Now that the glitz, pomp and ceremony of the event itself have faded, political commentators are able to reflect more closely on the exact details of the Queen’s Speech. Traditionally an opportunity for government to lay out its ambitious legislative plans for the next twelve months, this year’s Speech was a distinct continuation of previous announcements and contained very few surprises.
As predicted, the main attraction was the government’s plans to introduce new powers for prison governors in England and Wales, with an emphasis on training, rehabilitation and education, which took most of the limelight out of the 21 proposed new Bills.
Other headline measures included:
- New powers of intervention to tackle extremism
- Proposals to replace the Human Rights Act with a British Bill of Rights
- Changes to the care and adoption system
- New regulations concerning driverless cars and unmanned drones
The recurring theme of restraint and austerity was clear from the beginning of the Speech, with the Queen stating that government “will continue to bring the public finances under control so that Britain lives within its means”.
From the point of view of Alliance members, there were very few direct mentions of legislation designed to specifically impact the sport and recreation sector. However, as is often the case, a number of the measures contained within the Speech are likely to have consequences, and offer opportunities, for our wide-reaching sector. Some of these are listed below:
Local Growth and Jobs Bill
Education for All Bill
National Citizen Service Bill
Small Charitable Donations Bill
Counter-Extremism and Safeguarding Bill
In addition, the sugar tax levy on the soft drinks industry, which was announced by the Chancellor in his Budget earlier this year, featured in the Speech. This measure, which will raise money to be spent on increasing school sports and after-school activities, will be included in the 2017 Finance Bill and is expected to come into force in April 2018.
Click here for further information about today’s announcements and what it means.
Click here for the full speech.
If you would like more details about the Sport and Recreation Alliance’s parliamentary monitoring services, please contact Emma Wade at ewade@sportandrecreation.org.uk.
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