The Queen’s Speech for 2013 lays out the legislative framework for the Coalition Government. It contains 15 Bills and a further four in draft form. A full transcript is available at:
http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/ld201314/ldhansrd/text/130508-0001.htm#13050834000162
The following analysis of the main highlights of the speech is provided by DeHavilland Parliamentary Affairs Team.
Analysis of the Queen’s Speech, 2013
Aviation related highlights cover:
The HS2 hybrid bill will grant the permissions to enable the government to compulsorily purchase the land required to build and operate a high speed railway between London, Birmingham, Leeds and Manchester. It will also:
- Enable those affected by the scheme to petition Parliament and have their case heard by a select committee convened as part of the bill; and
- Provide ‘deemed’ planning permission for the scheme, albeit the detail on a local basis would still need to be agreed by the relevant local planning authority;
The energy bill is designed to reform the electricity market and upgrade energy infrastructure. The bill focusses on factors relating to domestic supply including supporting Ofgem but also includes:
- Encouraging private industry investment into the electricity sector to upgrade from older power plants to cleaner, low carbon technology mix;
- Incentives for companies to invest in low-carbon technology;
- Measures to encourage reductions in energy usage by businesses and homes; and
- Power to set target range for decarbonisation of power sector.