The Queen’s Speech addresses some of the key security challenges facing Britain and builds on the strong security foundations the government has already put in place since 1997. There is a record number of police today and crime is down nationally by 5% this year. Indeed recorded crime is down 9.1% year on year in Ipswich.
I warmly welcome the plans to create the Serious Organised Crimes Agency, which will be a world leader with an elite squad of specialist investigators pursuing organised criminals through all legal means. A second Act of Parliament is about taking tough action to tackle the problems and anti-social behaviour faced by local people because of drug dealing, drug abuse, and especially the crime flowing from them.
Bad news for drug barons. Good news for local communities.
The Queen's Speech wasn't all written by David Blunkett though. I am pleased to see that an animal welfare Bill will be brought to Parliament.
The key animal cruelty laws date back to 1911 and the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) has been campaigning for changes to match modern attitudes. This will cover more than 20 different pieces of animal welfare legislation. This means the keeper of an animal will be obliged to ensure its welfare, for example by allowing it food and water and housing it with its own species. Penalties will also be raised for the most serious animal cruelty offences - those relating to organised animal fighting, such as dog fighting.
The whole speech forms a good platform to fight a General Election.
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