Sir Keir Starmer has vowed his government agenda can counter the “snake oil charm of populism” and declared an end to the “era of politics as performance and self-interest.”
Following the King’s Speech, the prime minister and Rishi Sunak were debating the contents of the government’s new set of proposed policies.
The new Labour government’s plans include “getting Britain building” by delivering 1.5 million homes and nationalising the country’s railways, King Charles has announced.
In the first State Opening of Parliament under a Labour government since 2009, Charles set out the legislation being prioritised by Sir Keir and his ministers.
He outlined around 35 draft laws including a national housebuilding programme, a a workers’ rights bill, and removing the VAT exemption for private schools to help fund 6,500 new teachers.
The Planning and Infrastructure Bill will seek to allow for land to be bought more cheaply for building, while a new public body, Great British Railways (GBR), will oversee the rail network, and give all English councils new powers to franchise local bus services.
Key Points
- Starmer vows end to ‘era of politics as performance and self-interest'
- Charles announces government’s housebuilding plans in King’s Speech
- Transport reform to allow local control of bus services and nationalisation of railways
- Starmer vows to ‘learn lessons’ after the Infected Blood scandal
- Lib Dems vow to scrutinise Labour’s plans for the NHS
- Keir Starmer reintroduces Tories’ tobacco ban for young people
- Government to recognise Palestinian state and calls for two-state solution
Government urged to prioritise ending homelessness
17:31
Andy Gregory
Responding to the King’s Speech, Sean Palmer, executive director of homelessness charity St Mungo’s, said: “With close to 4,000 people sleeping on the streets every night, and almost 80,000 households experiencing homelessness or at risk of it, ending the homelessness crisis must be prioritised by the new government.
“For frontline homelessness services, guaranteeing ongoing funding is a fundamental first step to ensuring an already terrible situation doesn’t get worse. We look forward to working with the government on this crucial issue.”
Priti Patel defends Tory legacy amid reports of looming leadership bid
17:22
Andy Gregory
Dame Priti Patel has sought to defend the previous Tory goverment’s legacy, as reports suggest she could run to be the next party leader.
The ex-home secretary told the Commons: “We’re going to hear this a lot, which is basically talking down the record of the previous government. But of course much was advanced over the last 14 years, and we’re proud of our record and the transformation that we led including of public finances.
“These are big things that just don’t happen over a few months and weeks. We’re proud that we transformed public finances from the government borrowing £1 in every 4, to a much better fiscal position today.
“We’re proud to have supported the creation of 800 jobs per day on average, having the fastest economic growth of many of our competitors, cutting the tax burden on incomes on fuel duties, overseeing the increases in doctors and nurses working in our NHS, more teacher numbers, and schools raising standards.
“That’s a record we are proud of, including getting more police officers on our streets fighting crime and law and order. So it’s important to be reflective of that.”
In a message to the new government front bench, she added: “It’s all very well trying to rewrite history, because sometimes it does take away attention from the responsibility of having to govern and do the big decisions and choices through slogans.”
Rishi Sunak makes joke about how he became prime minister and lost election
17:04
Andy Gregory
Conservative Party leader Rishi Sunak made a joke about how he became prime minister and lost the general election, as he responded to the King’s speech.
Senior Labour MP warns children facing ‘hobbled’ life chances
16:58
Andy Gregory
Former Commons public accounts committee chair Dame Meg Hillier hit out at government “bungles” as she warned some children in her London constituency face “hobbled” life chances.
Dame Meg said: “In that role I saw many egregious examples of incompetence, bungling and waste, whether it’s water companies, school buildings falling down with reinforced concrete and other things, rail infrastructure a running sore, defence procurement a national embarrassment, and the scandal of PPE procurement during Covid.
“Again and again, government bungles, poorly drafted contracts, lack of oversight, dodged responsibilities, endless excuses, and the taxpayer picking up the tab.”
The Hackney South and Shoreditch MP added: “No parent should be having to skip meals to feed their kids, which is what’s happening too often in Hackney and elsewhere in the country.
