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Harriet Harman shrugged off claims that the Queen's Speech was “window dressing” today with a vow that most of the Bills would be made law before the election.
The Commons Leader said that most of the measures would be passed despite there being only 70 sitting days left in Parliament before a May polling day.
“It's not right to say that most of those Bills won't get through Parliament next year, the majority of them will,” she said.
A crackdown on City risk-taking, bonsuses and fraud will be a key plank of the Queen's Speech on Wednesday. Whitehall sources said the Financial Services Authority will get powers to punish individuals as well as companies if they break the rules. The FSA will also receive a new legal right to “tear up” employment contracts if they encourage excessive risk.
Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg for the Queen's Speech to be scrapped and replaced by emergency reforms to clean up MPs' expenses.
Reader views (5)
The trouble is, she's right.
Labour know they're in for a hammering, so will get these passed and made law before the next election. This will see London lose it's place as the world's top financial centre [with the resulting brain drain]. When the tax revenues dry up, mass unemployment takes a firm grip and tough spending cuts enforced, all we'll hear from the 'Labour opposition' is that this didn't happen on their watch, n years of sustained growth etc etc.
When will the British voter (and taxpayer) realise that Labour take the reigns on the crest of a wave, ride it with their socialist agenda (although of course they still want their perks, second homes, expenses, pension etc), then leave us all right in the mire. All of them who lose their seats will get their payoff, then take a plum position in the EU.
- Scott, London, 17/11/2009 13:18
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Does anyone believe a word poor Harriet says anymore? Why are NuLabour so worried with getting a bill through to curb bonuses in the financial sector ( which will only affect a handful of people and will certainly have no effect on current contracts)when all government departments are so riddled with bonus schemes themselves. The sole purpose of which seems to be to reward people for just turning up for work. The trouble with this govt is that throughout their tenure in office they have been appalling bad at drawing up legislation. Much of which has been done in haste to court popularity. I doubt that when the measures in the Queens Speech are scrutinised, particularly in the Lords, much of it will fall by the way side. Gordon doesn`t have the majority of his MPs on side and therefore if push came to shove bills he will capitulate. A row within the Labour Party, such as that which was brewing over the nursery vouchers, is something he definitely won`t want this side of the election. Sorry Harriet, but a big no I am afraid.
- Brian G, Norfolk Gorleston, 16/11/2009 16:52
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Key plank is right...ah how that axe will swing in May-Woo hoo
- Amoreno, Luxembourg, 16/11/2009 16:11
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Labour's farewell two fingered salute to the people of this country they have come to despise and treat with contempt. Nothing like implementing a scorched earth policy as they are beaten into retreat.
- Frank, Home Counties, England., 16/11/2009 14:30
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The parasite Harperson continues to spout abject spin and waffle.
If she tried closing her big mouth all the alleged climate change problems would instantly vanish.
She is nothing but hot air.
- Reuben Camara, Plot 1, Morecambe Compound, EUSSR, 16/11/2009 14:29
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