13 April 2012
Gambling Bill

Purpose: First overhaul of the gaming laws for 36 years. Needed to regulate gambling on the internet but, controversially, ushers in 24-hour giant casinos to underpin urban regeneration.

Prospects: Endangered. While supporting industry regulati
on, the Tories want fewer super-casinos and help for British firms facing foreign competition. Labour could drop the Bill until after the election rather than accept changes.

ID cards

Purpose: Former home secretary David Blunkett's pet project to combat crime and terrorism using compulsory identification documents with unique biometric details linked to a database of every adult.

Prospects: Nil. Although popular with the public, the Bill is too controversial to be rushed through in a few days. Labour may force a token vote to embarrass the Tories.

Outlawing religious hatred

Purpose: Makes it a crime to commit or incite religious hatred and is especially aimed at protecting Muslims from "disguised" racism.

Prospects: Poor. There is widespread opposition to the Bill, but Labour would use any Tory veto to woo Muslims disenchanted by the Iraq war.

Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Bill

Purpose: Creates powers for councils to tackle dog fouling, graffiti, litter, abandoned cars and flyposting.

Prospects: Poor. The Bill has had little scrutiny or debating time so far, although a deal is possible because its aims are popular.

Serious and Organised Crime Bill

Purpose: Establishes an FBI-style national police force to tackle organised crime gangs. Includes the religious hatred ban. Prospects: Good. The Tories are nervous about opposing a Bill that helps fight crime but their price may be the removal of the religious discrimination clause.

Constitutional Reform Bill

Purpose: Major judicial reforms, including the creation of a supreme court.

Prospects: Only if the Government accepts defeats inflicted in Lords over the role of the Lord Chancellor.

Merger of the Inland Revenue and HM Customs and Excise

Purpose: To create efficiency and savings in the two big money-raising government departments.

Prospects: Good. Plans are well advanced and have widespread support.

Child Benefit Bill

Purpose: Extends weekly payments to families with children aged 16 to 19 who are in education.

Prospects: Excellent.

Drugs Bill

Purpose: Compulsory treatment for those who test positive for drugs at police stations and bans "magic mushroom" trade.

Prospects: In danger of being lost.

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