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Sir Keir Starmer has vowed his government agenda can counter the “snake oil charm of populism” and declared the end of the “era of politics as performance”
Following the King’s Speech, the prime minister and Rishi Sunak are 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.
Local governments could receive more powers and a law to ensure all government budgets get advance independent scrutiny.
Labour announces host of new tech rules – but does not reveal much-hyped ‘AI bill’
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’
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’
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
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
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
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’
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
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’
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
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.”
