Fairness agenda is at heart of Queen's speech - Moore
May 25, 2010 5:09 PM
Originally published by Scottish Liberal Democrats
Originally published by Scottish Liberal Democrats
Commenting on the Queen's Speech at today's State Opening of Parliament, Borders MP Michael Moore has said that the Liberal Democrats' fairness agenda is at the heart of the new coalition Government's programme.
Speaking immediately after the Queen outlined the new legislative programme in the House of Commons chamber, Mr Moore said:
"Today's Queen's Speech marks the beginning of a shift to a fairer and more equitable set of political priorities. Local taxpayers will benefit from a significant increase in the personal allowance, and our pensioners will benefit from the restoration of the earnings link to pensions. I also welcome the fact that hundreds of Borders people who were hit by the collapse of Equitable Life will finally receive fair compensation. In addition, all local employees will benefit from measures that will introduce more flexible working and ensure equal pay for equal work.
"Following the scandals of the last Parliament, I am pleased that real measures will now be taken to restore the public's faith in Parliament and the political system. The new Government will introduce reforms to party funding and to the make-up of the House of Lords, introduce a referendum on a reformed electoral system and, crucially, allow local people to sack their MP if they are found guilty of serious misconduct.
"Judging from my weekly mailbag and discussions with my constituents, climate change and the environment continues to be an issue of great concern to them. So, I am pleased to see measures in the Queen's Speech that will support the production of low carbon energy and will improve energy efficiency in homes and businesses.
"Finally, my constituents have rightly been demanding changes to the regulation of our financial services to ensure that the lessons of the financial crisis are learned. Local people will welcome the measures that will be taken to prevent anything like it from happening again."
Notes:
A large number of Liberal Democrat policies were announced in today's Queen's Speech, including the party's major priorities: fair taxes, a fair start for children, a green and sustainable economy, and a comprehensive clean up of politics.
The policies include:
• Making the tax and benefits system fairer and simpler, including a significant increase in the personal allowance and an ambition to increase it to £10,000
• Restoring the earnings link to pensions
• Measures to improve energy efficiency in homes and businesses
• Support for low carbon energy production
• Financial services regulation to learn the lessons of the financial crisis
• Fixed term parliaments of five years
• A referendum on the Alternative Vote electoral system
• The right to sack MPs guilty of serious misconduct
• Reform of party funding
• Moving towards a wholly or partly elected House of Lords, elected by proportional representation
• A Bill to restore freedoms and civil liberties, through the abolition of Identity Cards and repeal of unnecessary laws
• Giving greater powers to councils and giving neighbourhoods and communities more control over planning and housing decisions
• Ending child detention
• Fair compensation for Equitable Life victims
• Enabling the creation of a national high speed rail network
• The modernisation of the Royal Mail
• Flexible working and promotion of equal pay
• Strengthening the voices of patients and the role of doctors in the NHS
• Cutting Quangos and government bureaucracy
• Implementing the recommendations of the Calman Commission to enhance devolution in Scotland
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