UK: New government to unveil more than 35 bills in King's Speech

Labour promises to put "economic growth at the heart of its legislative agenda" on Wednesday, ahead of hosting European leaders at a summit on Thursday in another busy week for Sir Keir Starmer.

UK: New government to unveil more than 35 bills in King's Speech -0
King Charles will read out the new government's plans in the House of Lords on Wednesday. File pic: PA

The new Labour government will unveil more than 35 bills during the first King's Speech of its tenure, Downing Street has said.

Trailing the significant moment on Wednesday, which will see the King announce the party's plans for power in a ceremony full of pomp, ministers promised to focus on economic growth and to ensure its legislation supported their mission to "rebuild Britain".

The raft of bills will include promises on housebuilding, improving transport, increasing jobs and securing clean energy - reflecting Sir Keir Starmer's "first steps" for government that he campaigned on during the general election.

Number 10 also confirmed a new bill to enforce tough new spending rules, "designed to ensure economic growth, while avoiding the chaos which left families with spiralling bills and wreaked misery on people's lives", by strengthening the role of the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR).

And there will be legislation to "empower regions to deliver change for their communities", with a promise to "hand the power back to local leaders who know what is best for their areas".

Reports have also suggested reform of the House of Lords will be included that could see peers forced to retire aged 80, alongside a roadmap for getting rid of hereditary peers.

Speaking ahead of the event, the prime minister said: "Our work is urgent. There is no time to waste. We are hitting the ground running by bringing forward the laws we will need to rebuild our country for the long-term - and our ambitious, fully costed agenda is the down payment on that change."

Giving further hints at what would appear in the plan, Sir Keir added: "From energy, to planning, to unbreakable fiscal rules, my government is serious about delivering the stability that is going to turbo charge growth that will create wealth in every corner of the UK.

"The task of national renewal will not be easy, and this is just the down payment on our plans for the next five years, but the legislation set out at the King's Speech will build on the momentum of our first days in office and make a difference to the lives of working people."

A day after the significant domestic moment, the prime minister will return to the world stage by hosting the European Political Community meeting at the birthplace of Winston Churchill, Blenheim Palace.

Over 45 leaders will gather on Thursday to discuss "the most pressing generational issues facing Europe", including migration, energy and defence in the first of the meetings to be hosted by the UK.

Sir Keir will also hold talks with Irish Taoiseach Simon Harris and French President Emmanuel Macron as the new government attempts to "rebuild relationships with key European partners", Downing Street said.

Pointing to challenges like the Ukraine war and small boat crossings, the prime minister added: "I said I would change the way the UK engages with our European partners, working collaboratively to drive forward progress on these generational challenges, and that work starts at the European Political Community meeting on Thursday."

Parliaments

UK introduces new law to protect seafarer employment rights
Parliaments

UK introduces new law to protect seafarer employment rights

According to Nautilus International, the Employment Rights Bill is expected to introduce new protections specifically devised for seafarers, toughening the laws around collective dismissal, and cementing seafarer wage protections in UK law. The Bill, being introduced to Parliament this week, will seek to outlaw fire and rehire by requiring employers to prove there is no reasonable financial alternative to letting staff go.

Canada approves new law to develop offshore wind on its Atlantic coast
Parliaments

Canada approves new law to develop offshore wind on its Atlantic coast

Canada’s Senate has approved a new law, named bill C-49, which is set to unlock the country’s offshore renewable energy potential in the provinces of Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador, on Canada’s Atlantic coast. The bill, which includes the production of wind power as well as hydrogen, now awaits royal ascent.

California nurses applaud new law that provides transparency, improves equity in nursing education
Parliaments

California nurses applaud new law that provides transparency, improves equity in nursing education

California Nurses Association, the largest union of registered nurses in the state, applauds the signing of Senate Bill 1015 by Governor Gavin Newsom. Nurses say the new law, which was authored by Senator Dave Cortese and sponsored by CNA, is an essential step towards ensuring clinical placement opportunities for California’s future nurses, particularly for students attending public institutions like community colleges and state universities.

Seychelles' parliament adopts motion to make sign language official language
Parliaments

Seychelles' parliament adopts motion to make sign language official language

The National Assembly unanimously adopted a motion to designate Seychelles Deaf Language as an official national language, marking a significant milestone for the islands' hearing-impaired populationin. The motion was brought forward by Regina Esparon, the Linyon Demokratik Seselwa (LDS) elected member for Glacis, on behalf of the Women's Parliamentary Caucus, coinciding with the Deaf Week 2024.

Ireland: New law to ban disposable vapes and restrict flavours
Parliaments

Ireland: New law to ban disposable vapes and restrict flavours

Disposable vapes will be banned and vape flavours and colours restricted under new legislation proposed by the government. The Department of Health yesterday published the general scheme of the proposed Nicotine Inhaling Products Bill, which will introduce further restrictions on nicotine inhaling products or vapes.

Brazil calls EU to suspend anti-deforestation law
Parliaments

Brazil calls EU to suspend anti-deforestation law

Brasília urges the European Commission to reconsider its anti-deforestation rules, which could potentially impact Brazil’s exports by almost US$15 billion. The European legislation passed in 2022 includes a ban on the import of products from areas deforested from 2022 onwards, even if deforestation is legal in those areas.