“No child should be arriving at school with a rumbling tummy, which is why I welcome the breakfast clubs we already have in Hackney and the fact that one of the first acts of this Labour Government will be to make sure that every child in primary school has a decent breakfast.
“When we talk about stagnant wages, low productivity, flattening growth, lack of investment in skills in schools and the abolition of Sure Start and the gig economy, there is human cost.
“Right now in a Hackney school there is a hungry child whose huge potential is being wasted, whose opportunities are stunted and whose life chances are hobbled.”
Stephen Flynn calls for GB Energy to be headquartered in Aberdeen
16:56
Andy Gregory
“There is one area where I hope the prime minister can put a smile on my face, and that’s in relation to GB Energy”, SNP Wesminster leader Stephen Flynn has told the Commons.
“Because I’m moderately surprised that we haven’t had an announcement yet that it’s due to be headquartered in Aberdeen – perhaps, of course, in the Aberdeen South constituency that I represent.
“Indeed, Aberdeen and Grampian chamber of commerce hired a van today which has been patrolling the streets outside parliament calling for it to come home – and that is the only time I will ever use those words – and it should come home, straight to the energy capital of Europe.”
He added: “I also want to see a lot more detail about what GB Energy is going to deliver because if I’ve read correctly, £8.3bn cumulatively over the course of the next five years will go towards GB Energy, some £1.6bn each and every year. Well one hydropump storage project in Scotland would almost blow that entire budget apart.
“We know that GB Energy isn’t going to sell energy, distribute energy. We appear to know it’s not going to generate energy, it’s suggested it will be an investment vehicle for projects to go forward. But if it’s going to be capped at £.16bn per year, I have to question the ambition. How does that deliver the change required?”
He said that would require some £28bn each year, adding: “What a contrast to the ambitions they once had.”
‘We will’: Laughter as Stephen Flynn says SNP will be as ‘constructive as we can’
16:45
Andy Gregory
“The opportunity that is now in front of this Labour government is enormous. They have a parliamentary majority which will go down in history, an that affords them ... the ability to deliver change. What that change looks like, and perhaps more importantly what it feels like for people in their homes is so important.
“My colleagues and I on the SNP benches will try to do everything that we possibly can to be as constructive as we can,” he continued, adding: “We will,” as some light laughter emerged from the Commons benches.
But Mr Flynn said he was disappointed by measures left out of the King’s Speech, including measures to end the “heinous” two-child benefit cap.
He asks how Scottish Labour MPs will vote on the issue, highlighting divisions in opinion with Sir Keir Starmer’s party south of the border.
SNP’s Flynn jokes he isn’t sure who emerged worse from his demand for Sunak to call election
16:39
Andy Gregory
SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn has joked that he is not sure who came out worse after he “perhaps goaded” Rishi Sunak into calling the general election which saw both the Tories and SNP suffer large losses.
Mr Flynn said: “The day the election was called there was a PMQ and I perhaps goaded the former PM in respect of calling the general election, indeed I think I referred to him as being ‘feart’ should he not do that.
“I’m not sure entirely who fared worse from his decision to do so out of the two of us, but it’s maybe something we can both reflect upon in due course.”
Sir Ed Davey calls for UK to ‘becoming the caring nation'
16:33
Andy Gregory
Lib Dem leader Sir Ed Davey has called for the UK to “become the caring nation” as he warned that fixing the crisis in the NHS is vital for the economy and growth, as well as for people’s health.
“Caring has been in the shadows for far too long. Let this be the parliament when carers’ voices are heard, when we become the caring nation,” he told the Commons.
“Because caring is actually people doing extraordinary things every day for the ones that they love, often in the face of difficult circumstances, fiscal challenges, no breaks, mountains of paperwork, countless appointments, endless phone calls, trying to navigate a broken system that is simply not designed to work for carers.”
Sir Ed said he was encouraged by reported plans for a cross-party commission on social care, as he urged the PM to look at his own party’s manifesto plans to boost GP numbers and bolster access to dentists and local pharmacists.
