Labour has vowed to “take the brakes off Britain” as it sets out its plans for government in the King’s Speech later today.
More than 35 bills are expected to be unveiled at the event, which will see King Charles read the list of policies and commitments of the Houses of Parliament.
The party said the focus would be on “unleashing growth and improving living standards for working people” in what it called an “ambitious legislative agenda”, echoing Sir Keir Starmer’s ‘first steps’ in campaign in the general elections.
Analysis: The King’s Speech will be the biggest symbol of the change Labour hopes to bring
Speaking ahead of the announcements, the Prime Minister said: “For too long, people have been held back, their path determined by where they come from – not their talents and hard work.
“I am determined to create wealth for people across the country. This is the only way our country can progress, and my government is working to support this aspiration.”
It is not yet clear what the bills will be, but Downing Street confirmed a number of measures on the eve of the speech.
They include legislation aimed at Bringing rail services back into public ownership when their current private contracts expire and the creation of a new public body called Great British Railways to oversee both the services themselves and the fares.
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The most radical king’s speech yet?
A Better Buses Bill will also be introduced, giving local authorities more power to franchise their services, as well as lifting restrictions on the creation of new public bus operators.
Long-awaited planning reforms are set to be introduced to help build homes and infrastructure, and a new English devolution bill will transfer more powers to local leaders.
Sir Keir said: “Today’s new laws will take back control and lay the foundations for the real change this country demands, creating wealth in every community and improving people’s lives, supporting their ambitions, hopes and dreams.”
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Current opposition leader, former prime minister Rishi Sunaksaid the Conservatives would not “oppose for the sake of it” as Labour pushes ahead with its plans, but that it was their “responsibility” to speak out and hold the new government to account.
When MPs debate the King’s Speech in Parliament on Wednesday, Mr Sunak is expected to say: “[Labour] They have responded to the public’s desire for change, but they must now deliver that change, and we on this side of the House will hold them to account for delivering on the commitments they made to the British people.
“The Labour Party has promised not to raise taxes on working people and not to plan any tax increases beyond those set out in its manifesto, with full knowledge of the public finances.
“They cannot pretend that the situation is worse than they thought and go back on their promises. We will demand that the government keeps its promises.”
