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Blair's pre-election programme announced

Queen Elizabeth II - State Opening of UK Parliament
Queen Elizabeth II - State Opening of UK Parliament

The UK government has announced its legislative programme for the coming session of Parliament.

It is expected to be the last session before a general election.

The Queen's Speech, which was given today, included 32 Bills, with key measures to introduce ID cards, establish a Serious Organised Crime Agency and tackle drug abuse and petty crime.

There will also be a draft Counter-Terrorism Bill, though no specific measures are identified in the speech.

Other measures are designed to make people feel more secure in their own homes and streets.

A Drugs Bill is designed to give the police more powers to deal with drug abusers, while improving rehabilitation facilities.

A Road Safety Bill will give police new powers to tackle drink-driving and uninsured drivers and make sure foreign drivers cannot escape punishment in Britain.

And Prime Minister Tony Blair has fulfilled his promise to trades unions for action on corporate manslaughter with a draft Bill included in the programme.

It promises to hold bosses to account where they have not paid proper regard to the safety of their workers or the public.

Other measures in the programme include the European Union Bill, which paves the way for a referendum on the proposed European Constitution.

An Animal Welfare Bill will pull together existing legislation on animal welfare in England and Wales - with speculation the government could also use it to amend the Hunting Act to bring in a delay on the ban until July 2006.

The controversial Gambling Bill is among three Bills carried over from the last session, although it is not specifically mentioned in the speech.

Conservative leader Michael Howard and Liberal Democrat leader Charles Kennedy will give their official reaction to the measures when debate begins in the Commons this afternoon.