ON WEDNESDAY (Jul 17), the King delivered his Speech, outlining the government’s priorities for the coming year. Central to the government’s agenda is a commitment to economic stability and growth, along with bolstering national defence and forging stronger international partnerships.
Opening with a focus on the economy, the King emphasised that stability will be the cornerstone of the government’s economic policy. “Securing economic growth will be a fundamental mission,” he stated, pledging to establish a new partnership with both businesses and working people. The government aims to address recent cost of living challenges by prioritising wealth creation for all communities.
The speech introduced several bills, including the Budget Responsibility Bill, which mandates independent assessments of significant tax and spending changes by the Office for Budget Responsibility. This move is aimed at preventing a repeat of past economic mismanagement. Additionally, the Draft Audit Reform and Corporate Governance Bill and the Pension Schemes Bill will be introduced to strengthen audit practices and corporate governance.
The King underscored the government’s unwavering commitment to NATO, pledging to maintain strong Armed Forces and a nuclear deterrent. A Strategic Defence Review will be conducted to ensure the UK’s defence capabilities are matched to evolving global threats. The government also reaffirmed its full support for Ukraine and its aspirations for NATO membership, and announced plans to reset relations with European partners, improve trade and investment relationships, and seek a new security pact with the EU.
Further, the government plans to introduce several significant domestic policies. House of Lords reform will be addressed through legislation to remove hereditary peers’ right to sit and vote in the Lords. In Northern Ireland, measures will be brought forward to repeal and replace the Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023. A Duty of Candour for public servants, known as the Hillsborough Law, will be introduced to impose a legal duty on civil servants to speak out about issues.
Healthcare improvements will include measures to reduce NHS waiting times, focus on preventive care, and improve mental health provision for young people. The government will also legislate to progressively raise the legal age to buy cigarettes and impose limits on vape sales and marketing through the Tobacco and Vapes Bill.
Social and educational reforms are also a priority. The government will legislate to end no-fault evictions and reform grounds for possession through the Renters’ Rights Bill. Educational reforms will include removing VAT exemptions on private school fees to fund new teacher positions and establishing Skills England to partner with employers. Additionally, legislation will address race and disability equality, and modernise the Mental Health Act.
The government is committed to tackling climate change, with plans to establish Great British Energy, a publicly owned clean power company headquartered in Scotland, and to support sustainable aviation fuel production. Infrastructure and housing delivery will be accelerated through the Planning and Infrastructure Bill.
Law and order measures will include the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill, aimed at modernising the asylum system and establishing a new Border Security Command. Community policing will be strengthened, anti-social behaviour addressed, and support for victims enhanced. Public safety measures will include the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill, part of broader efforts to combat terrorism.
The King’s Speech reflects a broad legislative agenda, focusing heavily on economic stability, defence, and social reforms. Notably, it aims to redress past economic mismanagement and improve public services and governance. The emphasis on modernising the constitution and tackling climate change indicates a forward-looking approach to governance, while the extensive social policies show a commitment to fairness and opportunity for all citizens.
As the government sets out its legislative priorities, the coming year promises significant changes aimed at fostering economic growth, enhancing national security, and improving the quality of life across the United Kingdom.
Responding to the King’s Speech, Andrew RT Davies MS, Leader of the Welsh Conservatives, said: “While there were parts of the King’s Speech to be welcomed, people in Wales are crying out for an end to economic unfairness.
“That can begin if the new UK Government urgently delivers for our steel communities and sends a message that no community in Wales will be left behind in the drive for growth.”
