Five major policies outlined in the inaugural King’s Speech of the Labour government
Labour has announced sweeping changes in their first King’s Speech, including confirmation of VAT on private school fees and plans to build 1.5 million new homes.
The new government will focus on ‘security, fairness and opportunity for all’, King Charles said in his speech for the State Opening of Parliament 2024.
Wearing the glittering Imperial Crown, he read out the speech written by Keir Starmer for the traditional kick-off of a new government.
Every policy will be fully costed, he said, swiping at Liz Truss whose minibudget tax cuts caused turmoil in the markets and were blamed for mortgage hikes.
So what are some of the biggest changes announced?
1. Smoking to eventually be banned completely, with vapes also restricted
Keir Starmer has kept a policy from the previous government to ban people currently aged 14 or under from ever buying cigarettes legally.
The age people can legally buy them will gradually increase, so that anyone born from 2009 can never do so.
There will also be limits imposed on the sale and marketing of vapes.
2. ‘Hillsborough’ law to be enacted
Families of victims of the 1989 Hillsborough stadium disaster, when 97 people were killed in a fatal crowd crush at a football match, have been campaigning for a new law compelling public authorities to speak fully and openly in official investigations and inquiries.
A new law will introduce a ‘duty of candour for public servants’.
3. Workers rights strengthened
Major changes to employment rights were also unveiled, meaning people will be able to access rights such as parental leave immediately, rather than having to wait two years.
An Employment Rights Bill will be introduced within the first 100 days banning ‘exploitative’ zero-hours contracts, ending policies of fire and re-hire, and making parental leave, sick pay and protection from unfair dismissal available from day one in a job for all workers.
Flexible working will be the default from the first day in a job, while it will be unlawful to sack a woman who has had a baby for six months after she returns to work.
The Bill will also remove ‘unnecessary’ restrictions on trade unions, including the Conservative government’s controversial law aimed at ensuring a minimum level of service during strikes.
4. House of Lords hereditary peers reform
The remaining hereditary peers will be kicked out of the House of Lords as the first step to reforming the chamber.
New legislation will end what officials called the ‘outdated and indefensible’ presence of members of the upper chamber – mainly men – who are there by right of birth.
The Government also plans changes to the Commons, with the King setting out proposals for a ‘modernisation committee’ as he opened the new session of Parliament.
The Lords reforms under Tony Blair reduced the number of hereditary peers to 90, plus the Earl Marshal and Lord Great Chamberlain. That was only intended as a short-term compromise, but the situation has persisted for 25 years.
5. Protections for renters and end to no-fault evictions
A Renters’ Rights Bill will resurrect the Conservatives’ Renters (Reform) Bill, which had been described by homelessness charity Shelter as a ‘once-in-a-generation opportunity’.
A promise within it to end Section 21 ‘no-fault’ evictions had been delayed, with the previous Government saying courts had no capacity, prompting accusations they had caved into pro-landlord MPs.
Keir Starmer said: ‘We will introduce tough new protections for renters, end no-fault evictions and raise standards to make sure homes are safe for people to live in.’
What else is in the King’s Speech?
Other key measures in the programme include:
– Establishing state-owned energy production firm Great British Energy with £8.3 billion of public money across the Parliament.
– Creating a £7.3 billion national wealth fund to invest in schemes to generate economic growth and clean energy.
– A law to put water companies into ‘special measures’ to clean up rivers, lakes and seas, with bosses facing personal criminal liability for lawbreaking and a beefed-up regulator having the power to ban bonus payments if environmental standards are not met.
– A Bill to create a new Border Security Command and putting stronger penalties in place for migrant smuggling gangs as part of the effort to curb crossing of the English Channel.
The quirk of British tradition sees the monarch read out the new prime minister’s plans rather than then doing it themselves, saying ‘my government will…’ as they are the head of state.
‘My Government will seek a new partnership with both business and working people and help the country move on from the recent cost-of-living challenges by prioritising wealth creation for all communities,’ Charles said.
The ‘fundamental mission’ will be to secure economic growth, the King said.
The King added: ‘My ministers will get Britain building, including through planning reform, as they seek to accelerate the delivery of high-quality infrastructure and housing.’
He said the government pledged full support for Nato, including providing Ukraine with a ‘clear path’ to membership. The government would also ‘seek to strengthen the border and make streets safer’ with enhanced counter terror powers to tackle organised immigration crime, he said.
The government is also ‘committed to a two-state solution with a safe and secure Israel alongside a viable and sovereign Palestinian state’.
