Queen's Speech move a 'power grab'

The government has been accused of making a "major power grab" after announcing plans to extend the parliamentary time available to get through its legislation.

Labour reacted with fury after the Leader of the Commons, Sir George Young, announced that the next Queen's Speech - in which the government sets out its annual legislative programme - would not be held until 2012.

Sir George said it was part of a series of changes, which will also see the annual State Opening of Parliament take place in the spring rather than the autumn, to fit in with the coalition's plan for fixed-term five-year parliaments.

Labour complained that the government was giving itself two years to get through its current programme.

MPs said it removed the pressure on ministers to agree concessions rather than risk losing a Bill because it had run out of time as the parliamentary session came to an end.

Rosie Winterton MP, the shadow leader of the House, told the Commons: "Any government may expect a reasonable time to get its legislation through, but if it can't get its legislation through, that legislation must fall.

"No session of parliament over the last century and a half has lasted for two years. This is, in effect, an abuse of power."

Sir George said the plan would give MPs more time to scrutinise legislation.