Points on Legislation mentioned in the Queen's Speech June 2017

Points on Legislation mentioned in the Queen's Speech June 2017

The Repeal Bill will turn European Law into UK law and repeal the European Communities Act 1972. It will give the Tory government sweeping powers to change British law without votes in Parliament MPs; supposedly to allow for speedy technical editing out of references to EU institutions.

GLD comments: It is feared that the volume of Statutory Instruments will be so great that effective scrutiny will be impossible, thus potentially allowing the removal of measures to fight climate change and other environmental protection.

The Fisheries Bill

GLD comment:- It is essential that the legislation protects fish stocks.

The Agriculture Bill will set up a "system to support UK farmers and protect our natural environment".

GLD comment:- It is essential that the legislation does properly protect the environment. It must also protect the consumer and agricultural workers. It should encourage (relative) localism.

The Automated and Electric Vehicles Bill will try to boost Britain's electric cars - already 100,000 of them - by paving the way for compulsory charge points at motorway services. It will also set up a common set of standards to ensure charging points are consistent across the country.

GLD comments: Brexit will not close down ferries or the Chanel Tunnel. Electricity charging points need to be to European standards. While hydrogen vehicles are not yet as common as battery-electric vehicles, the bill should also commit to a European standard for hydrogen vehicle connectors.

The Nuclear Safeguards Bill will hand over responsibility for nuclear safety to an expanded Office for Nuclear Regulation. It will also support international efforts not to expand nuclear weapon stockpiles

GLD comment:- If our standards will have to remain high to protect the operation of nuclear facilities. This doctrinaire move will be much more expensive remaining in

The Smart Meter Bill will commit to offer smart energy meters to every home and firm by

2020. GLD comment:- The Smart Metering scheme has been a farce, with unnecessarily complex infrastructure and a lack of proper standards. Government should explore existing market solutions rather than continue to pour consumers money into a failing infrastructure development.

It is essential that Smart Meters conform to stable and well-scoped standards which will allow them to send control signals to all electrical appliances designed for world-wide distribution. This may require new British Standards to support the UK unique energy supplier driven system.

A promise on the Paris Agreement.

The Queen said "My government will continue to support international action against climate change, including the implementation of the Paris Agreement.".

GLD Comment:- With so many climate change deniers in the Conservatives and the DUP, it will take the combined efforts of those Tories who are environmentally responsible and members of the opposition parties to ensure that our part of that international action remains on track.

• As Green Lib Dems, we will continue to do our part to hold this government to their word.