The Queen's Speech - How It Could Be

My Lords and Members of the House of Commons.

My Government will continue to pursue economic policies which entrench local sustainbility and, through doing so, ensure our long-term quality of life and prosperity.

My Government will take forward proposals, both with legislation and significant investment, to promote truly renewable sources of energy if our dependence on oil is to be reduced.

My Government will reform our biosecurity infrastructure, so that we avoid further outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease.

My Government believes that, with 1 in 3 children in the UK growing up in poverty, raising the ceiling for inheritance tax is grossly unjust. A Bill will be introduce to levy inheritance tax in a fairer, more progressive way - paid by beneficiaries rather than the estates themselves.

Legislation will be brought forward to help reduce casualties on the roads.

Legislation will be brought forward to offer greater support for cycling infrastructure, instruction for children in safer cycling, and feasibility studies for bicycle-rental programmes, such as across the Channel in Paris.

Legislation will be introduced to introduce an offence of corporate manslaughter.

It is clear that the Supermarkets Code of Practice is not working, and as such, a Bill will be brought forward to support farmers who have suffered in the supermarkets's pursuit for cheap produce.

My Government will continue to reform the waste disposal system in a way that ensures more reuse, recycling and reduction of waste. My Government will mainstream successful pilot projects aimed at the reuse of white goods. My Government will introduce a tax on incineration, to be set at a level equal to that for landfill. Legislation to restrict hidden subsidies for incinerators, and to end the use of PFI money for incinerator-based projects, will also be introduced.

My Government will address growing indebtedness in society. 50% of credit card applications are being declined, and £5.4 billion was owed on credit cards in September, the highest figure in six months. Measures will be brought forward to introduce locally-run community banks, greater support for affordable lending through credit unions, and increased funding for community advice services to help people see their way through to financial stability.

A Bill will be introduced to shift international aid policies to address water shortages worldwide.

Further legislation will be introduced for the complete decriminalisation of sex work, so that the focus of official efforts can be on protecting the most basic human rights of prostitutes, life and health. My Government recognises that criminalisation of actions associated with prostitution leaaves sex workers vulnerable to violent clients, and encourages police and other authorities to treat them as criminals even when they are in fact victims of serious crimes.

Finally, legislation will be brought forward to extend the single transferable vote in local elections in Scotland to the rest of the United Kingdom.

The Duke of Edinburgh and I look forward to opening the new Channel Tunnel Rail Link at St. Pancras International Station later today.

My Lords and Members of the House of Commons: I pray that the blessing of Almighty God may rest upon your counsels.