And there would be investment in the NHS, improving it as a service for all once again.
The King and Queen arrive in the Norman Porch for the State Opening of Parliament (Picture: Getty)
Anti-royalists hold placards as Britain’s King Charles and Queen Camilla travel by carriage (Picture: Reuters)
Black Rod Sarah Clarke walks through the Royal Gallery (Picture: PA)
The Imperial State Crown is carried through the Norman Porch (Picture: Getty)
Members of the House of Lords and guests take their seats in the Lords Chamber (Picture: PA)
Crowds wait near Buckingham Palace to view the procession (Picture: PA)
Guards arriving at the Palace of Westminster (Picture: PA)
Monarchists demonstrate outside the Houses of Parliament (Picture: AP)
Anti-monarchy Not My King protesters were also demonstrating outside the Houses of Parliament (Picture: AP)
The King’s Bodyguard, the Yeomen of the Guard, carry out the ceremonial search of the Palace of Westminster (Picture: PA)
King Charles III and Queen Camilla travelling in the Diamond Jubilee State Coach (Picture: PA)
Members of the Life Guards, a unit of the Household Cavalry, line the stairs of the Norman Porch (Picture: Reuters)
Cannon shots boomed to the King’s arrival this morning, where the first Labour government for 14 years is beginning in earnest.
The event is full of pomp, ceremony, and quirky oddities such an MP ‘taken hostage’, but it’s also a crucial part of the political calendar.
It is one of the first major events for new prime minister Keir Starmer, who is expected to set out plans for more than 35 new bills and draft bills with an emphasis on improving transport, creating jobs and accelerating the building of houses and infrastructure in a bid to improve economic growth.
As well, it’s a major public event, with carriages and soldiers parading through London in scenes you only really see otherwise for a royal wedding, coronation, or state funeral.
‘Black Rod’ arrived in the House of Commons to inform MPs they were commanded by the King to make their way to the House of Lords, where they will listen to King read out the speech.
The event is a target for protest, with ten members of Youth Demand already arrested in Westminster on suspicion of conspiracy to cause public nuisance this morning.
Last week the group called for supporters to assemble at Victoria Embankment Gardens on Wednesday morning in protest over Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s handling of the Israel-Hamas war.
On social media the Metropolitan Police said: ‘A further 20 to 25 have now gathered in Victoria Embankment Gardens and further arrests are being made.’
The King’s Speech 2024 full transcript
‘My Lords and Members of the House of Commons.
‘My Government will govern in service to the country.
‘My Government’s legislative programme will be mission-led and based upon the principles of security, fairness and opportunity for all.
‘Stability will be the cornerstone of my Government’s economic policy and every decision will be consistent with its fiscal rules. It will legislate to ensure that all significant tax and spending changes are subject to an independent assessment by the Office for Budget Responsibility. Bills will be brought forward to strengthen audit and corporate governance, alongside pension investment.
‘Securing economic growth will be a fundamental mission. My Government will seek a new partnership with both business and working people and help the country move on from the recent cost-of-living challenges by prioritising wealth creation for all communities. My ministers will establish an industrial strategy council. It is my Government’s objective to see rising living standards in all nations and regions in the United Kingdom.
‘My ministers will get Britain building, including through planning reform, as they seek to accelerate the delivery of high-quality infrastructure and housing. They will also pursue sustainable growth by encouraging investment in industry, skills and new technologies.
‘My Government is committed to making work pay and will legislate to introduce a New Deal for Working People to ban exploitative practices and enhance employment rights. It will seek to establish the appropriate legislation to place requirements on those working to develop the most powerful artificial intelligence models.
‘My Government believes that greater devolution of decision-making is at the heart of a modern dynamic economy and is a key driver of economic growth, and my ministers will introduce an English Devolution Bill. Legislation will be introduced to give new powers to metro mayors and combined authorities. This will support local growth plans that bring economic benefit to communities.
‘A Bill will be introduced to allow local leaders to take control of their local bus services. My ministers will bring forward legislation to improve the railways by reforming rail franchising, establishing Great British Railways and bringing train operators into public ownership.
‘Taken together these policies will enhance Britain’s position as a leading industrial nation and enable the country to take advantage of new opportunities that can promote growth and wealth creation.
‘My Government recognises the urgency of the global climate challenge and the new job opportunities that can come from leading the development of the technologies of the future. It is committed to a clean energy transition which will lower energy bills for consumers over time.
