Security at heart of Blair's package of laws

British Prime Minister Tony Blair’s government today unveiled a packed programme for Parliament with security at its centre – setting the scene for an election expected next year.

The Queen’s Speech unveiled 32 Bills, more than the previous two years, including measures to bring in ID cards to combat terrorists and the creation of the British equivalent of America’s FBI.

The new crime-fighting force, called the Serious Organised Crime Agency, or Soca, will attempt to crack down on drug gangs, people traffickers, major fraudsters and internet paedophiles.

A draft Counter-Terrorism Bill was also announced. Although few details were given, it is eventually expected to include provisions such as no-jury terrorism trials and the use of phone-tapping evidence in court.

The Queen said in her address: “My government recognises that we live in a time of global uncertainty with an increased threat from international terrorism and organised crime.”

She said the theme of the next parliamentary session would be “security and opportunity for all”.

Her speech, from the golden Royal Throne in the House of Lords, was accompanied by the traditional pomp and pageantry – but was also delivered against the background of heightened security at Westminster.

Other measures announced today are designed to make people feel more secure in their own homes and streets.

The Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Bill will give local councils more powers to tackle fly-tipping, abandoned cars, noise nuisance and light pollution, with measures such as spot fines.

A Road Safety Bill will give police new powers to tackle drink-driving and uninsured drivers and make sure foreign drivers cannot escape punishment in Britain.

It will also introduce stiffer fines for using mobile phones while driving and a new graduated points system for speeding.

And Mr Blair fulfilled his promise to trades unions for action on corporate manslaughter with a draft Bill included in the programme.

It promises to hold bosses to account where they have not paid proper regard to the safety of their workers or the public.

On the “opportunity” theme, the speech included a measure to extend child benefit to families where youngsters aged 16-19 are still in training and further education.

An Education Bill was promised to reduce bureaucracy in schools by streamlining the inspection system.

Disabled people will gain more rights under a new Discrimination Bill and an Equality Bill will extend protection against discrimination on grounds of religious faith.

A new Commission for Equality and Human Rights will be set up to oversee the new regime.

Other measures in the programme include the European Union Bill, which paves the way for a referendum on the proposed European Constitution, and a National Lottery Bill aimed at making it simpler for organisations to get cash from the lottery.

An Animal Welfare Bill will pull together existing legislation on animal welfare in England and Wales – with speculation the Government could also use it to amend the Hunting Act to bring in a delay on the ban until July 2006.

The police are also to get new powers to tackle animal rights extremists in an attempt to prevent harassment of scientists and others linked to animal experiments.

The controversial Gambling Bill is among three Bills carried over from the last session, although it is not specifically mentioned in the speech.

Tory leader Michael Howard and Liberal Democrat leader Charles Kennedy will give their official reaction to the measures when debate begins in the Commons this afternoon.

Mr Blair will also put his personal stamp on the programme.

But this morning Conservative Party co-chairman Liam Fox told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme: “The most important thing about this Queen’s Speech is that we are hearing far more of the same from Tony Blair – more promises, more talk and more of the wrong priorities.”

Liberal Democrat home affairs spokesman Mark Oaten accused the Government of creating a “climate of fear” over terrorism and crime in the hope of reaping political advantage in the election.

But Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott, speaking ahead of the speech, said it would “properly” address the threat of terrorism and denied the Government was stoking up fear for political gain.

He said: “All the polls show us that people are concerned about crime and security. This is the Government properly responding to that threat and fear.”