King’s Speech predictions from tourism tax to British FBI as Keir Starmer battles on
King Charles will deliver a key speech at the State Opening of Parliament setting out the Government’s plans – as Keir Starmer battles for his political survival
King Charles will today set out the Government’s legislative agenda(Image: Getty)
King Charles will today spell out the Government’s priorities at the State Opening of Parliament – as Keir Starmer battles for his premiership.
The PM is hoping to put the Labour infighting aside and set out a vision that will silence his critics. Last night No10 insisted the King’s Speech will outline plans to strengthen public services and reverse decline.
This week the Prime Minister has been rocked by dozens of MPs demanding he steps down after disastrous election results across England, Wales and Scotland. On Tuesday safeguarding minister Jess Phillips stepped down after launching a scathing attack on Mr Starmer’s record – accusing him of blocking steps to protect kids online.
The PM is hoping for some respite amid the pomp and ceremony. For the second time since the general election in 2024, the monarch will deliver the King’s Speech outlining the Government plans for the next Parliamentary session.
The speech is set to unveil over 35 bills, No10 said – with new laws on asylum, leasehold rights, transforming the school system and creating a “British FBI”.
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The PM said: “The British people expect the Government to get on with the job of changing our country for the better. Cutting the cost of living, bringing down hospital waiting lists and keeping our country safe in an increasingly dangerous world.
“Britain stands at a pivotal moment: to press ahead with a plan to build a stronger, fairer country or turn back to the chaos and instability of the past. My government will deliver on the promise of change for the British people.”
1. Immigration
No10 said there will be laws to “restore order and control of the asylum system”.
This is expected to include legislation that limits the right to appeal if an asylum claim is rejected. Specifically this will restrict the way article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) – protecting the right to family life – is applied.
It is often invoked to argue that removal would split up families.
2. ‘British FBI’
The speech is expected to build on Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood’s policing reforms unveiled in January.
Ms Mahmood announced the number of police forces will be slashed, and a new National Police Service (NPS) will be created. This will focus on country-wide and international organised crime and terrorism, freeing up forces to focus on the things that blight communities, she said.
3. Leasehold reform
This King’s Speech will include measures to deliver on long-promised reforms to leasehold laws.
The Leasehold and Commonhold Reform Bill will increase rights for extending leases and buying freeholds in England and Wales. There will also be a £250 cap on ground rent.
4. Nationalising British Steel
British Steel will be nationalised to secure thousands of jobs, it will be announced.
The government saved the nation’s steel industry from the brink of collapse by seizing day-to-day control of the business’ works in Scunthorpe last year.
But economic control of the plant has remained in Chinese hands since, leaving the company in what has been described as “a halfway house” rendering vital modernisation impossible.
5. Cutting NHS bureaucracy
The King’s Speech is set to include legislation to get rid of NHS England and streamline the health service.
After the quango is scrapped, responsibility for overseeing health spending will be shared between ministers and local health boards. And a single electronic patient record is expected to be created.
This will make it easier for patients to get the care they need and cut down on bureaucracy, supporters say.
6. New EU bill
This one will get the Nigel Farages of this world wound up.
According to The Financial Times, new legilsation will allow EU laws to be transferred onto UK statute books swiftly. These would include crucial employment rights protections.
Earlier this week Mr Starmer vowed to align the UK more closely with Europe.
7. Building safety
Labour came to power promising to bring in measures to prevent a repeat of the Grenfell Tower tragedy.
The Building Safety Remediation Bill will order buildings with unsafe cladding to be fixed, and give support to leaseholders and residents with the cost of the work. It will also set out requirements to fix buildings faster.
8. Water firm regulation
The Government has pledged to overhaul the way the water industry is overseen.
The King’s Speech will outline plans to replace Ofwat with a new single regulator. This will be responsible for tackling pollution and capping household bills in England.
9. ‘Tourism tax’
One of the controversial measures set to be included in the speech will be a ‘tourism tax’.
An overnight levy would be set by mayors to be invested back into local areas which see a large influx of visitors. The tax would apply to hotels and bed and breakfasts.
10. Hillsborough Law
The long-promised Hillsborough Law – setting out a legal obligation for public bodies to tell the truth is expected to be included.
The Government has been criticised for missing deadlines promised to the families of the 97 who tragically died in the 1989 Hillsborough disaster. The stalemate has been caused by a dispute over the extent to which the new duty of candour will apply to the security services.
The PM is set to scrap plans to allow security agencies an exemption.
11. Energy independence
The King’s Speech will include the Energy Independence Bill to end the UK’s dependence on fossil fuels.
No10 said the legislation would give ministers more power to tackle rising energy prices. It would also speed up the delivery of clean energy technologies and vital grid infrastructure, the Government said.
