Prime Minister Keir Starmer Commits to ‘Get Britain Building’ and Stability in Transformative King’s Speech

Sir Keir Starmer pledges to 'kickstart construction' in the King's Speech

The Prime Minister assures that stability will serve as the "foundation" of his administration's economic strategy, aiming to differentiate his leadership from the previous 14 years under Conservative rule.

Political journalist @Journoamrogers

Wednesday, July 17, 2024, 1:

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Sir Keir Starmer has committed to "get Britain building" during the King's Speech.

The Prime Minister pledged to expedite the development of additional housing and infrastructure projects by amending current planning regulations, a key point in the Labour Party's recent electoral campaign.

"The King stated that his ministers are set to boost construction across Britain, including implementing changes in planning regulations, as they aim to expedite the development of top-tier infrastructure and housing [Planning and Infrastructure Bill]."

"They will also seek to achieve sustainable development by promoting investments in sectors such as industry, skill enhancement, and emerging technologies."

In her inaugural address as chancellor, Rachel Reeves outlined Labour's strategy on housing, declaring her plan to reinstate compulsory housing quotas, which had been previously eliminated by the Conservative party.

The UK’s inaugural female chancellor announced that the government plans to establish a new taskforce aimed at speeding up the development of housing projects that are currently on hold.

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She further committed that her administration would construct 1.5 million new homes within the coming five years, fulfilling a promise made in the Labour Party's platform.

The pursuit of economic expansion, which the prime minister labeled his "core mission," formed the basis of Sir Keir's governmental objectives.

"The foundation of my administration's economic strategy will be stability, and all decisions will align with our fiscal regulations," declared the King.

During the presentation of the prime minister's plans for the next year, the King stated that the government was dedicated to ensuring that employment is rewarding and announced plans to launch a new initiative for workers. This deal will prohibit unfair employment practices and improve worker rights.

Sir Keir also prioritized further decentralization throughout the nation, seeking to boost economic development by empowering metropolitan mayors and consolidated local governments with additional authorities, such as the management of their regional bus systems.

The speech also highlighted Labour's commitment to overhaul the railway system by transitioning train services to public ownership, a major promise from their victorious election manifesto and their first address since 2009.

The sovereign stated that the prime minister's agenda for governance is guided by a mission and rooted in the values of safety, equity, and prospects for everyone.

Labour has not only unveiled proposals to impose VAT on private schools and establish a state-run clean energy company called Great British Energy, but they have also decided to continue with certain initiatives previously promised by the Conservatives before they were ousted from government.

The legislation introduced by Rishi Sunak, known as the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, aims to gradually raise the legal purchasing age for cigarettes and implement restrictions on the sale and advertising of vaping products.

Labour will maintain the former government's legislation aimed at enhancing protections for tenants, such as abolishing no-fault evictions and revising the criteria for property repossession. Additionally, they plan to persist with the previous administration's initiatives to overhaul the leasehold and commonhold systems.

Nonetheless, the King's Speech introduces fresh proposals, such as a bill aimed at "enhancing standards and fostering the wellbeing of children" alongside the reintroduction of the Mental Health Bill, which had been previously omitted by the Conservatives in last year's King's Speech.

The King stated that the legislation would guarantee mental health receives equal consideration and emphasis as physical health.

Labour plans to pass a law that guarantees complete equal pay rights through its proposed Equality (Race and Disability) Bill.

Further reading: A national registry for 'ghost children' who are not attending school will be established following key points from the King's Speech.

Referencing past controversies such as the infected blood scandal, the Post Office scandal, and the Hillsborough disaster, the King mentioned that Sir Keir would implement a "duty of candour" among public officials, aiming to "restore confidence and nurture respect."

In his address, the King articulated the Labour government's stance on global matters, emphasizing their steadfast dedication to NATO and their intention to actively support Ukraine's integration into the alliance by offering a definitive roadmap for membership.

The monarch stated that Labour intends to "redefine" its ties with the EU, focusing on enhancing trade and investment connections with its member countries.

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