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Parliamentary reform, more freedom for teachers and a “strong and fair society” are on the agenda for MPs this coming year.
In her speech marking the opening of Parliament, the Queen announced 22 new pieces of legislation and one draft bill.
Her Majesty said the new Government’s programme would be based on “freedom, fairness and responsibility”.
She restated the coalition agreement’s promise to make cutting the budget deficit and restoring growth its number one priority.
The bills announced include:
- A law to create a new Office for Budget Reponsibility, which will take on the job of making Budget forecasts;
- A Financial Reform Bill which will address regulation of financial services;
- An Academies Bill which will enable more schools to achieve Academy status, give teachers more freedom over curriculum and allow “new providers” to run state schools;
- A Police Reform and Social Responsibility Bill designed to make the police service more accountable to local people and tackle alcohol-related violence and disorder;
- A Parliamentary reform bill to offer a referendum on electoral reform, provide fixed-term parliaments of five years and allow constituents to sack their MPs.
Also included is a Postal Services Bill which will allow “third parties” to buy shares in the business, but which states the Post Office will remain in public ownership.
Nick Clegg’s Freedom Bill is part of the programme too. It is designed to repeal “unnecessary laws”, abolish ID cards, and “restore freedom and civil liberties”.
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