Letter from Westminster (From Redditch Advertiser)

Letter from Westminster

12:00pm Sunday 29th November 2009

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Last week in Parliament, we had the pomp and ceremony of the Queen’s Speech. The Queen’s speech spells out the Government programme for this session – our Parliamentary work plan! When the banks faced collapse last year and the global recession hit, it was right for government to step in and prevent a meltdown of the banks.

Imagine what would have happened if the banks had collapsed – going to withdraw money from your bank and finding none there. Salaries not being paid. Debit cards no longer working at the supermarket. But to do more to protect people in the future the Labour Government has begun the biggest shake-up of the banking sector for many years.

The Financial Services Bill, which I will support and vote for in Parliament, will take tough action to make sure banks themselves, not the taxpayer, are made to pay for bank failings.

I know that local people have suffered from the actions of unscrupulous wheel clampers. The Crime and Security Bill will put this right by bringing in a compulsory licensing scheme for all wheel clamping businesses. There will be limits on how much they can fine people, rules about when a car can be towed away and bring in a fair process so that you can complain if you think you have been unfairly treated.

It will also make sure the right people are on our DNA database. It will keep a permanent DNA record of convicted offenders and hold the DNA of adults who are arrested, but not charged, for six years. It will allow the police to take DNA samples and fingerprints at any time after conviction for a serious crime. And to take a DNA sample from serious violent and sexual offenders returning to the UK following a conviction overseas.

Our world leading use of DNA has helped police to catch murderers and rapists who would otherwise still be at large. I can’t understand people who oppose this vital tool to keep us safe.

These are just two of the Bills featured in the Queen’s speech. I’ll keep people updated on how we get on with delivering the full programme over the coming months in Parliament.

Jayne Smith

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