What to watch for in the Queen's speech

Credit: PA/ Geoff Pugh

When the Queen delivers her speech to MPs and Peers later she'll be setting out David Cameron's first programme of laws as the leader of a Conservative-only government. It'll mean some significant changes as the Prime Minister makes the most of the strong position he finds himself in following the election. Speaking ahead of the Speech, he's said:

It's also expected that the Queen's speech will point to the next stage of devolution for Wales, even though much of the attention in that area will inevitably be focused on Scotland.

I understand that a Wales Bill will be mentioned but the details of further devolution to the Assembly and Welsh Government won't become clear until the autumn when draft legislation is expected to be published.

It'll be based, though on the St. David's Day agreement which followed cross-party talks earlier this year led by the Welsh Secretary Stephen Crabb. You can read more details by clicking here.

Other big changes to look out for include:

Euro Referendum

A law will be introduced paving the way for a referendum on Britain's membership of the European Union. The Conservatives have promised to hold an 'in/out referendum by the end of 2017, although it's thought it could be held as early as next year. That's led to worries from, among others, the First Minister, that it could clash with the Welsh election in May, making it difficult to focus on Wales-only issues during a campaign certain to be dominated by Europe.

Taxes

A legal guaranteeing no rise in income tax, national insurance or VAT before 2020.

A law to increase the amount you can earn before paying income tax from £10,600 to £12,500. The Government says this will mean that anyone working 30 hours a week on the minimum wage will never pay income tax. Due to be implemented by 2020.

Human Rights

Moves to scrap the Human Rights Act and introduce a new British Bill of Rights. Aimed at strengthening independence of the UK Supreme Court form the European court of Human Rights.

Counter extremism

New laws to crack down on radicalisation including new immigration rules and extremism disruption orders.

Immigration Bill

A crackdown on illegal immigration; a new offence of illegal working; a new offence if employers recruit abroad without first advertising in the UK; new powers for councils to deal with unscrupulous landlords and to evict illegal immigrants

Communications and Data Bill

What opponents, including the Liberal Democrats, call 'the snoopers' charter,' it would oblige communications firms to extend the information they store for 12 months to include communications such as those from social media and gaming.

Strike laws

A ban on strike action unless 40% of eligible union members vote for it.

Hunting

The Conservative manifesto promised a free vote in the Commons on repealing the Hunting Ban.

England-only matters which could have an impact on Wales:

NHS funding

Increasing funding to the NHS by £8bn extra a year, leading to extra money for the Welsh Government although it won't be obliged to spend it on the NHS.

Apprentices

A law creating three million more apprenticeships in England, paid for by cutting the benefits cap to £23,000.

Right to Buy

A Housing Bill giving 1.3m housing association tenants in England the right to buy their homes. This is a devolved matter and the Welsh Government has said it wants to abolish the right to buy rather than extend it.

Free childcare

Increasing free childcare for three and four year olds in England from 15 hours to 30 hours a week.

'Coasting' Schools

A new law to force 'coasting' schools in England - as well as those that are failing - to accept new leadership.