Queen's Speech 2021 at a glance

The Queen’s Speech on 11 May 2021 was the first since 2019 and delivered an outline of the Government's proposed policies and legislation for the coming session of Parliament, as previously outlined in the Conservative party's 2019 election manifesto.

Following the pandemic, the focus is also on pandemic recovery and growth, levelling up around the country and post-Brexit measures.

Background briefing notes to the Queen's Speech

There are 31 bills mentioned in the speech.  All require Parliamentary approval..

Key announcements included:

Skills and post 16 education bill - to give all adults without the equivalent of A-levels government-funded training. The student loan system will be extended to all who want to study at local further education colleges, and all adults will be entitled to four years worth of loan support for training or education at any point in their life.

Social Care - to bring forward proposals prior to any legislation.

Environment Bill - to set new targets on air pollution, water quality and biodiversity and to establish a new Office for Environmental Protection. More information here.

Subsidy control Bill - to establish a new state aid regime in the UK together with a new independent body to monitor potential breaches of the EU state aid rules contained in the Brexit agreement. This follows a consultation on a UK-wide subsidy control regime that will facilitate ‘strategic interventions to support government priorities’ and protect the UK’s internal market, alongside reflecting the UK’s obligations under the UK-EU Trade and Co-operation Agreement. The House of Commons Library has published a guide to the UK’s obligations under the agreement.

Freeports Bill - to establish eight new freeports in Plymouth, Teesside, London Gateway, Liverpool City Region, Humber, Felixstowe, Southampton, and East Midlands Airport.

National Insurance Contributions Bill - to give relief from secondary NICs for employers of eligible employees in freeports from April 2022 until at least April 2026. There will also be NICs relief for employers of veterans, which has been available since 6 April 2021. The Bill will also provide NICs relief for the self-employed who receive COVID-19 test and trace support payments.

Professional qualification bill - to allow the government to recognise professional qualifications from other countries to help fill UK skill shortages.

Advanced research and invention agency bill - to set up an Advanced research and invention agency.

Registration of Overseas Entities bill - to ensure foreign owners of UK property will no longer be able to conceal their identity via a new register of beneficial ownership to prevent tax evasion and money laundering.

Planning Bill - to reform the planning system and remove the power from local planning authorities to refuse housing developments where they meet required criteria.

Other bills

Police, crime and sentencing bill - to allow police the power to close “disruptive” protests that do not meet noise limits and other criteria, as well as the power to impose time limits on protests.

Health and Care Bill - to give the government more direct control over the running of the NHS and to remove the need for NHS bodies to put some services out to tender.

Online Safety bill - to ensure tech companies take more responsibility for their content with fines of up to £18 million, or 10% of global turnover if they do not show a duty of care to users.

Building Safety Bill - to regulate the safety of high-rise buildings.

Repeal of the fixed term Parliaments Act - to allow the prime minister to call an election when he choses, reverting back to the pre 2011 position.

Electoral integrity bill - to require voters to produce photographic ID when voting.

Freedom of speech bill - to force universities and student unions to allow free speech on campuses.

Mental Health Act reform - to reduce the number of people detained under the mental health act, changing the way people with autism and learning disabilities are treated.

Borders Bill - to deter migrants from entering the country via the English Channel and only to permit entry for those who enter via legitimate routes such as refugee schemes.

Equalities bill - to ban attempts to change someone’s orientation or gender identity.

Northern Ireland legacy bill - to deal with historic issues.

Leasehold reform bill - to protect leaseholders by limiting the amount freeholders can charge in ground rent.

Procurement bill - to set up a post-Brexit regime for government procurement so it is no longer under EU rules.

Espionage Bill - to update the Official Secrets Act.

Background briefing notes to the Queen's Speech

Spring 2021 Budget

We have previously covered what was in the Budget here.

The Finance Bill has been carried over into the new Parliamentary session. Dates for Report Stage have not yet been announced.