Queen’s Speech reveals government’s plans for its third term

May 17, 2005 in Children, Social care leaders, Workforce

Legislation in key areas of public services including education,
health, welfare and crime will be introduced during the next
parliamentary session, the Queen’s Speech revealed today,
writes Clare Jerrom.

The Queen stressed that education remained the key priority for
this government and an Education Bill would be introduced to
improve educational standards. Greater support for working families
would also be introduced by extending maternity benefits and
improving the provision of childcare.

“My government will continue to reform the National Health
Service in a way that maintains its founding principles,” she
added.

Police and communities will also be given powers to tackle
knives, guns and alcohol-related crimes in the Violent Crime Bill
and the government will bring forward legislation to reduce
re-offending through a greater management of offenders in the
Management of Offenders and Sentencing Bill.

The asylum system will be subjected to further reform to ensure
the system was “fair, flexible, and in the economic interests
of the country,” she said

“My government believes that the welfare of the child is
paramount,” the Queen said. “A bill will be introduced
to establish a barring and vetting scheme, and other measures to
provide better protection for children and vulnerable
adults.”

Legislation would also be introduced to safeguard children in
instances of parental separation and inter-country adoption.

A new framework would be introduced to ensure compulsory
treatment for those with a mental disorder. The government also
remained committed to introducing a commission for equality and
human rights.

The government would continue to reform the welfare state to
reduce poverty and offer greater equality.

A bill will be introduced to establish benefits “which
will facilitate a return to employment, while offering long term
support for those unable to work”, she continued.

The charity law will also be modernised to develop “a
vibrant, diverse and independent charitable sector”.