The United Bermuda Party yesterday gave cautious support to a number of Premier Paula Cox's Throne Speech declarations — but called for more to be done in key areas like crime, education and public finances.

As an at-a-glance summary of the Reply to the Throne Speech, leader Kim Swan said the UBP supports the following initiatives unveiled by the new Premier:

• run a leaner, less wasteful Government with $150 million spending cuts in Ms Cox's first fiscal year;

• extend the tax protection regime from 2016 to 2035;

• form a second Police Support Unit and Community Action Teams;

• overhaul immigration laws to create a user-friendly set of guidelines;

• make more affordable health care available;

• launch economic empowerment zones at either end of the Island;

• pass an Equal Pay Act;

• bring in more measures to protect and enhance the environment;

• develop community-based programmes

• introduce whistle-blower legislation and independent counsels for the Auditor General and Ombudsman.

But Mr. Swan said the UBP also wants Government to:

• make savings through a Civil Service hiring freeze;

• cut consultants, for whom nearly $100 million was budgeted this year, and Ministers' perks;

• launch a formal review of the Police Service to ensure it has enough force levels, equipment and budget to tackle gang crime;

• replicate America's Operation Ceasefire which teams up Police and community groups to fight gang violence;

• waive term limits for jobs that historically receive 100 percent work permit approvals;

• reveal a clear plan on education reform;

• explore tax relief for lowest income earners;

• set up anti-corruption legislation, a Contractor General, and Integrity in Public Office legislation to define corrupt practices;

• create a Code of Conduct for MPs and stronger role for the Public Accounts Committee;

• strengthen community centres, after-school programmes and youth development.