place before the end of 2017. Numerous reports have suggested that David Cameron is hoping to move the vote forward to next year. Judging the signals from No.10, the referendum looks set to be the top priority for the new government. Sky News reports that the referendum question will be posed as whether Britain should remain in the EU — or leave.
Scrapping the Human Rights Act: another cornerstone of the Tory manifesto, it was thought that the Tories would be looking to introduce a British Bill of Rights, but today’s Times suggests otherwise. Having apparently listened to his critics in and outside of the party, the PM has been convinced that taking on such a big task with a slim majority is too much trouble. Instead, Michael Gove will spend the next year working with lawyers and his own party to put the government in a better position to introduce a British Bill of Rights later in the Parliament — even possibly after the referendum.
Repeal the Hunting Act: If scrapping the HRA is off the cards for now, allowing a free vote on repealing the 2004 Hunting Act would be popular with the Tory grassroots. Again, there was a manifesto commitment to have a vote on this but the Independent on Sunday reported that ‘middle way’ legislation is expected before Christmas and Cameron may duck out of putting it in the Queen’s Speech.
Tougher strike laws: It was reported in the Telegraph that the business secretary Sajid Javid will introduce tougher strike laws — ensuring that 40 per cent of all eligible union members have to vote for a strike and the ballot must has a 50 per cent turnout.
Extending right to buy: As promised before the election, the government is expected to introduce legislation that will allow 1.3 million housing association tenants to purchase their properties. An example of how the government aims to show its blue collar side, Cameron will hope to capitalise on the popularity of Margaret Thatcher’s original right to buy scheme for council houses.
Snooper’s charter: The spying powers of government authorities will be extended through a revamped communications and data bill. Such legislation was proposed under the last government but it was blocked by the Liberal Democrats. With a Tory majority, this will almost certainly be back on the cards.
Devolving powers to Scotland: Following on from his recent meeting with Nicola Sturgeon, David Cameron has promised to implement the Smith Commission’s proposals, handing the Scottish Parliament powers to set income tax bands and control welfare policy.
Seven-day NHS: As per the Tory manifesto, funding to the NHS will be ramped up to £8 billion extra a year by 2020, while the government will push forward with its goal to create a seven-day health service.
Enshrining no tax rises in law: The Tories said during the campaign they would introduce a law to ensure there are no rises in income tax, VAT or national insurance over the next five years.
No tax for minimum wage workers: The government has already committed to raising the personal tax allowance to £12,500 by 2020. Legislation will likely be introduced to ensure that future increases reflect changes to the minimum wage. This means that those working 30 hours a week on the minimum wage will be taken out of income tax.
Increasing free childcare: The Tories have promised to double the amount of free childcare for three to four year olds to 30 hours a week.
Building the Northern Powerhouse: A cities devolution bill is expected, which will hand over more powers to Greater Manchester, as well as other cities that want it.
Cutting red tape: An enterprise bill is expected that will look to make £10 billion in savings by cutting red tape.
New starter homes: Plans are expected to be laid out for 200,000 starter homes for first time buyers. These will be sold at a 20 per cent discount for those under 40.
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