Warning that the scale of the problems left by the Tories are huge, Sir Ed said the Lib Dems will tell the new government when they think it is wrong, but will support it when they feel it is right to do so.
Train drivers: Talks to resume in bid to break two-year deadlock
16:24
Simon Calder, Travel Correspondent
Negotiators from the train drivers’ union, Aslef, are to meet the Department for Transport (DfT) on Tuesdayin a bid to resolve their long-running pay dispute.
For the past two years Aslef has called national or “rolling” strikes at the 14 train operators that are controlled by the DfT, which include all the leading commuter and long-distance rail firms. The train drivers are seeking a no-strings pay rise. Their union says many of them have not seen wages rise since 2019.
Negotiations with the Rail Delivery Group (RDG), representing train operators, stalled under the last government. Ministers would not sign off on a deal unless it was contingent on modernising working practices in order to cut costs in a hugely subsidised industry.
Strikes have taken place intermittently, typically every month or two, since July 2022. In addition a series of bans on rest-day working have led to thousands of train cancellations. Before the last election, the Conservatives characterised them as “Labour’s strikes”.
Mick Whelan, general secretary of Aslef, said: “We’re having an initial meeting with the DfT on Tuesday.
“We hope, with a new government in place, that we can have constructive talks to get a positive resolution that works for train drivers, who have not had an increase in salary for five years, since 2019, and will help get our railway back on track.”
He accused the former transport secretary, Mark Harper, and rail minister Huw Merriman of “putting the brakes on any deal”.
Tory MP slams Starmer for failing to commit to rural issues
16:01
Salma Ouaguira
Conservative MP Graham Stuart has pressed Sir Keir Starmer on his commitment to tackle rural issues.
The MP for Beverley and Holderness, asked the prime minister: “I am grateful to the Prime Minister for giving way and he talks about priorities.
“But of course, people in rural communities around the country see the vast majority which the right honourable gentleman has assembled, and they’re afraid.
“They see a manifesto in which just 87 words are used about farming. They see they see a King’s Speech with no mention of rural communities or rural priorities. Will the Prime Minister please take this opportunity to reassure people in rural and farming communities that his Labour Government will take notice of them?”
Sir Keir replied: “Let me take this opportunity to reassure those in rural communities. I grew up in a rural community myself, and I think that if you look at the places that are now represented, you can see the reassurance that has been given that will also be given again.”
Sir Ed Davey tells Starmer: ‘Water sports are my thing’
15:59
Salma Ouaguira
Sir Ed Davey has joined Rishi Sunak and Sir Keir Starmer in condemning the attempt to kill former US president Donald Trump.
He then commemorates Jo Cox, the Labour MP killed by a terrorist and pays tribute to Peter Dowd and Florence Eshalomi for the speeches at the start of the debate.
Praising the newly elected government, he said: “They now have an enormous undertaking and we wish them well.”
He then joked about his multiple stunts during the election campaign, saying: “I read somewhere that the prime minister apparently surfed to power on a wave of Conservative failure, but can I say to him, gently with a pang of envy, water sports are my thing.”
Labour announces host of new tech rules – but does not reveal much-hyped ‘AI bill’
15:55
Salma Ouaguira
Labour has announced sweeping new rules on technology – though not widely-expected new laws on artificial intelligence.
Many within the technology and AI industries had expected that the King’s Speech would bring the introduction of new regulation and governance over artificial intelligence. But it included only passing references to the technology – focused on ensuring that it did not conflict with workers’ rights – and no new legislation specifically focused on it.
As such, it remains largely unclear how much and in what ways the government intends to regulate AI.
But it did announce a host of other new tech-focused changes, including pledges to strengthen the UK’s cybersecurity and resilience, as well as take greater advantage of data to boost economic growth, through new Bills announced in the King’s Speech.
Our technology editor Andrew Griffin has the full story:
PM declares ‘this is a new era'
15:53
Salma Ouaguira
Sir Keir Starmer has told the House of Commons “this is a new era” of politics and promised to serve everyone.
