Keir Starmer’s Labour government will unveil its legislative agenda for this parliamentary session in the king’s speech on Wednesday. The comprehensive speech is expected to outline over 30 bills, featuring initiatives on housebuilding, workers’ rights, border security, and electoral reforms.
Key Bills to Anticipate:
Democracy Bill
The speech will propose automatic voter registration and may lower the voting age to 16, aligning with Labour’s manifesto. Discussions include a boundary review to adjust constituencies based on total populations instead of registered voters.
Fiscal Responsibility Bill
Legislation will empower the economic watchdog to publish independent fiscal forecasts, aimed at preventing financial missteps like those seen in Liz Truss’s 2022 mini-budget.
Housebuilding Bill
Central to the agenda, this bill will detail plans for a national housebuilding program, including reintroducing mandatory housing targets and overhauling the planning system.
‘Take Back Control’ Bill
This bill will devolve powers to local communities, granting mayors and councils authority over skills, energy, planning, and transport. This includes reinstating bus routes and setting affordable fares.
Workers’ Rights Bill
A landmark bill will address zero-hours contracts, fire and rehire practices, collective bargaining, and protections for minority ethnic and disabled workers.
Border Security Bill
To tackle Channel crossings by migrants and refugees, this bill will propose treating people-smugglers as terrorists.
Crime and Policing Bill
A crackdown on antisocial behavior will include making criminal exploitation of a child a specific offense to combat county lines drug smuggling.
Energy Independence Bill
This bill will announce the creation of a publicly owned energy company, GB Energy, to help achieve a clean power-based UK electricity system by 2030.
Railways Bill
Aiming to nationalize railways within five years, this bill will establish a public body to take over contracts and run services.
Lords Reform Bill
The bill will enact immediate reforms to the House of Lords, such as removing hereditary peers’ voting rights and introducing a mandatory retirement age of 80.
Football Governance Bill
This bill will establish an independent football regulator in England, continuing a policy from the previous government.
Smoking Ban Bill
Revisiting a proposal from Rishi Sunak’s government, this bill will incrementally raise the legal age for buying tobacco products.
Martyn’s Law
Named after a Manchester Arena attack victim, this law will require venues and authorities to prepare for potential terror attacks.
Hillsborough Law
This law will mandate candor from public servants in inquiries and provide legal aid for disaster or state-related death victims.
These bills reflect Labour’s commitment to comprehensive reforms and addressing key issues affecting the UK.
