Henry Smith MP welcomed the announcement of measures to protect people's rights and support the National Health Service in the 2016 Queen’s Speech, delivered by Her Majesty in the House of Lords on Wednesday, 18th May.
Commenting on the British Bill of Rights, Henry said;
“I support the Government’s moves to follow through on its manifesto commitment to reform human rights laws, and to introduce a new British Bill of Rights.
“This Bill will of course continue to protect fundamental rights. It’ll restore some credibility to human rights by better protecting the system from abuse as happens now. It’s worth remembering that the Human Rights Act itself was only introduced in 1998 under the Labour rule of Tony Blair.
“I’m disappointed that there is no Sovereignty Bill to assert the supremacy of the UK Parliament. It's even clearer that we can only achieve this by voting to Leave the European Union on Thursday 23rd June.”
On the Digital Economy Bill;
“This will continue to create a world-class digital infrastructure by giving everyone access to fast broadband and mobile networks.
“A new Broadband Universal Service Obligation will ensure people have the legal right to have a fast broadband connection installed, with initial speeds being 10Mbps. A new Electronic Communication Code will make it easier and cheaper to build mobile and superfast broadband infrastructure.”
On the Neighbourhood Planning and Infrastructure Bill;
“This legislation will drive more efficient and effective delivery of infrastructure that communities and businesses across the country need. It’ll help further empower local communities to have their say on homes in the local area, by further strengthening neighbourhood planning.
“This Bill will help to deliver on the manifesto pledge to invest over £100 billion in our infrastructure over this Parliament.”
On the National Citizen Service Bill;
“I welcome the move to put National Citizen Service on a statutory footing. This will enable even more young people to join the 200,000 who have already taken part in NCS since it was launched by the Prime Minister.
“I continue to support the Crawley Town Community Foundation, who are delivering this project to local students. They have now undertaken two NCS schemes and I’ve seen for myself how they’re going from strength to strength.
“It’s always a pleasure to present certificates to the young people at their graduation ceremony when they have completed National Citizen Service in Crawley. NCS boosts young people’s confidence and leadership skills, as well as development in other areas, and garners a greater understanding of the local community. The Foundation’s NCS projects have seen fundraising initiatives for Crawley Open House and Friends of Manor Green.”
On the NHS (Overseas Visitors Charging) Bill;
“The NHS must not be abused. This measure will ensure that overseas visitors pay for the health treatment they receive at public expense. Obviously no one will be denied urgent treatment, and vulnerable groups will continue to be exempt from charging.
“It will introduce new measures for cost recovery from overseas visitors who use the NHS. Money recovered will be invested in the NHS, and help to contribute to the £22 billion savings the NHS is expected to make.”