London (Parliament Politics Magazine) – PM Keir Starmer has outlined a government agenda that he will argue can counter the “snake oil charm of populism”, in a king’s speech promising change to people’s lives including rights at work, more affordable energy and secure housing.
What is outlined in the Labour government’s King’s Speech?
The king’s speech outlines 40 bills, including many concentrated on economic growth – such as the planning and infrastructure bill, which will provide the government new top-down powers on building critical infrastructure faster.
How will PM Keir Starmer counter populist politics?
Starmer declared the “fight for trust is the battle that determines our political era”, and declared the king’s speech – the first under a Labour government for 15 years – would end the performative and divisive politics of the last years and contrast the rise of the populist hard right.
How will the new Employment Rights Bill impact workers?
The employment rights bill, which is the beginning of implementing the “new deal for working people”, has been pledged to take effect within 100 days. It will outlaw zero-hours contracts unless an employee requests one, and most “fire and rehire” traditions– although unions have grumbled that some aspects have been watered down after lobbying from businesses.
It will give workers rights such as maternity wage and sick pay from day one of their career, making flexible working the default, and simplifying the process of trade union recognition.
What are the implications of the nationalisation of rail businesses?
Another anticipated early bill will be the nationalisation of rail businesses, designed to bring the franchises back into public license as the contracts expire, and a better bus bill to give new franchising rights to local authorities. This will grant them powers over bus routes and timetables, bringing these back from private companies.
What does the Economic Responsibility Bill propose?
Several bills are created to highlight good political causes, such as the economic responsibility bill glorifying a duty to consult the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) before making significant tax changes. This could particularly hurt the Conservatives as it was a key criticism of Liz Truss’ disastrous mini-budget, which did not contain an OBR forecast. The employment bill plans to withdraw Tory restrictions placed on trade union organising.
How will Great British Energy transform the energy sector?
A bill will be presented to set up Great British Energy (GBE), another election pledge, describing for the first time in law that it will be an energy production division rather than solely an investment vehicle. There had been suspicions within the sector that Labour would row back on programs for GBE to develop and own assets. The company is anticipated to be headquartered in Scotland and will “own, control and operate clean power projects”.
What is included in the English Devolution Bill?
An English devolution bill, spearheaded by the deputy leader, Angela Rayner, will execute key aspects of the ex-prime minister Gordon Brown’s analysis of handing more powers to local decision-making. It will make devolved authorities for local leaders the default, rather than negotiate with central management, including for strategic planning, local transportation networks, skills and employment authorisation. Communities will get the latest “right to buy” powers over empty stores, pubs and community spaces.
What public health measures are in the upcoming laws?
New laws will also create some strong-arm public health and antisocial conduct interventions. These include limitations on the sale and flavours of vapes, a refined total prohibition on tobacco smoking, prohibitions on some junk food advertising, further “respect orders” sought at persistent antisocial behaviour, and direct powers to attack the use of noisy off-road bikes on streets.