Terror:

The Queen's Speech and accompanying briefing papers did not go into details on what is sure to be the most controversial aspect of the new security Bill, but Jacqui Smith, the Home Secretary, is known to want to double the amount of time terror suspects can be questioned by police without charge - currently limited to 28 days. The last attempt to increase the limit led to Tony Blair's first defeat in the Commons, in November 2005.

It was also confirmed that the new counter-terrorism Bill will also allow police to question terror suspects after they have been charged. Currently, they cannot question arrested people about evidence which comes to light after charges are brought. Briefing papers said the legislation would allow “adverse inferences” to be drawn by prosecutors if the suspects failed tomention something later relied on in court.

The Bill will bring in a foreign travel order which will bar convicted terrorists from travelling overseas, and include funding arrangements for protecting key sites from terrorist attack.

Education:

Parents will be required by law to help make sure their children stay in education until the age of 18. A new Education and Skills Bill, confirmed in the Queen’s Speech, will raise the age at which teenagers can leave compulsory education for the first time in 35 years.

Employers and young people themselves will also be under legal obligations to comply with the new leaving age - although the proposals have run into opposition from children’s campaigners and the Conservatives, while parents have questioned the plans.

Teenagers who refuse to stay on face spot fines of £50 or court fines of £200. Parents could also be fined.

Crime:

The Criminal Justice and Immigration Bill will make it illegal to incite hatred against the disabled and people who have undergone a sex change. This represents an extension of plans announced last month by Jack Straw, the Justice Secretary, to make it illegal to incite homophobic hatred. It follows similar moves to tackle religious hate crime, which were passed last year after lengthy rows over freedom of speech.

The Bill will also feature a police crackdown on antisocial neighbours. Police will be allowed to apply for private or rented premises to be closed within 48 hours of complaints of excessive noise, rowdy behaviour, prostitution or disorder.

The Government said that the Bill would also clarify legislation on self-defence so that people who use reasonable force to protect themselves or others have full protection under the law.

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