Local MP Steve Brine has welcomed the Queen's Speech which he said reflects the values of his party and builds on its achievements over the past two years in Government.
The Queen's Speech sets out the Government's programme for the next session of Parliament containing outline details of the Bills which will be brought forward for debate by MPs and Peers.
Steve highlighted a proposed Enterprise and Employment Bill, a Banking Reform Bill, a Pensions Bill and a Families and Children Bill for particular praise. "The Enterprise Bill will make Britain one of the most business-friendly countries in the world and that is very much in our interests in Winchester. Banking reform is also so important because we have to clear up the regulatory mess and protect our economy and Britain's families from the sort of risky activity that led to the recession in the first place.
"I think the Pensions Bill could be one of the most significant pieces of legislation we will see from this Parliament and I will arguing to ensure those who have worked hard their whole life, get the dignity they deserve in retirement as a result of it. Finally, as Vice Chair of the Autism Group here in the House of Commons and someone who takes a really big interest in the subject I am so pleased to see the Families and Children Bill included which promises the biggest reform for thirty years of support for children with special needs or disabilities."
The MP added that, although he is disappointed to see any time potentially wasted during this Parliament on the subject of House of Lords reform, the Queen's Speech focus on real quality of life issues was obvious; "In 2010, my party and Liberal Democrats came together to act in the long-term national interest. Our most urgent task was to tackle the nation's record debts and to foster growth. We have already made some tough choices, and we will continue to make sure we keep spending down so unlike others in Europe, families in Winchester and Chandler's Ford can benefit from low interest rates and Britain is protected from the global debt storm."
Other Bills outlined in the speech and highlighted by Steve Brine - as welcome as well as likely to be controversial - include;
- A Groceries Adjudicator Bill to enforce the Groceries Code and make sure the largest retailers, such as the big name supermarkets, treat their suppliers fairly.
- A Small Donations Bill which provides a new system of top-up payments similar to Gift Aid for small cash donations to charities. For donations of less than £20, charities will be able to claim back 25p for every £1 collected in the UK, up to a limit of £5,000.
- An Energy Bill which reforms the electricity market to encourage more investment in low carbon generation and clean energy. Puts more restrictions on the emissions of new coal plants and creates a new independent regulator, the Office for Nuclear Regulation, funded by the industry.
- A draft Care and Support Bill that aims to modernise adult care and make access to support clearer and more equal.
- A Crime and Courts Bill which establishes a National Crime Agency to take the lead on organised crime, enhance border security and fight cyber crime. Driving under the influence of drugs will be made a specific offence.
- A draft Communications Bill which will allow the police and intelligence agencies to collect data on communications, like texts and emails, flexible to changes in technology, such as the internet.
Steve concludes; "This is a Government taking the tough, long-term decisions to restore our country to strength. We are dealing with the deficit, rebalancing our economy and building a society that rewards people who work hard and do the right thing. My work as the local MP will remain to be a strong voice for my constituents here in Parliament, to support the coalition when I think it has it right and is working from a strong evidence base but I will not hesitate to challenge and question where I think Ministers are misguided or have got it wrong."
More information ...
See more on the Queen's Speech via the No.10 website – www.number10.gov.uk.