I saw today with interest the Queen's annual opening of parliament and heard her read the usual scripted speech written by the government, outlining their plans for the year in terms of legal reforms, new bills and policy shaping for our green and pleasant island.

So, here's my thoughts and commentary..

The measures to tackle immigration which many now agree have got completely out of control under Labour, don't go far enough. But the ability to deport and restrict undesirables, and the clamp down on "NHS tourism" is welcomed. However, the new bill on immigration does not deal with the problem of the one million plus illegal immigrants already here, beyond increasing the fine on employers..it would be wise to introduce heavy fines on anyone housing or assisting illegals, and powers to confiscated money and assets from illegals themselves. A robust all-round approach to illegal immigrants will send the right message to anyone here to leave soon, and others here not to bother trying to enter the UK illegally.

I have mixed feelings about the governments decision to abandon the data and communications monitoring bill. Whilst there are most definitely sound security reasons for the governments need to update laws to keep pace with technological changes within society, particularly the internet, this needs to be done sensitively and sensibly. We do not need a "big brother monitoring all" approach which would be costly and intrusive, but rather, specific powers introduced to allow police and other agencies to monitor individual suspects data and communications by court orders, if such powers don't already exist. Unfortunately we live in a society where people among us are actively plotting terrorist threats against this country, and such security measures are necessary to protect us. Also the nature of crime and particularly organised crime, is changing and increasingly moving to internet technology that is beyond the reach and understanding of current law enforcement.

Posted on 8 May 2013