King travels in royal coach to state opening of parliamentSupport trulyindependent journalismFind out moreCloseOur mission is to deliver unbiased, fact-based reporting that holds power to account and exposes the truth.Whether $5 or $50, every contribution counts.Support us to deliver journalism without an agenda.Louise ThomasEditorSir 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. Show latest update 1721228107Labour 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:Salma Ouaguira17 July 2024 15:551721228030PM 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.”Salma Ouaguira17 July 2024 15:531721227847Starmer 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.”Salma Ouaguira17 July 2024 15:501721227696Labour MP and SNP leader launch attack on child povertyA 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.”( More
