King Charles has unveiled Sir Keir Starmer’s comprehensive plan for Britain, highlighting key reforms across various sectors.
This article delves into the significant pledges made and examines what was conspicuously absent from the King’s Speech.
Border Security
The new Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill grants the Border Security Command with counter-terrorism-style powers to dismantle people-smuggling gangs. Tougher penalties will target those advertising smuggling services or providing materials to criminal gangs. Funding will come from abolishing the Rwanda deportation scheme, saving £100 million.
Equality
The Equality Bill aims to align race with sex in equal pay claims, promoting a more equal society. Ethnic minorities and disabled individuals will benefit from a “full right to equal pay,” simplifying claims against employers.
Renters’ Rights
A Renters’ Rights Bill will abolish Section 21 “no-fault evictions” and empower tenants to challenge unreasonable rent increases. It will combat “bidding wars,” extend Awaab’s Law to the private sector, and enforce a “decent homes standard.” The bill will also prohibit discrimination against tenants receiving benefits or those with children, and create a digital database for landlords, tenants, and councils.
Crime and Policing
Respect orders will give police new tools to tackle anti-social behaviour, with breaches resulting in imprisonment or fines. The Crime and Policing Bill will enable rapid action against noisy dirt bikes, deploy 13,000 additional neighbourhood police officers, and make it a specific offence to assault a shop worker.
Education
The Children’s Wellbeing Bill will introduce free breakfast clubs in primary schools, limit mandatory branded uniform items, and require academies to teach the national curriculum. New requirements for teacher qualifications and enhanced powers for Ofsted will also be enacted. Skills England will be formed to address national skills needs.
Planning
The Planning and Infrastructure Bill aims to speed up the planning process to build 1.5 million homes by 2029. It will also reform compulsory purchase rules, modernise planning committees, and streamline infrastructure approval processes.
Workers’ Rights
The Employment Rights Bill will raise the minimum wage, ban exploitative zero-hour contracts, and end “fire and rehire” practices. It will extend flexible working from day one and repeal post-2010 Tory trade union legislation.
Transport
The Passenger Railway Services (Public Ownership) Bill will nationalise rail companies without compensation as contracts expire or if they fail customers. Great British Railways will be created to manage the network and simplify ticketing. The High Speed Rail (Crewe to Manchester) Bill will improve northern train lines.
Economy
A Budget Responsibility Bill will introduce a “fiscal lock” for independent Budget assessments. The National Wealth Fund Bill will create a £7.3 billion fund for growth projects. The Bank Resolution (Recapitalisation) Bill will enhance support for small banks.
Companies
The Arbitration Bill will streamline dispute resolution between firms. The Product Safety and Metrology Bill will reform product regulation, focusing on AI opportunities and e-bike safety. A draft Audit Reform and Corporate Governance Bill will ensure truthful financial reporting.
Pensions
The Pension Schemes Bill will increase the withdrawal amount for private pensions and consolidate pension pots. Terminally ill individuals will be able to access funds earlier.
Football
The Football Governance Bill will introduce an independent regulator for financial stability and licensing professional clubs.
Health
Labour’s Tobacco and Vapes Bill will implement a progressive smoking ban for those born after 2009 and regulate vape marketing to children.
Conversion Therapy
The Conversion Practices Bill will introduce a comprehensive ban on conversion therapy while allowing legitimate psychological support.
Palestine
The King reaffirmed Labour’s commitment to a two-state solution in the Middle East, supporting a secure Israel and a viable Palestinian state.
Private Schools
Labour’s plan to impose VAT on private school fees will fund the hiring of 6,500 new teachers.
Omissions
Notably absent from the King’s Speech were measures for a Lords’ retirement age, lowering the voting age to 16, and scrapping the two-child benefit cap.
Sir Keir Starmer’s plan for Britain, as presented by King Charles, covers a broad range of issues aimed at creating a fairer and more inclusive society.
While the proposed measures are ambitious, the omissions suggest there is still work to be done to address all pressing matters.