British Prime Minister Tony Blair's Government today unveiled a packed programme for Parliament with security at its centre - setting the scene for an election expected next year.
The Queen's speech unveiled 32 Bills, more than the previous two years, including measures to bring in ID cards to combat terrorists and the creation of the British equivalent of America's FBI.
Britain's Queen Elizabeth
The new crime-fighting force, called the Serious Organised Crime Agency, or Soca, will attempt to crack down on drug gangs, people traffickers, major fraudsters and internet paedophiles.
A draft Counter-Terrorism Bill was also announced. Although few details were given, it is eventually expected to include provisions such as no-jury terrorism trials and the use of phone-tapping evidence in court.
The Queen said in her address: "My Government recognises that we live in a time of global uncertainty with an increased threat from international terrorism and organised crime."
She said the theme of the next parliamentary session would be "security and opportunity for all".
Her speech, from the golden Royal Throne in the House of Lords, was accompanied by the traditional pomp and pageantry - but was also delivered against the background of heightened security at Westminster.
Other measures announced today are designed to make people feel more secure in their own homes and streets.
The Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Bill will give local councils more powers to tackle fly-tipping, abandoned cars, noise nuisance and light pollution, with measures such as spot fines.
A Road Safety Bill will give police new powers to tackle drink-driving and uninsured drivers and make sure foreign drivers cannot escape punishment in Britain.
It will also introduce stiffer fines for using mobile phones while driving and a new graduated points system for speeding.
And Mr Blair fulfilled his promise to trades unions for action on corporate manslaughter with a draft Bill included in the programme.