Queen’s Speech ‘to deliver Tory promises’

THE first all-Tory Queen’s Speech since 1996 will herald an EU referendum, tax cuts for the low paid and an extension of Right to Buy today.

Previewing the speech, Prime Minister David Cameron said he would waste no time in delivering the promises contained in the Conservative Party manifesto following the narrow General Election win on May 7.

The Queen’s Speech marks the State Opening of Parliament and sets out the legislative agenda for the government in front of MPs, peers and other representatives in the House of Lords.

It contains plans for a bill which will open the way for a referendum on the UK’s membership of the European Union, probably early in 2017, with the “yes” option expected to signify a desire for the UK to stay in the EU.

Also included will be the intention that no-one working 30 hours a week on the minimum wage will pay income tax, while housing association tenants will be given the same right to buy their homes as people living in council houses and flats.

According to the BBC, there will also be consultation over Conservative proposals to do away with the Human Rights Act and replace it with a British Bill of Rights, although the planned legislation aimed at preventing abuses of the current Act has resulted in criticism from some Tory MPs.

Other measures will make way for further Scottish devolution and plans to give English MPs over legislation which affects only England.

A new counter-extremism bill to tackle radicalisation, moves to ban so-called legal highs and an increase in free child care for three to four year olds for 30 hours a week are in the offing.

“Wherever you live you can have the chance of a good education, a decent job, a home of your own and the peace of mind that comes from being able to raise a family and enjoy a secure retirement,” said Mr Cameron.

However, Labour’s acting leader Harriet Harman accused the Government of wanting to set the nations of the country against each other and threaten basic rights at work.

Former Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg, whose party was left  with just eight seats following the election, is set to hit out at moves to replace the Human Rights Act, saying it is “dispiriting – if pretty unsurprising” that the Conservative government is “turning its back” on the liberal stance championed by his party in the coalition.