Out-Law News 2 min. read
06 May 2022, 9:31 am
The Queen’s Speech and the state opening of parliament, scheduled for 10 May, will set out the UK government’s policy and legislative agenda for the year ahead.
This year’s speech is likely to bring forward legislation aimed at addressing key issues such as energy stability, centralising the railway system, establishing an Infrastructure Bank, and easing the transition from EU retained law after Brexit.
Legislation is also expected to reform Companies House and limited companies law, to refresh the financial services regulatory framework, and to reform EU data laws and evolve the UK General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) regime.
Public policy expert Scott Wright of Pinsent Masons said: “Taking place shortly after the local elections, where the Conservative Party is projected to lose seats as a result of the fall-out from ‘party-gate’, and the fast-growing cost of living crisis, this year’s Queen’s Speech offers the government a welcome opportunity to reclaim the narrative and evidence that it is getting on with the day job despite the crises which continue to rage both domestically and internationally.”
Scott Wright
Scottish Affairs and Devolved Nations Lead
Once businesses have clarity on what the legislative agenda for the year ahead will look like they can begin to determine what impact legislation or policy may have
Around 20 pieces of legislation are anticipated in this year’s Queen’s Speech, including some items initially announced last year such as the Procurement Bill and the Counter-State Threats Bill.
While bills which have not completed their passage through parliament in the previous session would normally fall, the government has this year lodged carry-over motions to enable some legislation to continue its progress. These bills include the Online Safety Bill, the Higher Education Bill and the High-Speed Rail (Crewe-Manchester) Bill.
“Once businesses have clarity on what the legislative agenda for the year ahead will look like they can begin to determine what impact legislation or policy may have on their business and assess how they would like to engage with and influence the legislative process,” Wright said.
Bills anticipated in this year’s Queen’s Speech include: