Fairness agenda at the heart of Queen's speech - Thurso

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Tue 25th May 2010

Commenting on the Queen's Speech at today's State Opening of Parliament, Far North MP John Thurso has said that the Liberal Democrats' fairness agenda is at the heart of the new coalition Government's programme.

Speaking immediately after the Queen outlined the new legislative programme in the House of Commons chamber, John said:

"Today's Queen's Speech marks the beginning of a shift to a fairer and more equitable set of political priorities. Local taxpayers will benefit from a significant increase in the personal allowance, and our pensioners will benefit from the restoration of the earnings link to pensions. In addition, all local employees will benefit from measures that will introduce more flexible working and ensure equal pay for equal work.

"Following the scandals of the last Parliament, I am pleased that real measures will now be taken to restore the public's faith in Parliament and the political system. The new Government will introduce reforms to party funding and to the make-up of the House of Lords, introduce a referendum on a reformed electoral system and, crucially, allow local people to sack their MP if they are found guilty of serious misconduct.

"Judging from my weekly mailbag and discussions with my constituents, climate change and the environment continues to be an issue of great concern to them. So, I am pleased to see measures in the Queen's Speech that will support the production of low carbon energy and will improve energy efficiency in homes and businesses.

"Finally, my constituents have rightly been demanding changes to the regulation of our financial services to ensure that the lessons of the financial crisis are learned. Local people will welcome the measures that will be taken to prevent anything like it from happening again."