Smooth sailing?

But this wasn't Sunday evening and, although the lines the star spoke were written by someone else, this was no Stephen Poliakoff fiction.

The main players were nearly all there: Cameron, Johnson, Grayling, a handsome prince, and the evil stepmother. Unfortunately, the role of Ed Miliband was played by an understudy at this performance. When the star arrived in the pumpkin carriage, everyone was in place, men in tights and lace, ladies in ermine and pearls. The vast community cast - more a 'who's that' than 'who's who' in their first outing - made its way from the wings to the main stage to lay claim to a barely glimpsed view of Her Majesty.

Notwithstanding a majority in parliament, this was the shortest speech in the Queen's reign at 737 words. Many of the principal Conservative manifesto points were covered, of course, but some were less well developed than others. There were only a few words about controlling immigration, little detail about the in/out EU referendum, and no direct reference to the future of legal aid (other than a commitment to the 'long-term plan to provide economic stability').

The government's measures to reform trade unions, still one of the core funders of the Labour Party, may prove itself to be a significant attack, not only on the opposition, but on the wide-ranging, union-led industries, which remain the backbone of our working community. This is especially true in the devolved nations of Wales and Scotland, as it is in the 'Northern Powerhouse' region, which is likely to be ripped apart as the Trade Unions Bill makes its way between the houses.

The opting in of members to political funds, together with the 50 per cent turnout threshold for strike action, is expected to effectively outlaw strikes, according to the TUC. Yet another blow to employment rights, but good news for big business. Small businesses will also be looked after, as plans to cut red tape will take effect. This will most likely mean making it easier to dismiss employees, while encouraging employment among young adults through an 'earn or learn' demand.

Where human rights are considered, the real truth is in what was not said. The British Bill of Rights was introduced as a proposal, not as a measure, and there was no mention of the much maligned plan to repeal the Human Rights Act in the first 100 days. Experts have taken this to be a backtracking by the government and, if YouTube (https://bit.ly/SJQUEEN) is to be believed, the Queen was seemingly unamused by even this gesture.

We must bear in mind that, despite its majority, the speech only sets out the government's plans. It cannot make promises
it cannot keep and, with a House of Lords that is ready and willing to amend or prevent legislation from passing, many of the measures detailed will need a great deal of buy-in from all representatives in both houses.

I fear it will be a long journey for us all, but, rest assured, the next 12 months won't be all smooth sailing for Number 10.

Kevin Poulter, editor at large

@SJ_Weekly | @kevinpoulter

editorial@solicitorsjournal.co.uk

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