Schools, hospitals, crime and a surprise announcement on reform of the House of Lords are set to dominate the coming session of parliament.

The first legislative agenda of Labour's second term features 20 bills and four draft bills, with the inclusion of further reform of the House of Lords silencing critics of the government.

A wide-ranging programme was set out by the Queen this morning, with health, crime and education dominating the speech. Welfare also featured, with the government set to pursue an "employment first" principle in the benefits system and new laws to establish the new tax credits system.

Controversial measures include plans to bring in the private sector to frontline public services and the proposal to scrap the "double jeopardy" rule.

Despite fears that stage two Lords reform had been shelved, the remaining hereditary peers will be abolished, with the others to be appointed by a special commission and a section to be directly elected.

In education, the government's attention shifts to secondary schools with a fresh drive towards creating specialist schools within the comprehensive system. Under Labour's plans good schools will find it easier to engage the services of the private sector and more City Academies will be created.

New laws will also make it easier for churches, private companies and voluntary groups to develop their own schools within the state system.

The health service will see change, with frontline staff being given the power to control 75 per cent of health spending.

As expected, a bill to overhaul the communications industry did feature - although this will only be published in draft form.

David Blunkett will take up the cudgels of the government's fight against crime with a series of well trailed measures to combat drugs, persistent offenders, seize the assets of criminals and tackle money laundering

He will also pilot measures through parliament to develop a new green card system of work permits.

A Bill will follow the review of Lord Justice Auld into the workings of the courts system - indicating that the government is unlikely to return to the issue of reforming the right to trial by jury until then.

In line with predictions, Blunkett will tackle "Spanish practices" in the police force, bringing in new laws to regulate early retirement and employment rules.

Following the outcry of the Kilshaws, who paid to adopt twins over the internet, there will be a bill to tighten up legislation with particular focus on overseas adoptions.

A draft bill will also be introduced to take forward Lord Cullen's recommendations on rail safety in the wake of the Ladbroke Grove rail crash.

A bill will also be prepared on women's representation which will give the green light to such things as all-women shortlists in parliamentary selection.