26/11/2003

Blunkett sets out agenda for parliamentary session

Measures to modernise the law on domestic violence and a Bill to take forward the final phase of reform to the immigration and asylum system will form the Home Office's legislative programme for the next Parliamentary session, Home Secretary David Blunkett said today.

Mr Blunkett was speaking after the Queen's Speech had set out the forthcoming Home Office legislation for the next Parliamentary session.

Top of the Home Office agenda are: a Domestic Violence, Crime and Victims Bill; an Immigration and Asylum Bill; a draft Identity Cards Bill; and a draft Charities Bill.

The Home Office will also be bringing forward proposals on corporate manslaughter before the end of the year with a view to publishing draft legislation early in the New Year.

Mr Blunkett said: "The forthcoming Parliamentary session will see us taking forward key areas of reform, while working hard to ensure the legislation already put in place is making a difference on the ground."

The Home Secretary said that the Immigration and Asylum Bill will crack down on the exploitative criminal gangs and organised traffickers and provides for "speedy and decisive decisions" on asylum appeals and removal decisions. The draft Identity Cards Bill will set out plans for an "incremental approach" to the introduction of a compulsory national identity cards scheme, he said.

The draft Charities Bill would reform the framework in which charities operate enabling them to "thrive, grow and realise their full potential", Mr Blunkett added.

(gmcg)

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