The prime minister said: “I have said that we would serve everyone, whether they voted for us or not, and I meant it,” the Prime Minister said.
“So let me say directly to the benches opposite, if you are invested in the success of your community, we will work with you.
“This is a new era. We are turning a page, returning politics to service, because that is what the people of this country want to see from their politicians, and service is a stronger bond than political self-interest.”
Starmer pledges ‘no more gimmicks or wedge issues'
15:50
Salma Ouaguira
Sir Keir Starmer has pledged that his government will deliver “no more gimmicks” during the King’s Speech debate at the Commons.
He said: “Mr Speaker, we will have time, over the weeks, months and years, to debate the measures in this King’s Speech and the choices of this Government.
“But I defy anyone on those benches or elsewhere to look at the ambition and purpose or intent and not to perceive a return to the serious business of Government.
“No more wedge issues, no more gimmicks, no more party political strategies masquerading as policy.”
Labour MP and SNP leader launch attack on child poverty
15:48
Salma Ouaguira
A Labour MP and Stephen Flynn, the SNP’s leader at Westminster, have quizzed Sir Keir Starmer on child poverty after the King’s Speech.
Sarah Owen, the MP for Luton North, said: “I thank the Prime Minister for giving way during his excellent speech outlining the hope and renewal within this King’s Speech, much needed in constituencies like mine in Luton North where over 45 per cent of children are growing up in relative poverty.
“What reassurances can the Prime Minister give me and my constituents that he personally takes this issue very seriously and that his government will address it?”
Mr Flynn then asked: “Thank you, Mr Speaker, very grateful to the Prime Minister for giving way on his newly announced task force, which of course Beth Rigby was announcing on Twitter as we were all within this chamber.
“Mr Speaker, can the Prime Minister outline how many children will remain in poverty while that task force undertakes the work, which will ultimately lead to the same conclusion that we are proposing to scrap the two-child benefit cap?”
In response, Sir Keir said he was “grateful” for the their interventions before adding: “no child should be growing up in poverty.”
Starmer vows to ‘learn lessons’ after the Infected Blood scandal
15:40
Salma Ouaguira
Sir Keir Starmer has said his new government should learn the lessons of recent scandals engulfing Westminster, including the Infected Blood scandal.
He said it is not enough to “deliver justice to the victims” but to work on “prevention” to make sure this behaviour can never happen again.
To do so, Sir Keir plans to bring the Hillsborough Law to improve on transparency and accountability.
Starmer sticks to cross-party pledges to reduce smoking and improve football governance
15:38
Salma Ouaguira
The prime minister said the King’s Speech has reiterated the cross-party consensus of the previous Parliament regarding reducing smoking and improving football governance.
He also promised to push for a security law to honour the victims of the Manchester Arena attack.
Sir Keir has vowed to honour the promise made to the family of Martyn Hett, and all the families affected by the horrific Manchester Arena attack.
He added: “Because the security of the British people is the fundamental priority of government”
PM: ‘Politics can be a force for good'
15:37
Salma Ouaguira
Sir Keir Starmer has said his government will deliver “nothing less than national renewal” and said what people really want is “change”.
He added: “A King’s Speech that takes the brakes off our economy, and shows to the British people that politics can be a force for good.
“A vehicle for improving the lives of millions - no matter who you voted for.”
Starmer condemns attack on Donald Trump
15:35
Salma Ouaguira
Sir Keir Starmer has declared “violence has no place in democracy” as he condemned the attempt to kill Donald Trump.
He said: “We also wish President Trump a speedy recovery from the appalling attempt on his life weekend.
“I spoke with President Trump on Sunday night to pass our best wishes, but also to share our revulsion of the senseless violence which has no place in democracy.”
Starmer vows his government agenda can counter the ‘snake oil charm of populism’
15:31
Salma Ouaguira
Addressing the Commons, the prime minister claims his policy agenda can counter the “snake oil charm of populism”.
During his speech, he praised the “gracious King” adding: “Before we begin, may I join the Leader of the Opposition in his tribute to his Majesty the King,” the Prime Minister said.
“It is so heartening to see him in his rightful place, delivering the gracious speech, and I am sure the whole house will not mind once again wishing him a speedy recovery.
“Can I also join in wishing Her Majesty the Queen a happy birthday.”
The prime minister then promised to deliver change for those who voted for Labour on the general election.
Sunak jokes about being 'elder statesman' at age of 44
15:21
Salma Ouaguira
Rishi Sunak has joked about being an “elder statesman” at the age of 44 following the Tories’ bruising election defeat.
He said: “If I may offer some words of advice to members opposite, on the government benches life comes at you fast. Soon you might be fortunate enough to be tapped on the shoulder and offered a junior ministerial role.
“Then you’ll find yourself attending cabinet, then in the cabinet. And then when the prime minister’s position becomes untenable, you might end up being called to the highest office. And before you know it, you have a bright future behind you.
“And you are left wondering whether you can credibly be an elder statesman at the age of 44.”
Starmer sets up ministerial taskforce to tackle child poverty
15:14
Salma Ouaguira
Downing Street has announced that Sir Keir Starmer has set up a ministerial taskforce to develop a strategy on child poverty.
In a statement, No 10 said: “A new child poverty unit in the Cabinet Office - bringing together expert officials from across government as well as external experts – will report into the taskforce. The new unit will explore how we can use all the available levers we have across government to create an ambitious strategy.
“Recognising the wide-ranging causes of child poverty, secretaries of state from across government will take part in this work, with the first meeting set to take place in the coming weeks.
“In the immediate term, the taskforce is expected to consider how we can use levers related to household income as well as employment, housing, children’s health, childcare and education to improve children’s experiences and chances at life.”
Rishi Sunak addresses parliament as leader of the opposition
15:12
Salma Ouaguira
The former prime minister is now delivering his verdict on the King’s Speech.
He first pays tribute to King Charles for completing his duty as monarch “despite the medical challenges he has recently faced” adding: “He is a true model of public service.”
Labour MP takes aim at Sunak during Commons debate
15:05
Salma Ouaguira
Florence Eshalomi, the Labour MP for Vauxhall and Camberwell Green, is now second to carry out the loyal address.
The former shadow minister in opposition has taken aim at Rishi Sunak during her speech.
Ms Eshalomi said the Old Vic theatre is in her constituency and it is now showing a play about an MP who has James Corden as a constituent.
She joked: “Since Corden lives in California, perhaps he should get in touch with Rishi Sunak”.
King’s Speech debate in the Commons underway
14:59
Salma Ouaguira
MPs heard the themes for the King’s Speech debate will include: foreign affairs and defence on Thursday; planning, green belt and rural affairs on Friday; economy, welfare and public services on July 22; and immigration and home affairs on July 23.
Temporary deputy speakers until the election next week include Conservative former ministers Sir Edward Leigh and Sir Chris Chope and Labour’s Dame Siobhain McDonagh.
Pictured: Sunak and Starmer warm in before debate exchanges
14:42
Salma Ouaguira
Shelter says King’s Speech will ‘restore hope’ to renters
14:40
Andy Gregory
Polly Neate, chief executive of Shelter, said: “Today’s King’s Speech will restore hope to England’s 11 million renters, whose lives have been plagued by no fault evictions for decades.
“The new Renters Rights Bill has to be a fresh start at reforming broken private renting. Not only does this mean urgently scrapping no fault evictions, but also setting clear limits to in-tenancy rent increases. The government cannot allow landlords to continue to force tenants out of their homes with eyewatering rent hikes.
“If this government truly wants to deliver the biggest increase in social house building in a generation, any new planning legislation must be focused on delivering 90,000 social rent homes a year.
“Private developers will not deliver the target 1.5m homes by themselves – councils need the means to build genuinely affordable homes too. Otherwise, their plans will fail, like countless governments before them, and homelessness will remain at a record high.”
