Anti-terrorism, nuclear power and climate change

Brown's first Queen's Speech outlines legislative proposals for the next year

News, 6 November 2007

The Prime Minister Gordon Brown has proposed new anti-terror measures, revealed in the first Queen’s Speech of his premiership.

The proposals include a possible extension of how long suspects can be detained for questioning, and the questioning of suspects after they have been charged. The government is still considering options on the detention of suspects without charge; it is thought there is support for doubling the current time limit to 56 days.

Convicted terrorists will also have to let the police know their whereabouts after release and will be banned from foreign travel.

Outlining the government’s legislative programme for the next year, the Queen said the aim of the proposals was to ensure security for all and entrust more power to Parliament and the people.

Another measure proposes to raise the age of young people in education or training to 18 in England and Wales. On energy and the environment, private companies will be allowed to build new nuclear power stations, subject to the current consultation process and provided it is in the public interest; and there will be a legally binding framework to reduce CO2 emissions by 60% by 2050.

MPs will be allowed a formal say over going to war; and a new regulator will be able to fine hospitals that fail to meet hygiene standards.

A Criminal Justice and Immigration Bill will introduce restrictions on those convicted of violent offences once they have served their sentences.

The speech outlined the government’s plans to continue work with the Iraq government, its long-term commitment to fighting the Taliban, and its commitment to ratifying the EU reform treaty through Parliament.

Mr Brown said one of his government’s main priorities was available and affordable housing and he wants to set up a new community housing agency in England and Wales to promote regeneration and allow more people to get on the housing ladder.

He also repeated the government's aims to protect depositors, ensure confidence in the banking system and reduce regulatory burdens on business.