The Fourth Session UK legislative programme unveiled in the Queen’s Speech on 3 December contains measures of relevance to the people of Northern Ireland.

The following is a summary of the legislation announced in the Queen’s Speech and its impact in Northern Ireland. It includes both new Bills that will be introduced in the next Session and Bills carried over from the last Session. It does not include draft Bills.

The list also identifies the lead Government Department.

The following Bills extend to Northern Ireland, in whole or in part, and deal mainly with excepted or reserved matters. Discussions will continue between the Government and the Northern Ireland Executive to ensure that where provisions that deal with devolved matters are included in any of these Bills, the consent of the Northern Ireland Assembly will be sought for them:

Banking (HM Treasury) (Introduced in the 3rd Session)

Political Parties and Elections (MOJ) (Introduced in the 3rd Session)

Savings Gateway (HM Treasury)

Borders, Immigration and Citizenship (HO)

Coroners and Justice (MOJ)

Child Poverty (Child Poverty Unit)

Policing and Crime (HO)

It is intended that the following Bills will extend to Northern Ireland to varying degrees. They will require the consent of the Northern Ireland Assembly in relation to those provisions in the devolved field:

Marine (DEFRA)

Health (DoH)

Children, Skills and Learning (DCSF)

Discussions will continue between the Government and the Northern Ireland Executive on Bills that might include provisions that require the consent of the Northern Ireland Assembly.

The following Bills will have limited or no impact in Northern Ireland:

Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction (DCLG)

Equality (GEO)

Welfare Reform (DWP)