Notable omissions The laws that missed the cut
Foie gras and fur Boris Johnson had previously promised to end imports of foie gras, fur, shark fins and hunting trophies, but yesterday’s speech did not mention bans.
The issue is reportedly a political priority for Mr Johnson’s wife, Carrie, but new measures have been opposed by some MPS, who say that the policy is “unconservative”.
Forty animal rights charities wrote to No 10 recently to demand the bans were resurrected, but they now appear to have been ditched entirely.
Conversion
therapy Ministers had planned to ban controversial “conversion therapy” for gay and transgender people, but the measures have been watered down to remove trans measures.
Mr Johnson had previously been more vocal on trans issues, and angered LGBTQ+ charities when he dropped the trans conversion therapy ban and opined that trans women should not compete in women’s sports events.
Northern Ireland
Protocol Despite sabrerattling by the Government suggesting it would unilaterally rip up the Northern Ireland
Protocol if the EU did not give way over customs issues, no proposed legislation appeared in yesterday’s speech.
passing There reference was a to protecting the Good Friday Agreement but no new laws on the NI Protocol.
Civil servants have reportedly drawn up a Bill on the matter that could be laid before Parliament this month, but ministers appear unwilling to commit to new laws in the next legislative session. Football regulator A new independent regulator for English football was a 2019 Conservative manifesto commitment, but in two and a half years of government it has not materialised, beyond a fan-led review game to of assess the potential options. Yesterday’s speech contained a reference to it, but committed ministers only to publishing a White Paper – draft legislation – in the coming 12 months. Employment Bill Mr Johnson faced backlash yesterday when the Queen’s Speech omitted new legislation on workers’ rights.
It had been suggested that ministers would introduce more flexible working rights, protections against pregnancy discrimination, and the rights of workers to keep all tips.
The idea is a hangover from the 2019 Queen’s Speech, but has never been brought before MPS.
Frances O’grady, head of the TUC, said the rights now “risk being ditched for good”. Planning overhaul Planning reforms designed under Robert Jenrick’s tenure as Housing Secretary have been significantly watered down since Michael Gove was given the job at the last Cabinet reshuffle.
Aggressive plans to reform the planning system and significantly increase house building in the UK have been abandoned in favour of a more gradual approach.