What's in a speech?

Solicitors will have been disappointed with much of the Homes Bill, and the draft proceeds of crime bill could have serious implications for privilege

Queen's Speeches immediately preceding a likely general election have to taken with a pinch of salt, and last week's was no exception.As far as lawyers were concerned, there were several surprises - some welcome, but most not.Of greatest disappointment to criminal law specialist practitioners - a group fast falling out of love with the government - will be the plan to bring back the Mode of Trial Bill.This could be a simple piece of electioneering by ministers who view its prospect as a vote winner with the masses but who have no real intention of forcing it through parliament.

On the other hand, the government has shown that it is not frightened of invoking the Parliament Act and this legislation might yet be enacted.Solicitors will also have been disappointed with much of the Homes Bill.

There are significant problems with the sellers' survey, and it is wrong that those who do not comply should face a criminal sanction.

And the proceeds of crime draft bill has clauses which could encroach on the solicitor/client relationship and have serious implications for the concept of privilege.On the up side, the draft bill on leasehold reform and commonhold is a sound consumer measure.

Ultimately, however, next year's Queen's Speech should be more interesting.