Prime minister Tony Blair has promised to continue his government's public services reform programme as a priority for his third term in office.
Speaking on 6 May 2005 after an election victory which saw Labour's majority reduced to 60 seats, Blair emphasised a commitment to reforming key public services. Attempting to strike a note of humility after a campaign in which his party lost much support particularly over Iraq, he said: "I've listened and I've learned, and I think I've a very clear idea what the people now expect from the government in a third term." Echoing the new emphasis on efficiency throughout the public sector Blair pledged "not just the investment but the reform and change".
"I want to keep universal public services (and) know the only way of keeping the consent for them is by making changes necessary for the 21st century," he said while standing outside Number 10.
He promised a "radical programme of legislation" to cover education, health, welfare reform, immigration and crime.
The Queen's Speech, which is scheduled for 16 May, is likely to cover a range of bills which will have strong IT elements.
Despite some speculation that the ID card bill will be changed or dropped, it remains likely to move ahead, although due to the government's slashed majority, Labour rebels in alliance with the Lib Dems will now have much more scope to oppose the bill. The government is set to rely heavily on Conservative support to push it through.
Along with ID cards, two key pieces of legislation planned are an Immigration and Asylum Bill to speed up the applications process, and a bill to reform the benefits system. Both are likely to incorporate major IT systems.
Quelle: KableNET, 06.05.2005
