Human rights bill delayed as Queen's speech sets out priorities
The new Conservative Government's first legislative programme was unveiled in the Queen's speech today – but there will be no early bill to repeal the Human Rights Act 1998.
After much speculation ahead of the speech that Justice Secretary Michael Gove would attempt to introduce an early bill to implement the manifesto commitment to replace the Act with a British Bill fo Rights, Her Majesty stated only that "My Government will bring forward proposals for a British Bill of Rights."
It has been reported that the next stage will be a consultation on a measure that has drawn widespread opposition from legal commentators as well as certain prominent Conservative backbenchers and other public figures, though others such as the former Lord Chief Justice, Lord Judge, have spoken in favour of reducing the influence of the European Convention and the Court of Human Rights.
As expected, there will be legislation to enable an in-out referendum on Britain's membership of the EU to be held by the end of 2017, along with a commitment to "renegotiate the United Kingdom’s relationship with the European Union and pursue reform of the European Union for the benefit of all member states".
Top of the list in the speech however were measures to pursue long term economic stabiity, reduce the budget deficit and raise living standards. These will include duties on ministers to report annually on job creation and apprenticeships, less regulation for small businesses, no rises for five years in income tax, VAT or national insurance, and increased free childcare – along with welfare reform and "legislation encouraging employment by capping benefits and requiring young people to earn or learn". The real value of the basic state pension will be secured.
Legislation on energy security, immigration control, trade union reform and protection of "essential public services against strikes" is also promised.
Along with further devolution to Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, there will be changes to the standing orders of the House of Commons to ensure that decisions affecting England, or England & Wales, "can be taken only with the consent of the majority of Members of Parliament representing constituencies in those parts of our United Kingdom". English cities will be able to bid for an elected mayor, with more powers over transport, planning, policing and health.
An Investigatory Powers Bill will give intelligence agencies new tools to target internet data – the "snooper's charter" blocked by the Liberal Democrats during the coalition Government.
Click here to access the Queen's speech and background briefing notes.