Nov. 6 (Bloomberg) -- Prime Minister Gordon Brown, aiming to erase perceptions that the U.K. government's agenda is drifting after a decade in office, put counter-terrorism, the environment and fighting crime at the heart of his legislative plan.

Queen Elizabeth II, formally opening Parliament in London today, outlined 24 bills the government aims to push past lawmakers in the next year. The measures include laws to protect depositors after the run on Northern Rock Plc and to spur construction of more affordable homes.

For Brown, who took over from Tony Blair in June, the speech showcased the Labour Party's political appeal. The government's support among voters slipped in recent weeks after Brown shelved plans to hold an election this year and adopted tax policies of the opposition Conservative Party.

``The challenge for Gordon Brown is to deliver,'' Rick Nye, a pollster at Populus Ltd., said in an interview in London today. After watching the pomp of today's speech, what voters ``actually want is improvement in their everyday lives.''

Labour, which maintained a popularity lead of as much as 11 points over the Conservatives during Brown's first three months in office, now trails in most surveys. Brown said Oct. 6 he decided against an election, admitting he'd made a mistake in allowing speculation to build about a vote.

Conservative View

Conservative leader David Cameron, who said Brown's indecision damaged his credibility, also undercut Labour's support by proposing an inheritance tax cut and a levy on rich foreigners. Brown's government then adopted similar measures.

``The real problem with the queen's speech is simple,'' Cameron said in a debate in the House of Commons. ``It is all short-term tricks, not long-term problem solving.''

Brown, who served as finance minister under Blair for a decade, said he needs more time to set out his plan to voters before an election.

``This is the legislative program that takes the next step forward for a stronger, fairer Britain,'' Brown said, adding that Cameron is not ``discussing the long-term future of the country.''

In today's ceremony, the queen, dressed in robes and the Imperial State Crown, delivered the speech from her throne in the House of Lords. Her appearance is largely symbolic, linking her authority as sovereign to the House of Commons and government ministers.

Black Rod

As tradition dictates, Lieutenant General Sir Michael Willcocks, the queen's representative to Parliament who is known by his title of Black Rod, summoned lawmakers from the House of Commons. The door of the Commons was slammed in his face, symbolizing the independence of the elected chamber.

Brown already had outlined most of his programs after taking office June 27. Today's measures include plans to allow police more access to DNA data of terrorist suspects and to study a lengthening of the period during which authorities can hold them without laying charges.

To fight crime, the government intends to extend sentences for violent offenders and will introduce a set of new offenses for hate crimes. Extreme Internet pornography will be outlawed, and laws will be rebalanced in favor of victims who can show they acted reasonably even if attackers are harmed.

Emissions Cuts

On the environment, the government will set a target of cutting carbon dioxide emissions by 60 percent by 2050. It also will consider rules for carbon capture projects and targets for renewable energy.

Brown also plans laws that would automatically enroll employees in company pension programs. Employers would be required to make minimum contributions.

The government may also extend parental rights to flexible working. Currently companies must consider requests from parents with children as old as six. Brown is now considering raising the threshold.

Confederation of British Industry Deputy Director-General John Cridland said the government ``should beware of increasing numbers eligible to request too far too fast,'' suggesting it would ``jeopardize the future flexibility of those currently eligible'' for flexible working benefits.

In response to concerns about financial stability linked to liquidity problems at Northern Rock Plc, the government will study a law to protect bank deposits and maintain confidence in banks.

To spur building of houses and infrastructure such as nuclear power stations, Brown proposed streamlining planning and establishing a panel for national projects. He also plans rules for financing nuclear waste management and plant decommissioning.

Today's speech is the queen's 11th for the Labour government since took office in 1997. Brown, who has handled floods, farm disease and the run on Northern Rock since he became prime minister, needs to show he can do more than react, said John Bartle, a lecturer in government at Essex University.

``Gordon Brown wants a narrative, but he has to avoid a recurrent theme in the Labour government,'' Bartle said. ``They announce legislation, but then they don't deliver. They need to focus on delivering.''

To contact the reporters on this story: Kitty Donaldson in London at kdonaldson1@bloomberg.net: Mark Deen in London at markdeen@bloomberg.net.

Last Updated: November 6, 2007 12:09 EST