MP comments on Queen's Speech

26.11.04

While the Government's legislative agenda includes some needed proposals, it fails to address many of our most important problems and suggests that citizens must live their lives in fear and uncertainty, says local Liberal Democrat MP Edward Davey.

The programme, delivered by the Queen at the State Opening of Parliament, laid out the Government's plan to pursue such policies as a national identity card scheme, introduce counter-terrorism measures, and address alcohol and drug problems and anti-social behaviour.

In a break with tradition, Liberal Democrat leader Charles Kennedy also proposed an Amendment to the Queen's Speech which seeks to clarify the roles of the Prime Minister and Parliament on issues of war and peace.

Commenting, Edward Davey said:

'The government must certainly protect the safety and security of its citizens, but it must also give them a vision of a better future.

'The Government's programme would have citizens believe that they have much to fear and can only be safe under a repressive system of law and order. The national identity card scheme is particularly flawed, for it threatens our civil liberties and rights without offering any significant returns. The money the Government proposes to spend on them would be far better spent on increasing the number of police patrolling our streets.

'The Government's programme does propose some significant and much-needed measures, such as the Commission for Equality and Human Rights and legislation to improve road safety and animal rights, but it fails to address some of our most important problems.

'The Liberal Democrats' priorities are to replace the unfair Council Tax, abolish student top-up and tuition fees, raise pensions, establish free personal care for the elderly, and protect the environment. These measures would offer the significant improvements to people's lives and a sense of optimism for the future that the Labour plan lacks.

'I look forward to a productive session and hope that it is one characterised by progress rather than fear.'

Read the latest views from the Liberal Democrats on the Queen's speech.