Queen’s Speech: Brexit bills dominate government agenda

Of 27 bills, eight relate to Brexit and its implications for key industries.
As well as a bill to convert EU rules into UK law, there are measures on trade, customs, immigration, fisheries, agriculture, nuclear and sanctions.But other key manifesto plans have either been axed or delayed after the Conservatives lost their majority.
The main non-Brexit proposals include:
a Civil Liability Bill, designed to address the “compensation culture” around motoring insurance claims
a Domestic Violence and Abuse Bill, establishing a Domestic Violence and Abuse Commissioner to stand up for victims and survivors and monitor the response of the authorities
a Tenant’s Fees Bill, banning landlords from charging “letting fees”



a High-Speed Two Bill to authorise the second leg of the rail link from Birmingham to Crewe. A Data Protection Bill to strengthen individuals’ rights and introduce a “right to be forgotten”.
An Armed Forces Bill allowing people to serve on a part-time and flexible basis
There was no mention of US President Donald Trump’s proposed state visit to the UK later this year, appearing to confirm suggestions it has been delayed. Ministers said the reason it was not included was purely because no date had been set.Prime Minister Theresa May has promised to work with “humility and resolve” after failing to win the general election outright while senior ministers have said they are “getting on with the job” amid continuing discussions with the DUP about a deal to enable the Tories to govern.
The Queen announced the government’s legislative programme for the next two years at the State Opening of Parliament.
She was accompanied by the Prince of Wales, rather than the Duke of Edinburgh, after Prince Philip was admitted to hospital on Tuesday night.Buckingham Palace said it was a “precautionary measure” for treatment of an infection arising from a pre-existing condition.
With Brexit talks now under way, the government has set out the laws needed to leave the EU – irrespective of the final deal agreed with Brussels.At the heart of this is the so-called Repeal Bill – which will repeal the 1972 European Communities Act and end the jurisdiction of the European Court of Justice. It will also copy over all EU laws into UK law, with Parliament then deciding which bits to retain.
The government says “wherever practical the same rules and laws will apply after exit, therefore maximising certainty for individuals and businesses”.
The bill would give the UK Parliament temporary authority to amend laws that do not “operate appropriately” after Brexit while existing decision-making powers devolved to Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland will be maintained pending further discussion on “lasting common frameworks”.
As an indication of the scale of change which Brexit will bring, seven separate pieces of legislation are proposed to anticipate the end of EU jurisdiction and introduce national policies in key sectors.
On immigration, a bill will legislate for the end of free movement from the EU and make the status of EU nationals and family members subject to UK law. Although there are no specific details about a new system, ministers say they will be able to “control” numbers while attracting the “brightest and the best”.
A Fisheries bill will allow the UK to take on responsibility for “access to fisheries and management of its waters” while an Agriculture Bill will “provide stability” for farmers and ensure an “effective system” of support to replace the Common Agricultural Policy.
A new nuclear safeguards regime will be required after the UK leaves the EU and its nuclear agency Euratom, with new powers for the Office for Nuclear regulation.
Other measures will allow for a standalone domestic customs regime, giving the UK the scope to make changes to VAT and excise rates currently determined by the EU, to pave the way for an “independent trade policy” and to enable the UK to implement non-UN sanctions on its own or in conjunction with allies.

Source :BBC