LONDON: The new Labour government in Britain has introduced its first set of proposed laws, aiming to fulfill Prime Minister Keir Starmer's commitment to rebuild the nation. The policies were outlined in the King's Speech, delivered by the monarch and crafted by government ministers, marking the start of a new parliamentary session.
Keir Starmer Outlines Labour Government's Priorities as King Charles Opens New Parliament Session
Britain's new Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, detailed his Labour government's agenda for the upcoming year on Wednesday during the official opening of Parliament by King Charles III.
This year's State Opening of Parliament marked the first session of the House of Commons following the general election on July 4, where Starmer's Labour Party secured a landslide victory, ending 14 years of Conservative rule.
In a grand ceremony, King Charles, adorned with the diamond-studded Imperial State Crown and a long crimson robe, presented the government's proposals from a golden throne in the House of Lords.
Key Policy Plans
Planning Reform A Planning and Infrastructure Bill aims to increase housing development and streamline the approval process for major infrastructure projects. The bill will limit local opposition to new developments, focusing on "how, not if, homes and infrastructure are built."
Workers' Rights An Employment Rights Bill will ban zero-hour contracts, prevent "fire and rehire" tactics, and enhance workers' rights by ensuring parental leave, sick pay, and protection from unfair dismissal. It also guarantees six months of job security for women returning from maternity leave and makes flexible working the default for new jobs.
Economic Safeguards The Budget Responsibility Bill mandates that any significant tax and spending changes undergo an independent review by the Office for Budget Responsibility, aiming to prevent economic instability like the 2022 mini-budget under former Prime Minister Liz Truss.
Illegal Migration A new border security bill will equip law enforcement with counter-terrorism powers to combat people smuggling, including stop-and-search powers and stricter penalties for promoting such activities. This policy replaces the previous government's plan to send asylum seekers to Rwanda.
Housing Reform The Renters' Rights Bill will enable tenants to contest unreasonable rent hikes, abolish no-fault evictions, end rental bidding wars, and prohibit discrimination against families with children or benefit recipients.
Financial Regulations New financial legislation will encourage the consolidation of smaller pension schemes, improve bank failure resolution processes, and enhance the powers of a new auditing regulator.
Climate and Energy The government will establish GB Energy, a key component of its green energy strategy, supported by £8.3 billion to invest in advanced technologies and capital-intensive projects.
Railways Plans include bringing rail franchises under government control after current contracts expire and improving east-west rail connectivity in northern England, without reviving the high-speed railway between Birmingham and Manchester.
Constitutional Reforms Proposals to reform the House of Lords will remove the voting rights of hereditary peers, reducing their influence in parliament.
Crime and Punishment The new crime and policing bill will ban "ninja swords," address shoplifting, and target public harassment and alcohol consumption.
Cyber Security A Cyber Security and Resilience Bill will update regulations to enhance cyber attack reporting, similar to the EU's proposed Cyber Resilience Act.
Devolution An English Devolution Bill will grant more economic decision-making power to mayors and local leaders, aiming to boost productivity and balanced economic growth by decentralizing power from London.
Conversion Therapy The government plans to ban conversion therapy aimed at changing sexual orientation or gender identity, while ensuring legitimate psychological support is not affected.
Smoking A proposed bill will gradually phase out cigarette sales, making it illegal for anyone born on or after January 1, 2009, to purchase cigarettes.
Private Schools Labour intends to end certain tax breaks for fee-paying schools, reallocating funds to improve government-run schools.
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