BRITAIN: The British Prime Minister, Mr Tony Blair, has unveiled a crowded and controversial programme of legislation which could see his first defeat in the House of Commons since coming to power.
The queen's speech at the state opening of parliament yesterday confirmed plans for university students to be charged top-up fees once they have started work - a move which enrages scores of Labour MPs. To add insult to injury, Mr Blair also failed to make clear what will happen to the anti-hunting Bill beloved of backbenchers - with no mention of it in yesterday's legislative programme and ministers refusing to clarify what will happen.
Mr Blair told MPs simply: "We have said we will resolve this issue this parliament. We will resolve this issue this parliament." His spokesman said later: "Discussions within government are continuing."
Tory leader Mr Michael Howard was dismissive in the Commons of the 23 Bills and seven draft Bills, telling MPs: "This Government was elected with great promise and a sweeping mandate. It had the world at its feet and a vast parliamentary army ready to carry forward whatever measures it proposed. And what has happened? In the words of Paul Daniels: 'Not a lot'."
The Higher Education Bill containing powers to charge students top-up university fees was the first measure announced in the queen's speech.
It was also confirmed that an Office for Fair Access would be established to help students from poorer backgrounds, but that is likely to do little to dent Labour rebels' anger. Up to 100 are threatening to vote against the measure and plan to put down a Commons motion today opposing it.
Mr Blair has a working majority of 161, which would be under threat if more than 80 backbenchers vote against him.
Queen Elizabeth's speech, delivered from the golden throne in the House of Lords after the traditional pomp and ceremony of the state opening of parliament, also confirmed plans for a draft ID cards Bill, moves to create a simpler asylum appeals system, plans for same-sex couples to be given extra legal rights, and a commitment to a draft Bill on holding a referendum on the euro if the Government's five economic tests are met.
In a move to extend gay rights, the Civil Partnership Bill will not actually use the term gay marriage, but will allow gays to sign an official document at a register office in front of the registrar and two witnesses. It will even offer couples the right to dissolve the agreement in a form of divorce.
Reflecting the high state of alert in Britain against an al-Qaeda-inspired attack, the government also announced plans for a Civil Contingencies Bill designed to streamline local and national responses to a possible outrage, including updated fire and rescue equipment for dealing with collapsed buildings.
Security around Westminster was tightened for yesterday's state opening. Police would not say how many extra officers were involved in the operation but confirmed that numbers had been increased "sufficient to meet the needs of any contingency".
The queen's speech also confirmed plans to abolish the remaining 92 hereditary peers in the House of Lords and to abolish the office of Lord Chancellor and create a new supreme court.
There will also be legislation preventing convicted criminals from sitting in the Lords, a move seen by some as designed to prevent Lord Archer resuming his seat.
Measures to prevent scandals over the retention of organs without consent from the families were announced, one of few moves not widely previewed.