‘A Bill will be introduced to set up Great British Energy, a publicly-owned clean power company headquartered in Scotland, which will help accelerate investment in renewable energy such as offshore wind. Legislation will be brought forward to help the country achieve energy independence and unlock investment in energy infrastructure. A Bill will be introduced to support sustainable aviation fuel production. My Government recognises the need to improve water quality and a Bill will be introduced to strengthen the powers of the water regulator.
‘My Government will seek to strengthen the border and make streets safer. A Bill will be introduced to modernise the asylum and immigration system, establishing a new Border Security Command and delivering enhanced counter-terror powers to tackle organised immigration crime. Legislation will be brought forward to strengthen community policing, give the police greater powers to deal with anti-social behaviour and strengthen support for victims.
‘Measures will be introduced to improve the safety and security of public venues and help keep the British public safe from terrorism. My Government will bring forward plans to halve violence against women and girls.
‘My ministers will seek to raise educational standards and break down barriers to opportunity. Action will be taken to get people back in employment following the impact of the pandemic. A Bill will be introduced to raise standards in education and promote children’s wellbeing. Measures will be brought forward to remove the exemption from Value Added Tax for private school fees, which will enable the funding of 6,500 new teachers. My Government will establish Skills England which will have a new partnership with employers at its heart, and my ministers will reform the apprenticeship levy.
‘Legislation will be introduced to give greater rights and protections to people renting their homes, including ending no-fault evictions and reforming grounds for possession. Draft legislation will be published on leasehold and commonhold reform.
‘A Bill will be introduced to establish an independent football regulator to ensure greater sustainability in the game and strengthen protections for fans.
‘My Government will improve the National Health Service as a service for all, providing care on the basis of need regardless of the ability to pay. It will seek to reduce the waiting times, focus on prevention and improve mental health provision for young people. It will ensure mental health is given the same attention and focus as physical health. My ministers will legislate to modernise the Mental Health Act so it is fit for the 21st century.
‘A Bill will be introduced to progressively increase the age at which people can buy cigarettes and impose limits on the sale and marketing of vapes. My ministers will also legislate to restrict advertising of junk food to children along with the sale of high caffeine energy drinks to children. A draft Bill will be brought forward to ban conversion practices.
‘My Government will take steps to help rebuild trust and foster respect. Legislation will be brought forward to introduce a duty of candour for public servants. A Bill will be introduced to establish a statutory Armed Forces Commissioner to act as a strong independent champion for our gallant armed forces and their families.
‘Legislation on race equality will be published in draft to enshrine the full right to equal pay in law.
‘My Government will strengthen its work with the devolved governments in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland so that the best outcomes possible are delivered for citizens across the United Kingdom. My ministers will establish a new Council of the Nations and Regions to renew opportunities for the Prime Minister, heads of devolved governments and mayors of combined authorities to collaborate with each other.
‘My Government will continue to support the political institutions and devolved government in Northern Ireland. In consultation with all parties, measures will be brought forward to begin the process of repealing and replacing the Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023.
‘Measures to modernise the constitution will be introduced, including House of Lords reform to remove the right of hereditary peers to sit and vote in the Lords. My ministers will strengthen the integrity of elections and encourage wide participation in the democratic process.
‘The Government will propose a modernisation committee of the House of Commons, which will be tasked with driving up standards, improving work practices and reforming procedures.
‘My Government will ensure a strong defence based on the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation’s (Nato) common values of individual liberty, democracy, human rights and the rule of law. Its commitment to Nato will remain unshakeable. It will maintain a strong armed forces, including the nuclear deterrent. To ensure that the United Kingdom’s defence capabilities are matched to the changing nature of global strategic threats, my Government will conduct a strategic defence review.
‘My Government will continue to give its full support to Ukraine and its people and it will endeavour to play a leading role in providing Ukraine with a clear path to Nato membership.
‘My Government will seek to reset the relationship with European partners and work to improve the United Kingdom’s trade and investment relationship with the European Union. My ministers will seek a new security pact to strengthen co-operation on the mutual threats faced by the United Kingdom and the European Union.
‘My Government will play its part in trying to secure long-term peace and security in the Middle East. It is committed to a two-state solution with a safe and secure Israel alongside a viable and sovereign Palestinian state.
‘Later this week, my Government will host the European Political Community meeting at Blenheim Palace.
‘The Queen and I look forward to our visit to Samoa alongside the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in October, and our visit to Australia.
‘Members of the House of Commons, estimates for the public services will be laid before you
‘My Lords and Members of the House of Commons, other measures will be laid before you.
‘I pray that the blessing of almighty God may rest upon your counsels.’
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