Farage brands King’s Speech ‘just more big state’
14:37
Salma Ouaguira
Labour’s King’s Speech is just more big state with the assumption that government can create wealth.
— Nigel Farage MP (@Nigel_Farage) July 17, 2024
No further cash will be sent to Rwanda, Downing Street has indicated.
14:36
Salma Ouaguira
Asked about an additional £100 million which had been due to go to the African nation as part of the previous Tory government’s asylum scheme, the Prime Minister’s spokesman told reporters: “Yes, we are clear that that money won’t be sent to Rwanda.”
The official also said: “We’ve been very clear that the partnership with Rwanda has finished.
“The Home Secretary’s going to provide an update shortly after she’s analysed all the details around both the money, the legislation and the processes.
“We’re clear we will repeal the Safety of Rwanda Act, we will terminate the agreement.”
Yvette Cooper’s update will also analyse “the existing legislation and how it interacts with the new legislation”, he said.
Pictured: Sir Lindsay Hoyle reminds MPs of parliament rules ahead of parliament debate
14:35
Salma Ouaguira
Lindsay Hoyle, the speaker, has started with a statement about the rules MPs have to follow in the Commons. It is a statement he has to make at the start of every session.
Starmer to address the Commons after swearing in of MPs concludes
14:33
Salma Ouaguira
The final few MPs are now being sworn. Sir Keir Starmer will address the Commons following the King’s Speech.
Barristers and solicitors urge government to invest in crisis-stricken criminal justice system
14:30
Andy Gregory
Barristers and solicitors have warned that “new laws are not a panacea in the absence of adequate funding” into the crisis-stricken criminal justice system, following the King’s Speech.
Urging the new government to “work proactively to protect and secure access to justice and make our justice system a source of pride again”, Law Society president Nick Emmerson warned that civil justice is “crying out for investment after decades of underfunding”.
“Immediate steps that should be taken are a real terms increase in criminal legal aid rates of 15 per cent while wider reform takes place and, for civil legal aid, an immediate £11.3m investment in early advice to sustain the system while the ongoing review takes place,” said Mr Emmerson.
“We broadly welcome measures intended to improve the criminal justice response to violence against women and girls, deal with knife crime and respond to the criminal exploitation of children. However, writing new laws is not a panacea in the absence of adequate funding of all facets of the criminal justice system and timely, expert advice and support.”
And Criminal Bar Association vice-chair Mary Prior KC said: “There must be a fairer and more just society where all those accused of crime and importantly the victims of crime can have faith that the criminal justice system will provide a fair trial within six months.
“The only real way for change is if there is significant whole-scale long term planning and investment into the people who play essential roles in delivering justice – the police, prosecution service, criminal barristers and solicitors, the judiciary, court staff, probation staff and prisons – as for many years the system has been grossly underfunded.
“The time has come for the criminal justice system to be treated with the respect it deserves, with a ring-fenced budget which is substantially increased to enable this new government and future governments to protect this vitally important system.
“Unless we invest in the justice system, then those who work within it will turn away from it and do other more financially rewarding and less stressful work.”
Unite warns Labour must not be ‘straitjacketed by self-made fiscal rules’
14:20
Salma Ouaguira
The Unite union has warned the government not to be “straitjacketed by self-made fiscal rules” and urged Sir Keir Starmer to invest in public services.
Sharon Graham, the Unite general secretary, said: “The King’s Speech is packed full of measures which will begin transforming the UK for the better. The King’s Speech shows why Britain needs a Labour Government.
“There is no doubt that the UK has been given hope and the opportunity for tangible change by electing a Labour government. Unite is already seeing that in our initial discussions with key ministers.
“Britain is broken and hurting, we have no time to waste. We have one shot to deliver for workers and communities. We have to make it count.”
What was missing in Labour’s first King’s Speech?
14:10
Salma Ouaguira
King Charles gave his King’s Speech today, marking the opening of parliament as the first Labour government in 14 years is ushered in.
