New laws to counter threat from foreign spies 11/05/2021, 11:54 am
The move comes amid widespread concern about the activities of Russian spies in the wake of the Salisbury nerve agent attack (PA)
The Government is to strengthen Britain’s “archaic” counter-espionage laws amid growing concern about the security threat from foreign spies operating in the UK.
The Queen’s Speech includes a commitment to a Counter-State Threats Bill which will create a US-style register of foreign agents.
Under American law, individuals working on behalf of foreign governments, officials or political parties are required to register with the Department of Justice and file reports about their activities.
Some Americans are misunderstanding the Queen’s speech and people are amused Kate Plummer
Scores of non-Brits have misunderstood the Queen’s speech, much to the enjoyment of people on social media.
A number of American Twitter users have overemphasised Her Majesty’s role in the proceedings, in which she formally reopens Parliament and outlines the Government’s priorities for the year ahead.
Just to be clear, that’s the Government’s priorities, not hers.
The sovereign has more of a figurehead role and does not initiate legislation in Parliament, nor vote on it.
She reads out the speech in the House of Lords, but it was written by ministers. Her being there is just another part of the pomp and ceremony of British political culture.
UK Plans New Law to Counter Threat From Foreign Spies
The government is to strengthen Britain’s “archaic” counter-espionage laws amid growing concern about the security threat from foreign spies operating in the UK.
The Queen’s Speech includes a commitment to a Counter-State Threats Bill which will create a U.S.-style register of foreign agents.
Under American law, individuals working on behalf of foreign governments, officials, or political parties are required to register with the Department of Justice and file reports about their activities.
Ministers believe the scheme will help curb the activities of foreign espionage agents and other foreign interference in the UK.
All the bills and legislation outlined in Queen s Speech and what it means
Around 30 pieces of legislation were outlined at today s State Opening of Parliament - here s a rundown of the government s new legislative agenda and what it all means
16:27, 11 MAY 2021
Updated
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Boris Johnson said the Queen’s Speech sets out a plan for “unleashing our nation’s full potential” as the UK recovers from coronavirus.
The Queen set out the Government’s programme in her first major public ceremonial appearance since the death of her husband, the Duke of Edinburgh.
But measures to address the long-standing issue of social care funding were not included in the speech.
Proposals on social care will be brought forward later this year, the Government said – despite Mr Johnson’s promise when he entered No 10 two years ago that he had already prepared a “clear plan” to fix the system.