Markus Andrews

Plans to empower a new competition regulator with the ability to stop tech giants abusing their dominant position have been included in the Queen’s Speech.The Government’s draft Digital Markets, Competition and Consumer Bill would boost the Digital Markets Unit (DMU), giving it broader powers to enforce pro-competition rules on larger social media platforms and search engines such as Facebook and Google.The DMU launched last April within the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) and under the plans would be given statutory powers.Under the proposed legislation, the DMU would have the power to enforce new tailored codes of conduct for firms dominating digital markets, outlining how they should treat their users and other companies fairly, with tough sanctions including large fines for those who breach the rules.

The Government’s own research estimates that consumer detriment costs £54 billion a year, so it’s good to see that the Government is moving forward with plans to hand the CMA stronger powers to clamp down on firms that behave poorlyRocio Concha, Which?According to a Government briefing document on the Draft Bill, the DMU would also be given powers to “proactively address the root causes of competition issues in digital markets”.This could include imposing interventions to inject competition into the market, including obligations on tech firms to report new mergers and give consumers more choice and control over their data.Elsewhere, the Bill also proposes boosting the powers of the CMA, giving the regulator the ability to decide for itself when consumer law has been broken and issuing fines for those breaches.In addition, the Government said the Bill would update consumer law to clamp down on fake reviews, strengthen consumer rights and better protect the public from scams.In response, Rocio Concha, director of policy and advocacy at consumer champion Which?, said the substance of the draft was promising, but a full Bill must be brought forward “urgently”.“The Government’s own research estimates that consumer detriment costs £54 billion a year, so it’s good to see that the Government is moving forward with plans to hand the CMA stronger powers to clamp down on firms that behave poorly,” she said.“The ability to impose significant fines on firms that break the rules should act as a deterrent for breaches of consumer law and prevent consumer rip-offs. In digital markets, it is vital that the Digital Markets Unit is given the appropriate powers to tackle the dominance of a handful of tech giants.“However, it is disappointing that this Bill is only in draft form. The Government must urgently prioritise the progress of this draft Bill so as to bring forward a full Bill to enact these vital changes as soon as possible.” More

A Bill of Rights will fulfil the Conservative dream of replacing Labour’s hated Human Rights Act – but critics warn it will rip up protections and put the UK on a collision course with Brussels.The Queen’s Speech argues the legislation will “end the abuse of the human rights framework and restore some common sense to our justice system”.It will make it easier to deport asylum seekers who claim the right to a family life to stay in the UK, stripping out the defence for anyone convicted of any “imprisonable” offence, it is expected.Drawn up by the justice secretary Dominic Raab, the Bill will ensure “spurious cases do not undermine public confidence in human rights so that courts focus on genuine and credible human rights claims”, it says.It will curb the “expansion of a rights culture without proper democratic oversight, which has displaced due focus on personal responsibility and the public interest”, the document argues.And it will seek to end or reduce damages in human rights claims by “ensuring that the courts consider the behaviour of the claimant when considering making an award”.Furious human rights campaigners accuse Mr Raab of a smokescreen in claiming the Bill is an attempt to protect free speech from “wokery and political correctness”.Injustices such as the Hillsborough tragedy and the failure to investigate ‘black cab rapist’ John Worboys may have never been exposed if the curbs were already in place, they fear.The crackdown will also block attempts to enforce human rights even before they reach a courtroom, despite “terrible abuses” being revealed only once a legal case starts, they say.And the plans for past “conduct” to be taken into account when claims are brought for rights violations will hit ethnic minority groups, it is feared.The Bill will establish “the primacy of UK case law”, so UK courts are not required to “follow” the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) in Strasbourg.Brexit legal experts have warned this risks retaliation from the EU, under the terms of the Christmas 2020 trade and cooperation agreement, which “locked in” the UK’s future commitment to the ECHR.Brussels can suspend the parts of the deal ensuring security cooperation if the UK does not sufficiently protect fundamental rights or the rule of law. More

