From his throne in the House of Lords, the British monarch presented the government’s agenda which, as emphasized from the beginning, seeks “security, justice and opportunities for all” and “will have economic stability as its cornerstone”
London, Thanasis Gavos
40 new bills were introduced this year “King’s Word”, i.e. the reading by King Charles of the policy statements of Sir Keir Starmer’s new government at the official opening of the new parliamentary term in the United Kingdom.
From his throne in the House of Lords, in a speech prepared by the government that lasted about 13 minutes, the British monarch presented a government agenda that, as emphasized from the beginning, seeks “security, justice and opportunity for all” and “will have as cornerstone of economic stability”.
Mr Starmer announced a bill that would see all major financial decisions, on taxation and spending, scrutinized by the independent Office for Budget Responsibility. It is a measure that comes after the disastrous mini-budget of the short-lived Liz Truss government, which was not submitted to independent scrutiny.
According to Mr Starmer, wealth creation for all the country’s communities will be prioritized, a National Wealth Fund will be set up, an industrial policy council will be set up and the facilitation of faster building permits will be promoted – measures aimed at economic growth.
He also promised a “new deal” for workers, strengthening their rights and protections.
There was also talk of greater devolution of powers to metropolitan mayors in England and the plan to gradually re-nationalise the railways was confirmed.
The governmental statement by the mouth of Charles also noted that the urgent need to address climate challenges is recognized. As a result, a commitment was made to clean energy transition measures, notably the creation of the state-owned company Great British Energy, which will invest in green energy. A bill for better control of water management companies was also announced.
Reference was made to the modernization of the asylum application system and the previously announced establishment of a new Border Security Administration, aimed at tackling organized illegal immigration.
Police will also be given greater powers to crack down on anti-social behavior and wider support for victims of crime. The promotion of the so-called “Martin’s law” was announced, which will oblige venues to be prepared for terrorist attacks. It is named after Martin Hetty, one of the victims of the Manchester Arena terror attack. A bill for the greater safety of girls and women will also be promoted.
Mr Starmer promised to boost standards in education and announced the end of the exemption for private schools from VAT on tuition fees.
He also pledged greater protections for property tenants and a bill to set up a new independent professional football watchdog.
The King’s Speech included a preview of measures to improve the NHS health system with the key aim of reducing waiting times for patients and with a focus on mental health, by modernizing existing law.
The bill originally submitted by Rishi Sunak for a gradual increase in the age limit for the purchase of tobacco and vaping products, as well as measures against unhealthy food, will be promoted.
A co-operation council of devolved governments and metropolitan mayors was also announced, as well as reform of the House of Lords, with restrictions on who could be members (with possible abolition of hereditary right).
The Starmer government also declared an unwavering commitment to NATO and to maintaining a capable armed force and a deterrent nuclear military programme. Reference was made to the already announced Strategic Defense Review.
The continuation of support for Ukraine and a two-state solution in the Middle East was emphasized, while special reference was made to the intention to improve trade, investment and defense relations with the EU.
The King’s Speech was preceded by the grand ritual of centuries, with the monarch and queen’s journey in the Adamantine Jubilee State Carriage from Buckingham Palace to the Palace of Westminster, home of parliament, and the call from the ‘Black Rod’, messenger of the monarch, to MPs to come to the House of Lords to hear the Starmer government’s policy statements read.
Source :Skai
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