Jack Straw, Lord Privy Seal and Leader of the House of Commons

I am delighted to introduce this latest edition. This year has demonstrated that, once again, Parliament is at the heart of great debates on the future of this country.

For me, this session already has marked its place in Parliamen-tary history with the votes of MPs on House of Lords reform. After nearly a hundred years, the Commons has shown a clear desire for a wholly or predominantly elected Upper House. This victory for progressive change will not be ignored.

While we are still at the early stages of the Government's latest legislative programme, a majority of the Bills announced last November in the Queen's Speech are undergoing detailed scrutiny.

Among many key measures, five have already become law. They include the Investment Exchanges and Clearing Houses Act, safeguarding the UK's proportionate risk-based approach to regulating wholesale financial markets that has made London the vital hub for international business; and the Northern Ireland (St Andrews Agreement) Act, paving the way for what everyone must hope will be the start of a positive new era.

Legislation on welfare reform, the review of local government, establishing the independence of Government statistics and a review of pensions has made steady progress through Parliament.

In the weeks ahead, we will be dealing also with serious crime, the courts and further education.

The Climate Change Bill, recently published in draft form for wide public consultation, establishes a Parliamentary landmark as we confront the most significant threat for a generation.

Now in the second session of a third successive term, the Government also has set its sights clearly on the future and the key reforms which will shape the way the country tackles the complexities of the 21st Century.

My colleagues and I have been engaged in a wide ranging review of policy. Since last October, there have been 15 sessions at Cabinet-level, covering the six strands of the review.

As the Prime Minister indicated when he unveiled the results of the first policy review strand, front line health and education services should have more focus on the needs of those who use them.

In the coming weeks, reports will be published on other areas of the review, including environment and energy, and security, crime and justice. Much of this will feed into the Government's future White Papers and legislation.

In 2007, both Government and Parliament, in their distinctive ways, show that they are firmly engaged with the public debate on the issues that matter.