Interesting bits of the Queen's speech:
(from
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/7080446.stm)
Local Transport BillWould give local authorities "greater freedom and choice" to set their transport policies, including more "freedom and flexibility" to set up local road-pricing schemes. Applies to England and Wales, with some provisions extending to Scotland and Northern Ireland.Are they planning to bring in lots of road-pricing schemes, I wonder. Anyone know if they tend to be effective?
Pensions BillWould mean eligible workers are automatically enrolled into a pension scheme, with a minimum employer contribution introduced. Applies to England, Scotland and Wales.Which will no doubt mean lots of work for me - but I do wonder if they can actually change people's mindset and make them actually interested in pensions. I'm not generally a huge believer in the efficacy of this approach, but I've heard good things about its use in Australia.
Planning Reform BillCalls for the establishment of a new separate planning system for major infrastructure projects and simplifying the planning system for minor home improvements. In many cases formal planning permission will no longer be required. Applies to England.I'm hoping that this makes new wind farms and home turbines easier to get set up.
Energy Bill
This bill aims to provide greater incentives for renewable energy generation and to make it easier for private firms to invest in offshore gas supply infrastructure, in "carbon capture" research and provisions on nuclear waste and decommissioning financing. Applies to whole UK.Yay!
Constitutional Renewal (draft) Bill
Promises to "rebalance power" between Parliament and the government and give MPs more clout to hold the government to account. Subject to more consultation, the bill will propose giving Parliament powers to ratify treaties and decide whether troops should be deployed. It will also incorporate the findings of the ongoing consultation on judicial appointments and the handling of protests in Parliament Square. Most of the bill applies to the whole UK.And more Yay!
Also - turns out that if you have a particular gene then breastfeeding adds 7 points of IQ on:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/7075511.stmOh, and according to The Metro the first offshore windfarm in Scotland has now started construction. Sixty wind turbines, 130m tall off of Dumfies. Enough power for 180,000 homes. Can't find a web source for that one though. Glad that they're finally getting their eco on.