Queen’s Speech Fails to Unlock Democracy

Yesterday’s headlines on the Queen’s Speech were dominated by references to Her Majesty’s absence, for only the third time in her reign, from this major constitutional and political event.

And two measures that were widely trailed for inclusion in the speech - more radical steps to tackle the cost of living crisis and a Northern Ireland protocol bill - were also noted for their absence.

Far less coverage was given to Bills that were in the package that have a direct bearing on democracy: plans to clamp down on environmental protesters, ban local authority boycotts and downgrade the Human Rights Act failed to get much cut-through.

These measures cannot be looked at in isolation. They could constitute trojan horses, paving the way for more extensive restrictions on campaigning and diminution of our rights.

They must also be seen in the context of the legislation that was rushed through in the last 48 hours of the last parliamentary session. This included the Police and Elections Acts.

The Police Act makes demonstrating against government policies harder, with new police powers to block noisy protests. The Elections Act then puts an obstacle - mandatory photographic voter ID - in the way of those wanting to express unhappiness with their elected representatives. The Northern Ireland experience, where photo ID was introduced in 2003, indicates this will lead to a decade long significant drop in turnout.

More positively, the Queen’s Speech contained additional information about government plans for levelling up. If the commitment to roll out more devolution in England is delivered, Unlock Democracy will welcome it.

Sadly, even if this minor improvement to our democracy materialises, it will not offset the impact of this Queen’s Speech and its predecessor.

This speech contained nothing to restore trust in, or clean up politics.

Instead it ramped up the divisive nature of our politics. That approach could have serious, unintended consequences.