The Northern Ireland protocol – despite sabre rattling from ministers on the issue in recent days the Queen’s Speech did not legislate to scrap the key part of Boris Johnson’s Brexit agreement, but did insist the deal “needs to change”. The cost of living – ministers did not unveil any new legislation despigned specifically to tackle the cost of living crisis. Although fiscal measures might be expected more during a Budget announcement that a legislative programme like the Queen’s Speech the government will face anger that it has failed to announce anything help to mitigate soaring household bills.Fur and foie gras legislation – ministers have dropped plans to ban the import of fur and foie gras. The measures had been included in the Animals Abroad Bill, which was scrapped earlier this year to the anger of campaigners, and have not been revived.Football regulator – ministers will face criticism for not bringing forward a Bill to establish an independent football regulator. The new body was recommended by a fan-led review into the game, which followed an outcry last year after moves to establish a European super league. Employment Bill – the government has been accused of “turning its back” on workers after the pledged Bill did not make the final draft of the Queen’s Speech. Unions warn legislation is needed to improve conditions for workers and deal with a rise in insecure work. More

A Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill will attempt to finally put flesh on Boris Johnson’s troubled promise to revive struggling areas, widely criticised as vacuous.The wide-ranging legislation will do everything from extending devolution deals to granting new powers to bring empty premises back into use and allowing more al fresco dining.But at its heart will be a legal duty on the government to produce an annual progress report on the 12 “levelling up missions”, set out in Michael Gove’s plans earlier this year.These dozen aims range from boosting pay, jobs, transport connectivity and research and development spending in less-prosperous areas to “restoring local pride” in those communities.They have already been criticised for largely being vague, unambitious, or impossible to measure – and the target for delivering improvements is a distant 2030.The flagship policy has also been undermined by Rishi Sunak’s refusal to commit to any extra spending, despite the many ‘Red Wall’ Tories in vulnerable marginal seats in the North and Midlands.The Queen’s Speech says the Levelling Up Bill will:* Give all of England the “opportunity to benefit from a devolution deal by 2030 – giving local leaders the powers they need to drive real improvement in their communities”.* Create a local “non-negotiable levy to deliver the infrastructure that communities need, such as housing, schools, GPs and new roads” – replacing Section 106 agreements.* Give town halls “new powers to bring empty premises back into use and instigate rental auctions of vacant commercial properties in town centres and on high streets”* Give residents “more of a say over changing street names and ensuring everyone can continue to benefit from al fresco dining”.The description of the Bill is unlikely to kill criticism of vacuity, pledging to boost “economic dynamism and innovation to drive growth across the whole country, unleashing the power of the private sector to unlock jobs and opportunity for all”.And it betrays the concerns of Southern Tories, who fear their voters are turning away from the party over the perception that the “Red Wall’ is Mr Johnson’s priority.It states: “Levelling up is not about pulling down more prosperous areas, any particular points of the compass or preferment for any one part of the country at the expense of any other, but rather extending opportunity across the UK.” More

Boris Johnson has stepped up threats to tear up the Northern Ireland Protocol ahead of an expected Bill as early as next week, warning Dublin the crisis is “now very serious”.The prime minister told Micheál Martin, the Irish Taoiseach, that “repeated efforts” to reach agreement with the EU had failed – accusing Brussels of failing to take “the steps necessary”.Legislation to override the Brexit deal – potentially triggering a hugely damaging trade war with the EU – could be published next week, allies of Liz Truss are suggesting.But one senior Tory accused Mr Johnson of “sabre rattling again”, warning the UK’s reputation will suffer if it moves “unilaterally” to shred an international agreement it has signed.“Inflation up, recession on horizon and we think now a good time for a trade war with our nearest neighbours?” Simon Hoare, the chair of the Commons Northern Ireland Affairs committee asked.Draft legislation has been drawn up to abolish the checks on goods exported from Britain for use in Northern Ireland that Mr Johnson signed up to in the 2019 agreement.It is thought it could also allow businesses in Northern Ireland to disregard EU rules and regulations and remove the power of the European Court of Justice to rule on issues.The Bill – if passed into law by parliament – would override the Protocol, which kept the north within the EU single market and customs union, to avoid a hard border in Ireland.Downing Street said the two leaders agreed on the vital importance of restoring the devolved institutions in Northern Ireland as soon as possible, amid a Democratic Unionist Party boycott.But a spokesperson said: “The prime minister made clear that the situation in respect of the Northern Ireland Protocol was now very serious.”“The balance of the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement was being undermined and the recent elections had further demonstrated that the Protocol was not sustainable in its current form.”No 10 said “the European Commission had not taken the steps necessary to help address the economic and political disruption on the ground”“The prime minister reiterated that the UK government would take action to protect peace and political stability in Northern Ireland if solutions could not be found,” the spokesperson added.But Mr Martin urged London to pull back, tweeting: “Spoke to Prime Minister Boris Johnson this morning. On the Protocol, I stressed need to intensify EU and UK discussions, and to avoid any unilateral action.”Allies of Ms Truss have appeared to name Rishi Sunak, the chancellor, and levelling up secretary Michael Gove as opponents of a unilateral move – amid fears for the economy.The cabinet is not yet thought to have agreed the next move, with the prime minister also weighing up how to boost his support among Tory MPs amid the ongoing Partygate scandal. More

