The government announced its legislative plans for the coming parliamentary year on Wednesday. Among the measures announced by the Queen were a long-awaited Defamation Bill, a Crime and Courts Bill and a Children and Families BillIn addition to centrepiece bills on House of Lords reform and regulation of the banking sector, key pieces of legislation announced in the Queen’s Speech include:
In addition to centrepiece bills on House of Lords reform and regulation of the banking sector, key pieces of legislation announced in the Queen's speech include:
- Crime and Courts Bill: moving towards televised court proceedings; reforming the judicial appointments process; and establishing a National Crime Agency.
- Defamation Bill: legislation to reform defamation law in order to protect freedom of speech and protect reputation.
- Justice and Security Bill: to include measures to hear evidence in cases involving national security in secret
- Children and Families Bill: measures to reform family courts; alter access arrangements for divorced fathers; and reform the adoption system.
- Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Bill: to contain provisions overhauling employment tribunals; reforming competition law; and giving extra powers to shareholders to influence executive pay.
Four draft bills, which will be subject to pre-legislative consultations during this session of parliament, were also announced including:
- Draft Communication Data Bill: the draft bill will include measures to allow police and security agencies to access communications under 'strict safeguards'; establish a 12-month time limit on data storage by communications service providers; and provide for independent oversight, including the extension of the role of the Interception Communications Commissioner.