4 June 2014
The Queen’s Speech, which sets out plans for the Coalition's final year in power, contains little legislation which will deliver real change for the common good, says the Green Party.
Only the Green Party, which yesterday presented four bills which would deliver a fairer, more sustainable future system (1), is fighting for a genuine break from the tired, business-as-usual politics and policies that place corporate interests ahead of the common good.
In a joint statement, issued with the Queen's SpeechPrime Minister David Cameron and Deputy PM Nick Clegg described their legislative plans as "unashamedly pro-work, pro-business and pro-aspiration."
The Queen’s Speech contained measures to allow fracking firms to run shale gas pipelines deep under private land without getting prior permission.
Responding to the new drilling rights, Jenny Jones, the Green Party peer, said:
“The Infrastructure Bill, which will allow shale gas companies to drill under people’s homes and land without their permission, is the latest in a long line of measures from the Coalition to force through fracking – despite opposition from 74% of voters. The Bill rides roughshod over the public interest in pursuit of the vested interests and greed of a few. Sadly, that’s what we’ve come to expect from this government.
Baroness Jones of Moulsecoomb continued:
"To avoid climate catastrophe, we need a rapid shift to a zero carbon economy. Funnelling resources into creating a whole new fossil fuel industry endangers our futures. For both people and planet we need radical thinking which delivers real change. The 11 bills in this Queen's Speech contain no such thinking and show just how out of touch the Coalition remains."