Months after Boris Johnson was hit by revelations of Downing Street parties during strict Covid rules, Sir Keir Starmer is facing his own allegations of breaches. The names may be similar – “Partygate” and “Beergate” – but the gatherings and the politicians’ reactions to them differ. Both men have been under intense scrutiny for their involvement in events that took place during when the nation faced strict rules over socialising in a bid to curb the spread of Covid. While the prime minister has resisted calls to resign over Partygate, it has been suggested it played a role in Tory defeats in local elections. One of his own MPs said public anger over the scandal was the “clear message” sent by voters. Meanwhile Sir Keir is facing renewed attention over a meal in Durham last spring after police opened an investigation.He is being accused of hypocrisy by Tories following his fierce criticism of those involved in Partygate. But can we compare the two? And where are they different?Let’s take a look:What happened?Sir Keir is facing allegations from opponents that a beer-and-curry gathering in Durham in April last year breached lockdown rules.Labour insists the food was consumed between work events, meaning it was within the rules despite the ban on indoor socialising.But the Labour leader faced fresh questions after a leaked memo suggested the takeaway was planned, with no further work apparently scheduled after dinner.Meanwhile Partygate centres around a number of social events held in Downing Street and the Cabinet Office during strict Covid restrictions. This includes a “bring your own booze” party, leaving dos and reports of a surprise gathering for the prime minister’s birthday. The Independent has run through all party allegations here. What were the rules at the time?At the time of the Durham event, Covid rules meant that indoor gatherings were prevented apart from for work purposes.As Partygate spans nearly a year, the laws and restrictions changed between events. For example, the first one – a wine and pizza gathering was held in the No 10 rose garden in May 2020 – took place while people from different households could only meet one-on-one outdoors.When two leaving drinks reportedly happened the day before the Queen sat alone at Prince Philip’s funeral nearly a year later, indoor mixing was banned in England. Are police involved?Yes to both. Last week, Durham Constabulary said it would investigate the Beergate gathering for potential breaches of Covid laws following “significant” new information. It had previously decided to take no action over it. The Metropolitan Police launched an investigation into Partygate earlier this year following intense pressure and has been issuing fines ever since. It is looking at 12 events as part of this “Operation Hillman”. Who has been fined?So far, no one has been fined over Beergate. In contract, more than 50 fixed penalty notices have been handed out by the Met over Partygate – including to Mr Johnson, his wife Carrie Johnson and Chancellor Rishi Sunak. What have the party leaders said?On Monday, Sir Keir has vowed to resign as Labour leader if he is fined by police over Beergate, saying this would be the “right thing” to do. But he has insisted no rules were broken at the beer-and-curry gathering. Mr Johnson – still prime minister – has obviously not resigned after receiving his Partygate fine. Instead, he offered the British public a “full apology” and also apologised to MPs in parliament. What have their own MPs said?Senior Tories called for Mr Johnson to go after he received a fixed penalty notice in April. Others defended him, including Jacob Rees-Mogg and Grant Shapps, who said the PM was “mortified” but did not break Covid laws with “malice” nor “intent”. Close allies of Sir Keir have also rushed to his defence, including Lisa Nandy – who called her boss “Mr Rules” who isolated six times in the pandemic – and Wes Streeting, who said the party was not “entertaining” the idea of the leader stepping down as no rules were broken. Dianne Abbot said the Labour leader should “consider his position” if he is fined but thought there was “a lot of hype built up by the Tory press” over Beergate. More

