How should your business respond to The Queen’s Speech?
Marking the state opening of parliament, The Queen’s Speech took place on Wednesday 21st June. Now the dust has settled, we’d like to take a look at what the next two years could hold for British businesses. Well, it does pay to be prepared, after all…
Brexit
First on the agenda, and dominating the speech, was Brexit – of course. Indeed, the government has decided to sit for two years, rather than one, in order to allow time for Brexit legislation to pass through the House of Commons. While the government’s plans for Brexit are still largely unclear Theresa May’s cabinet has promised us a smooth transition out of the EU. With the announcement of new bills to tackle customs, trade, agriculture, immigration, fisheries and nuclear safeguarding, the government is hoping that life will continue with little disruption during, and after Brexit.
Oh, and while we’re on the subject, Brexit Secretary David Davis is almost certain he will be able to secure a free trade deal with the EU in the wake of our split. However, he said the government is prepared to walk away if it’s unsatisfied with the terms of any proffered agreement.
Building a stronger economy
Next on the agenda was the economy. With bills concerning the automatic and electric vehicles industries, the space industry, and HS2, it’s safe to say that transport will be dominating the horizon for the foreseeable future. Indeed, the government plans to make travel by any means safer and more affordable, while investing in new technology. Smart meters and national insurance contributions are also subject to change.
Making the country fairer and safer
Protection for holidaymakers, tenants, and victims of domestic violence and abuse were up for discussion in this section of the speech; the government plans to update legislation to ensure a fairer deal for all walks of life. The Civil Liability Bill will crackdown on fraudulent whiplash claims, which should reduce motoring insurance premiums. Also expected are improved financial services, a reform to the court system, better opportunities for armed forces personnel, and improved data protection.
While few of these bills refer to British businesses directly, proposed Brexit talks will no doubt change the way we all operate.
Where was…?
The Queen’s Speech was missing a few heavily contended articles, including President Trump’s State Visit, winter fuel payments, the energy price cap, the introduction of more grammar schools, and the so-called Dementia Tax. A lift on the foxhunting ban, the abolition of free school meals, and fracking plans were also noticeably absent; one can only wonder how long these items will be absent for.
In other news…
Meanwhile, news broke last Monday morning that a deal between the government and the Democratic Unionist Party is ‘close’. We shall wait, with baited breath, to see how this confidence and supply agreement will further affect British businesses – if at all. Should the deal fall through the government has been warned that direct rule will follow. We’re left wondering when all of this uncertainty will end.
You can find out more about the Queen’s Speech and what it could mean for you on the government’s website here. If you’ve been feeling let down by recent events rest assured that Lanonyx will always have your business’s best interests at heart. In fact, we’re so sure you’ll adore our software that we offer all new customers a free trial in order to offer a little assurance. To find out more contact us or give us a call on 0333 0022 440, we’re here ready to help.