Julian Smith, Member of Parliament for Skipton and Ripon, has welcomed the first Conservative-only Queen's Speech in nearly two decades.
The Queen's Speech, which was delivered during the State Opening of Parliament, includes legislation in the interests of 'everyone in our country' and will adopt a 'one nation approach.' The Government will continue the work of the previous five years to reduce the deficit and will introduce measures to raise the productive potential of the economy and increase living standards.
The speech also stressed the need for a balanced economic recovery in order to stimulate growth and build a 'northern powerhouse.' The Government will continue to legislate for high-speed rail links between the different part of the country.
Job creation and apprenticeships formed a key part of the speech with proposed legislation to help achieve full employment and provide more people with the security of a job. Legislation will be brought forward to ensure that those who are working 30 hours a week on the National Minimum Wage will be exempt from paying Income Tax and to ensure that there are no rises in Income Tax, Value Added Tax or National Insurance for the next 5 years.
Parents will also benefit from the proposed legislation with plans to provide 30 hours of free childcare a week for three and four-year-olds by 2017. More failing and 'coasting' schools will also be turned into Academies and 500 free schools will be created in order to give every child the best start in life.
Early legislation will be introduced to provide for an in-out referendum on membership of the EU before the end of 2017 alongside David Cameron's renegotiations of the United Kingdom's relationship with the EU and his efforts to reform the EU for the benefit of all member states.
Julian said: "This speech signals the Government's intention to work for everyone in our country and I am delighted that there are so many measures that will benefit my constituents in Skipton and Ripon."