The Prince of Wales delivered the Queen’s Speech on Tuesday as he stepped in for his mother, who missed the occasion for only the third time.The speech unveiled a package of 38 bills outlining the legislative plans of Boris Johnson’s government for the next year.Here is the full text of the speech:“My lords and members of the House of Commons.“My Government’s priority is to grow and strengthen the economy and help ease the cost of living for families.“My Government will level up opportunity in all parts of the country and support more people into work.“My ministers will continue to support the police to make the streets safer, and fund the National Health Service to reduce the Covid backlogs.“In these challenging times, my Government will play a leading rolein defending democracy and freedom across the world, including continuing tosupport the people of Ukraine.“My Government will drive economic growth to improve living standards and fund sustainable investment in public services.“This will be underpinned by a responsible approach to the public finances, reducing debt while reforming and cutting taxes.“My ministers will support the Bank of England to return inflation to its target.“A bill will be brought forward to drive local growth, empowering local leaders to regenerate their areas, and ensuring everyone can share in the United Kingdom’s success.“The planning system will be reformed to give residents more involvement in local development.“My Government will improve transport across the United Kingdom, delivering safer, cleaner services and enabling more innovations. Legislation will be introduced to modernise rail services and improve reliability for passengers.“My ministers will bring forward an Energy Bill to deliver the transition to cheaper, cleaner, and more secure energy. This will build on the success of the COP26 Summit in Glasgow last year.“Draft legislation to promote competition, strengthen consumer rights and protect households and businesses will be published.“Measures will also be published to create new competition rules fordigital markets and the largest digital firms.“My Government will establish the UK Infrastructure Bank in legislation, withobjectives to support economic growth and the delivery of net zero.“Reforms to education will help every child fulfil their potential wherever they live, raising standards and improving the quality of schools and higher education.“My ministers will publish draft legislation to reform the Mental Health Act.“My Government will continue to seize the opportunities of the United Kingdom’s departure from the European Union, to support economic growth. Regulations on businesses will be repealed and reformed.“A bill will enable law inherited from the European Union to be more easily amended.“Public sector procurement will be simplified to provide new opportunities for small businesses.“New legislation will strengthen the United Kingdom’s financial services industry, ensuring that it continues to act in the interest of all people and communities.“The United Kingdom’s data protection regime will be reformed.“My Government will continue to champion international trade, delivering jobs across the country and growing the economy.“Legislation will be introduced to enable the implementation of the United Kingdom’s first new Free Trade Agreements since leaving the European Union.“My Ministers will encourage agricultural and scientific innovation at home.“Legislation will unlock the potential of new technologies to promote sustainable and efficient farming and food production.“My Government will protect the integrity of the United Kingdom’s borders and ensure the safety of its people.“My ministers will take action to prevent dangerous and illegal Channel crossings and tackle the criminal gangs who profit from facilitating them.“Legislation will be introduced to ensure the police have the powers to make the streets safer.“A bill will be brought forward to further strengthen powers to tackle illicit finance, reduce economic crime and help businesses grow.

My Government’s priority is to grow and strengthen the economy and help ease the cost of living for families.The Prince of Wales delivering the Queen’s Speech“Measures will be introduced to support the security services and help them protect the United Kingdom.“My Government will lead the way in championing security around the world. It will continue to invest in our gallant Armed Forces.“My ministers will work closely with international partners to maintain a united NATO and address the most pressing global security challenges.“The continued success and integrity of the whole of the United Kingdom is ofparamount importance to my Government, including the internal economic bonds between all of its parts.“My Government will prioritise support for the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement and its institutions, including through legislation to address the legacy of the past.“My Government will ensure the constitution is defended. My ministers will restore the balance of power between the legislature and the courts by introducing a Bill of Rights.“Legislation will prevent public bodies engaging in boycotts that undermine community cohesion.“My Government will introduce legislation to improve the regulation of social housing to strengthen the rights of tenants and ensure better quality, safer homes.“Legislation will also be introduced to ban conversion therapy.“Proposals will be published to establish an independent regulator of English football.“In this year of my Platinum Jubilee, I look forward to the celebrations taking place across the United Kingdom and throughout the Commonwealth, and to the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham this summer.“Members of the House of Commons. Estimates for the public services will be laid before you.“My lords and members of the House of Commons. Other measures will be laid before you.“I pray that the blessing of Almighty God may rest upon your counsels.” More

