Labour vows to put “economic growth at the heart of its legislative agenda” on Wednesday, before hosting European leaders for a summit on Thursday, in another busy week for Sir Keir Starmer.
The new Labour government will unveil more than 35 bills in its first royal speech, Downing Street has said.
Behind the important moment of Wednesday, which will see the king Announcing the party’s plans for power at a lavish ceremony, ministers pledged to focus on economic growth and ensure their legislation supports their mission to “rebuild Britain”.
The package of bills will include promises on building housing, improving transportation, creating jobs and securing clean energy — reflecting Sir Keir Starmer’s ‘first steps’ in government on which he campaigned during the general election.
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No 10 also confirmed a new bill to bring in tough new spending rules, “designed to deliver economic growth, while avoiding the chaos that has left families with spiralling bills and wreaked misery on people’s lives”, by strengthen the role from the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR).
And there will be legislation to “empower regions to deliver change in their communities,” with a promise to “return power to local leaders who know what is best for their regions.”
Reports have also suggested that reform of the House of Lords would be included, which could force peers to retire at 80, as well as a roadmap to get rid of hereditary peers.
Speaking ahead of the event, the Prime Minister said: “Our work is urgent. There is no time to lose. We are getting down to business delivering the laws we will need to rebuild our country for the long term – and our ambitious, fully costed programme is the down payment on that change.”
Giving further insight into what would be in the plan, Sir Keir added: “From energy to planning to unbreakable fiscal rules, my government is serious about delivering the stability that will drive growth that will create wealth in every corner of the UK.
“The task of national renewal will not be easy, and this is only the beginning of our plans for the next five years, but the legislation presented in 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.”
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A day after this important national moment, the Prime Minister will return to the international stage by hosting the meeting of the European Political Community at Blenheim Palace, the birthplace of Winston Churchill.
More than 45 leaders will meet on Thursday to discuss “the most pressing generational issues facing Europe”, including migration, energy and defence, in the first of the meetings 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.
Referring to challenges such as the war in Ukraine and small boat crossings, the Prime Minister added: “I have said I will change the way the UK engages with our European partners, working collaboratively to drive progress on these generational challenges, and that work begins at the meeting of the European Political Community on Thursday.”
