Queen's Speech 17 May 2005: Opening of Parliament


My Lords and Members the House of Commons.
My Government continue to pursue economic policies which stability and promote long-term growth and .
To this end, my Government will to secure low inflation and sound finances.
My Government will build on programme of reform and accelerate modernisation the public services to promote opportunity fairness. My Government will bring forward in the key areas of public delivery: education; health; welfare; and crime.
remains my Government's main priority. My will further reform the education system improve quality and choice in the of schooling, and build on the already made to improve educational standards all.
Legislation will be brought forward offer greater support for working families extending maternity benefits and improving the of child care.
My Government will to reform the National Health Service a way that maintains its founding . Measures will be brought forward to more choice and diversity in healthcare and to continue to improve the of health services and hospital hygiene. to restrict smoking in enclosed public and workplaces will also be introduced.
Bill will be brought forward to patients who wish to seek redress they experience problems with their healthcare.
Government will continue its reform of welfare state, in order to reduce further, offer greater equality, and match with responsibilities.
My Government will introduce to reform support for housing costs.
Bill will be introduced to establish which will facilitate a return to , while offering long-term support for those to work.
My Government will begin -term reform to provide sustainable income for in retirement.
A Bill will be to improve protection of consumers by home reversion plans within the scope the Financial Services Authority.
My Government committed to creating safe and secure , and fostering a culture of respect.
will be taken forward to introduce identity cards scheme.
A Bill will introduced to give police and local new powers to tackle knives, guns alcohol-related violence.
Further legislation will be to tighten the immigration and asylum in a way that is fair, , and in the economic interests of country.
Proposals will be brought forward continue the fight against terrorism in United Kingdom and elsewhere.
My Government bring forward legislation to reduce re-offending improving the management of offenders.
Legislation be introduced to reform the criminal service, making better use of legal resources.
My Government believes that the of the child is paramount. A will be introduced to establish a and vetting scheme, and other measures provide better protection for children and adults.
Legislation will be introduced to the welfare of children in circumstances parental separation and to improve the of inter-country adoption.
My Government will with legislation to provide a new for the provision of compulsory treatment those with mental disorders.
Legislation will introduced to modernise charity law, to a vibrant, diverse and independent charitable .
My Government will take forward proposals introduce an offence of corporate manslaughter.
Government will bring forward measures to those who incite religious hatred.
Legislation be introduced to combat discrimination and establish the Commission for Equality and Rights.
My Government is committed to sustainable development and supporting rural services.
will be brought forward to ensure better management and protection of the environment and to provide support for communities.
A Bill to modernise the of common land will be introduced.
will be brought forward to help casualties on the roads.
My Government committed to promoting efficiency, productivity and for money. Legislation will be introduced streamline regulatory structures and make it to remove outdatedor unnecessarylegislation.
Consumer credit will be updated to provide greater for consumers and to create a , more competitive credit market.
Company law be reformed to encourage greater levels investment and enterprise.
Members of the of Commons
Estimates for the Public will be laid before you.
My and members of the House of
My Government will continue to work with the devolved administrations in Scotland Wales, and will work to bring the conditions necessary for the restoration political institutions in Northern Ireland.
Legislation be brought forward to encourage greater participation in elections while introducing further to combat fraud and increase security.
will also be introduced to reform National Assembly for Wales.
My Government bring forward proposals to continue the of the House of Lords.
If is selected to host the 2012 Games, legislation will be introduced as as possible to establish the necessary to ensure the delivery of the , and that the requirements of the Olympic Committee are met.
My Government establish a single system of service for the Armed Forces.
My Government bring forward a Bill to give to the Constitutional Treaty for the Union, subject to a referendum. Legislation be introduced to ratify the treaty accession of Romania and Bulgaria to European Union.
Other measures will be before you.
My Government will continue play its full part in international .
The Duke of Edinburgh and I forward to our visit to Canada today and to our state visit Malta in November which precedes the Heads of Government Meeting. We look to our visit to Australia in next year for the opening of Commonwealth Games in Melbourne followed by State visit to Singapore. We also forward to receiving Their Majesties King and Queen Sonja of Norway.
The Kingdom will take over the Presidency the European Union in July, and Government will work to build an prosperous and secure Europe.
My Government use its Presidency of the G8 secure progress in tackling poverty in and climate change.
My Government will to push for a resolution of conflict in Darfur.
My Government will to work to prevent terrorism and proliferation of nuclear, chemical, and biological , and to combat drug smuggling and crime.
My Government will work to commitment to the continued effectiveness of North Atlantic Treaty Organisation, and continue contribute to a modern and representative Nations.
My Government will work to a successful outcome from the United Millennium Review Summit and the Ministerial of the World Trade Organisation in Kong in December.
My Government will the Iraq Transitional Government and Transitional Assembly as they write a constitution prepare for future elections.
My Government continue to assist the Government of including in its counter-narcotics efforts, and support better standards of governance throughout world. Peace in the Middle East remain one of my Government's highest .
My Government will work to deepen develop the strong partnership between Europe the United States in order to these objectives.
My Lords and Members the House of Commons: I pray the blessing of Almighty God may upon your counsels.