The Prince of Wales delivered the Queen’s Speech on Tuesday as he stepped in for his mother, who missed the occasion for only the third time.The speech unveiled a package of 38 bills outlining the legislative plans of Boris Johnson’s government for the next year.Here is the full text of the speech:“My lords and members of the House of Commons.“My Government’s priority is to grow and strengthen the economy and help ease the cost of living for families.“My Government will level up opportunity in all parts of the country and support more people into work.“My ministers will continue to support the police to make the streets safer, and fund the National Health Service to reduce the Covid backlogs.“In these challenging times, my Government will play a leading rolein defending democracy and freedom across the world, including continuing tosupport the people of Ukraine.“My Government will drive economic growth to improve living standards and fund sustainable investment in public services.“This will be underpinned by a responsible approach to the public finances, reducing debt while reforming and cutting taxes.“My ministers will support the Bank of England to return inflation to its target.“A bill will be brought forward to drive local growth, empowering local leaders to regenerate their areas, and ensuring everyone can share in the United Kingdom’s success.“The planning system will be reformed to give residents more involvement in local development.“My Government will improve transport across the United Kingdom, delivering safer, cleaner services and enabling more innovations. Legislation will be introduced to modernise rail services and improve reliability for passengers.“My ministers will bring forward an Energy Bill to deliver the transition to cheaper, cleaner, and more secure energy. This will build on the success of the COP26 Summit in Glasgow last year.“Draft legislation to promote competition, strengthen consumer rights and protect households and businesses will be published.“Measures will also be published to create new competition rules fordigital markets and the largest digital firms.“My Government will establish the UK Infrastructure Bank in legislation, withobjectives to support economic growth and the delivery of net zero.“Reforms to education will help every child fulfil their potential wherever they live, raising standards and improving the quality of schools and higher education.“My ministers will publish draft legislation to reform the Mental Health Act.“My Government will continue to seize the opportunities of the United Kingdom’s departure from the European Union, to support economic growth. Regulations on businesses will be repealed and reformed.“A bill will enable law inherited from the European Union to be more easily amended.“Public sector procurement will be simplified to provide new opportunities for small businesses.“New legislation will strengthen the United Kingdom’s financial services industry, ensuring that it continues to act in the interest of all people and communities.“The United Kingdom’s data protection regime will be reformed.“My Government will continue to champion international trade, delivering jobs across the country and growing the economy.“Legislation will be introduced to enable the implementation of the United Kingdom’s first new Free Trade Agreements since leaving the European Union.“My Ministers will encourage agricultural and scientific innovation at home.“Legislation will unlock the potential of new technologies to promote sustainable and efficient farming and food production.“My Government will protect the integrity of the United Kingdom’s borders and ensure the safety of its people.“My ministers will take action to prevent dangerous and illegal Channel crossings and tackle the criminal gangs who profit from facilitating them.“Legislation will be introduced to ensure the police have the powers to make the streets safer.“A bill will be brought forward to further strengthen powers to tackle illicit finance, reduce economic crime and help businesses grow.

My Government’s priority is to grow and strengthen the economy and help ease the cost of living for families.The Prince of Wales delivering the Queen’s Speech“Measures will be introduced to support the security services and help them protect the United Kingdom.“My Government will lead the way in championing security around the world. It will continue to invest in our gallant Armed Forces.“My ministers will work closely with international partners to maintain a united NATO and address the most pressing global security challenges.“The continued success and integrity of the whole of the United Kingdom is ofparamount importance to my Government, including the internal economic bonds between all of its parts.“My Government will prioritise support for the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement and its institutions, including through legislation to address the legacy of the past.“My Government will ensure the constitution is defended. My ministers will restore the balance of power between the legislature and the courts by introducing a Bill of Rights.“Legislation will prevent public bodies engaging in boycotts that undermine community cohesion.“My Government will introduce legislation to improve the regulation of social housing to strengthen the rights of tenants and ensure better quality, safer homes.“Legislation will also be introduced to ban conversion therapy.“Proposals will be published to establish an independent regulator of English football.“In this year of my Platinum Jubilee, I look forward to the celebrations taking place across the United Kingdom and throughout the Commonwealth, and to the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham this summer.“Members of the House of Commons. Estimates for the public services will be laid before you.“My lords and members of the House of Commons. Other measures will be laid before you.“I pray that the blessing of Almighty God may rest upon your counsels.” More