As is tradition, the speech gave the new government an opportunity to lay out their plans for the coming months in the form of legislative bills. Sir Keir Starmer took the chance to signal his desire for change, as a massive 39 bills were announced overall.
Amongst these was new legislation to get ‘Great British Energy’ off the ground, crack down on failing water companies and bring rail operators into public ownership.
However, the speech left some disappointed as measures they expected – or hoped – would be offered didn’t make the cut.
Here’s an overview of what was missing in the King’s Speech:
Government pledges to strengthen cybersecurity and boost data services
14:00
Salma Ouaguira
The Government has pledged to strengthen the UK’s cybersecurity and resilience, as well as take greater advantage of data to boost economic growth, through new Bills announced in the King’s Speech.
A reported fully-fledged AI Bill was not announced during the State Opening of Parliament, but the King’s Speech set out how the Government would “seek to establish the appropriate legislation to place requirements on those working to develop the most powerful artificial intelligence models”.
In response to the ever-increasing risk of cyber attacks, the new LabourGovernment said it would introduce the Cyber Security and Resilience Bill, which would give greater power to regulators to push more firms to implement better cybersecurity defences.
What are Labour’s promises in King’s Speech?
13:50
Salma Ouaguira
- Hillsborough Law: This will introduce a “legal duty of candour” for public servants in an effort to tackle the “defensive culture” highlighted in the Hillsborough and Infected Blood inquiries.
- Armed Forces Commissioner Bill: This will establish a statutory commissioner for the armed forces to act as an “independent champion” for service personnel and their families and be fully empowered to investigate and highlight issues.
- Northern Ireland Legacy Legislation: The Government plans to repeal the Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023 and replace it with new legislation that changes the sections most vehemently opposed by victims and survivors and those found deficient by Northern Ireland’s High Court.
- House of Lords (Hereditary Peers) Bill: This will take a first step to modernising the upper house of Parliament by removing the right of the almost 100 remaining hereditary peers to sit and vote in the House of Lords.
- Cyber Security and Resilience Bill: This aims to boost the country’s defences against cyber attacks that have affected the NHS and Ministry of Defence by strengthening regulators and increasing reporting requirements.
- Commonwealth Parliamentary Association and International Committee of the Red Cross (Status) Bill: This will enable the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association and the International Committee of the Red Cross to continue to operate fully in the UK.
- Lords Spiritual (Women) Act 2015 (Extension) Bill: This will support efforts to increase the number of female bishops in the House of Lords by extending a provision from 2015 that prioritises female diocesan bishops to fill vacancies among the 21 House of Lords bishops aside from the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Archbishop of York, and the Bishops of London, Durham and Winchester.
- Holocaust Memorial Bill: This will enable the Government to build the planned Holocaust Memorial and Learning Centre next to the Houses of Parliament.
Starmer warned pension bill fails to tackle long-term pensions crisis
13:40
Salma Ouaguira
Sir Keir Starmer has been warned his new pensions bill will fail to tackle the crisis facing retirees, with the prime minister having ducked an increase in automatic enrolment.
In his first King’s Speech, the PM unveiled plans to support more than 15m people with private pensions and ensure they get better outcomes.
Sir Keir said the bill would boost the amount available for pension savers and help average earners save an additional £11,000 over the course of their career.
The pensions schemes bill included measures to prevent people losing track of pension pots, ensure workers are saving into pension schemes that deliver value for money and consolidate the defined benefit pensions market through so-called commercial superfunds.
Our political correspondent Archie Mitchell has the full story:
Starmer delivers ‘change’ with focus on Generation Rent in King’s speech
13:35
Salma Ouaguira
Labour’s law-making plans in King’s Speech at a glance
13:30
Salma Ouaguira
The speech outlined dozens of draft laws that ministers will later debate in parliament, here’s some of the proposed bills at a glance:
- Skills England Bill: This paves the way for the establishment of Skills England to assess the skills needed in the workforce and reform of the apprenticeship levy.
