“My Government’s priority has always been to secure the United Kingdom’s departure from the European Union on 31 October. My Government intends to work towards a new partnership with the European Union, based on free trade and friendly cooperation [European Union (Withdrawal Agreement) Bill].”
With days left before is officially Brexit enacted, regardless of a no-deal or deal scenario, Queen Elizabeth faced Parliament earlier today. Her highly anticipated speech offered her views on the Boris Johnson’s cabinet in leading the United Kingdom in a new world after Brexit. The cabinet will be enacting laws dealing with various aspects of local policies, such as infrastructure and policing, and global policies, such as trade deals.
When it comes to UK policies, a bulk of the laws will reflect a post-Brexit environment. For instance, fishers and farmers will see themselves put at the heart of a trade deal with the EU.
“My Ministers will work to implement new regimes for fisheries, agriculture and trade, seizing the opportunities that arise from leaving the European Union [Fisheries Bill, Agriculture Bill and Trade Bill].”
As part of a post-Brexit environment, immigration will be reformed as to reflect the central piece of the referendum.
“An immigration bill, ending free movement, will lay the foundation for a fair, modern and global immigration system. My Government remains committed to ensuring that resident European citizens, who have built their lives in, and contributed so much to, the United Kingdom, have the right to remain.”
Safety will see a massive increase both in funding and in laws that will enable the security forces to keep the population safe, reflecting a tough on crime view. For instance, criminal justice will see new laws that will seek to reflect the severity of the crime. Extradition partnerships will expanded as to engage in a swift deportation of criminals with an international warrant. Other aspects of the justice will be updated as to catch up with the ongoing crime scene.
“My Government will bring forward measures to protect individuals, families and their homes. Legislation will transform the approach of the justice system and other agencies to victims of domestic abuse [Domestic Abuse Bill], and minimise the impact of divorce, particularly on children [Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Bill]. My Ministers will continue to develop proposals to improve internet safety, and will bring forward laws to implement new building safety standards.”
Another aspect of governance is the various investments in the various sectors of the economy. These investments, both in terms of laws and money, seek to bring the United Kingdom into the forefront of several industries. Idea being is to have a government involved to the needs of the people as to improve the general welfare. Environment, education, research, pensions, workplace, animal trade will all be part of the blueprint for a Tory government post-Brexit. Furthermore, a post-Brexit Britain will still seek to play its role in the international scene, putting down the fear of isolationism.
“My Ministers will honour the Armed Forces Covenant and the NATO commitment to spend at least two per cent of national income on defence… my Government will ensure that it continues to play a leading role in global affairs, defending its interests and promoting its values… My Government will be at the forefront of efforts to solve the most complex international security issues. It will champion global free trade and work alongside international partners to solve the most pressing global challenges.”
The major takeaway from the Queen’s speech is to alleviate the fears many still have. Her speech paints an image of a government that seeks to deliver Brexit and allow Great Britain to rule itself. The Tory vision, as defined by Boris Johnson in the Tory Conference in Manchester a few weeks ago, seeks to put in picture the said vision. November 1 will surely be the beginning of a new era for British politics.
Illustration by Naqiya Kantawala
