Blunt instrument: Immigration clampdown dominates Queen’s Speech after Ukip surge
David Cameron and Nick Clegg are attempting to meet voters' concerns about immigration and the rise of Ukip head-on with an immigration bill forming the centrepiece of today's Queen's Speech.
The coalition government used its penultimate state opening of parliament to roll out a series of bills aimed at helping people who want to 'get on in life' – while appealing to right-wing Tory backbenchers and Ukip supporters in the process.
Ukip took 23% of the projected national vote share in May 2nd's elections, two points behind the Conservatives. Cameron and Clegg are responding directly by tightening immigration law and strengthening enforcement powers in a bill which promises to "build on a set of government policies that are already working".
Under the changes it will be harder for those from abroad to remain in the UK because of family connections. Landlords will be forced to check whether their tenants are illegal immigrants. Temporary migrants will have to pay for their NHS bills and businesses using illegal labour will face tougher fines.
Other changes will see it harder for jobseekers from the EU to claim benefits, get access to social housing or legal aid.
It emerged this afternoon that a series of consultations will take place on the elements of the bill which mean it may not become an Act of Parliament before January 1st 2014, when a wave of Romanian and Bulgarian immigrants is expected to begin arriving. The Balkan countries' ambassadors estimate a total of 35,000 new arrivals is possible.
An offender rehabilitation bill and antisocial behaviour, crime and policing bill will appeal to right-wingers. Dangerous dogs, firearms, forced marriage will all feature in the latter, which also threatens to enhance "the professional capabilities and integrity of the police".
The focus on immigration will satisfy Tory backbenchers but the government must also appease a public growing increasingly frustrated by austerity.
"In May 2010 we came together to govern in the national interest. We knew the road ahead would be tough and so it has proved to be," Cameron and Clegg said.
"But three years on, our resolve to turn our country around has never been stronger. We know that Britain can be great again because we've got the people to do it. Today's Queen's Speech shows that we will back them every step of the way."
Bills covering pensions, elderly care and consumer rights will all be pursued in the next 12 months as ministers seek to push forward legislation "that unlocks the potential of the people of our country to unleash their talents", No 10 said.
The economy will be boosted by a bill extending the coalition's deregulation drive, an intellectual property bill and a national insurance contributions bill which introduces a new employment allowance helping small businesses.
A gambling (licensing and advertising) bill will shake up online gambling, bringing the regulation of operators based overseas under British control.
Unexpected additions in the speech include legislation to ensure sufferers of mesothelioma, a cancer caused by asbestos, will receive funds where no liable employer or insurer can be traced, and a defence reform bill which will seek to improve the way defence equipment is procured.
Devolution is also going to be pursued vigorously, with a Northern Ireland bill and draft Wales bill paving the way for more powers to head to Cardiff and Stormont.
The Queen makes a brief reference to the looming potential breakup of her country, saying only: "My government will continue to make the case for Scotland to remain part of the United Kingdom."
The Audit Commission will finally be closed in a local audit and accountability bill, controversial bills paving the way for HS2 will be introduced and the energy bill and water bill will continue their progress through the Commons after being carried over from the last session.