- Renters’ Rights Bill: This wide-ranging Bill’s measures include a ban on so-called no-fault evictions; empowering tenants to challenge rent increases and to request a pet; setting rules around the timeframes within which landlords must make homes safer for private renters, known as Awaab’s Law, and applying a “decent homes standard” to the sector.
- Football Governance Bill: This includes establishing an independent football regulator to address clubs’ financial sustainability and approve stadium sales or relocation; requiring clubs to get fan approval for changes to shirt colours; and preventing clubs from joining break-away leagues.
- Draft Leasehold and Commonhold Reform Bill: This draft legislation will bolster leaseholders’ rights to extend their lease and buy their freehold; restrict the sale of new leasehold flats; regulate extortionate ground rents; and end the “fleecehold” system, whereby people who own freehold properties are locked into contracts to maintain the communal areas around them.
- Draft Equality (Race and Disability) Bill: This enshrines in law the full right to equal pay for ethnic minorities and disabled people and introduces mandatory ethnicity and disability pay reporting.
- Draft Conversion Practices Bill: This aims to ban practices that aim to change someone’s sexual orientation or gender identity by creating new offences to target acts not covered by existing law.
- Tobacco and Vapes Bill: This reintroduces Mr Sunak’s proposed smoking ban, gradually lifting the age at which people can buy cigarettes, and it will impose limits on selling and marketing vapes.
- Mental Health Bill: This will modernise the Mental Health Act to shift the balance of power from the system to the patient with the aim of putting service users at the centre of decisions about their own care.
Pictured: Farage during the State Opening of Parliament
13:23
Salma Ouaguira
‘High time’ Martyn’s Law on statute books
13:18
Salma Ouaguira
Campaigners have said it is “high time” Martyn’s Law makes it onto the statute books as they welcomed plans to bring in the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill.
Labour vowed in its manifesto to bring in laws named after Manchester Arena bombing victim Martyn Hett amid a row over years of delays in introducing the legislation and it was announced in the King’s Speech to Parliament on Wednesday.
The proposed measures are in a bid to help protect venues against terror attacks. They would require UK venues and councils to have mandatory training and plans to prevent and protect against such attacks.
Mr Hett, 29, was one of 22 people murdered in a suicide bombing at the end of an Ariana Grande concert in May 2017.
Martyn’s mother, Figen Murray, has been campaigning for the Government to bring in the law and earlier this year walked 200 miles from Manchester to Downing Street to promote her cause.
Ms Murray said: “It’s fantastic to see Martyn’s Law in the King’s Speech. I’ve campaigned for this for years and it’s a huge relief to see it at the top of the agenda for the new Government.”
Bus firms demand ‘priority on the road network’
13:15
Salma Ouaguira
Three years after Boris Johnson outlined a “long-term strategy for buses in England” called Bus Back Better, the new Labour government is promising a Better Buses bill that has broadly similar aims, our Transport Correspondent Simon Calder reports.
The Confederation of Passenger Transport (CPT), representing bus firms, welcomed the Kings Speech promising the bill.
The CPT chief executive, Graham Vidler, said “passengers want more bus services that are regular, fast, and punctual”.
But he warned: “No amount of regulatory change will deliver better services unless local, regional and national governments move swiftly to give buses priority on the road network, curb congestion, and persuade more people to switch away from private car journeys and towards public transport.
“Whoever controls bus networks, stable long-term investment in the sector will be critical. Immediate action must prevent a ‘cliff-edge’ return to fully commercial fares when the £2 fare cap ends in December – a scenario that will harm passengers and services.”
At present bus fares are capped at £2, saving as much as £10 on some routes.
SNP slams Labour’s King Speech for ‘failing to address two-child benefit cap'
13:04
Salma Ouaguira
The SNP criticised the King’s Speech as a “missed opportunity” that failed to deliver measures such as scrapping the two-child benefit cap.
SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn accused Sir Keir Starmer of failing his “first test in government” and branded the legislative program “timid”.
He said: “People in Scotla
