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King’s Speech 2024: Live updates and reaction as Labour unveils 40 policy bills

Daniel Green
Photo: Dave Colman/Shutterstock

King Charles has outlined the new Labour government’s priorities for the months ahead today, with 40 new bills unveiled in the King’s Speech.

The bills included plans to nationalise the railways, create a new publicly-owned energy company, Great British Energy, scrap hereditary peers in the House of Lords and introduce a New Deal for Working People to boost workers’ rights.

The speech is the first King’s Speech under a Labour government since 1950, with bills ranging from housebuilding to green energy to constitutional reform announced.

MPs will start six days of debate on the plans from 2.30pm.

Follow below for all the latest news, updates and reaction from Westminster and beyond – refresh the page for updates.

Read more our coverage of the King’s Speech here:

4.43pm: ‘Attack on the poorest in our community’

Veteran left-wing Labour MP John McDonnell has called on the government to scrap the two-child benefit limit before the House of Commons.

“The resources are there and we can lift these children out of poverty with this simple act,” he says.

4.28pm: ‘In the Emperor we Trust’

Clive Lewis, a Labour MP well known for his republican views, has posted a response to the King’s Speech on X (formerly Twitter).

It comes after he was required to repeat his MP’s swearing in after he did so “under protest” on his first attempt after the 2024 election.

3.56pm: ‘Path of national renewal’

Starmer has concluded his remarks in the chamber by saying the government will be focused on ambitious mission-driven goals.

“That is the path of national renewal, the rebuilding of our country and we take another step today.”

3.45pm: Starmer slams ‘scars’ of previous government

Keir Starmer has spoken of the “unexpected scars” of the Conservative government, including the state of the nation’s prisons, the condition of the country’s rivers and seas and the financial situation of local authorities.

He said: “The work of change has begun but national renewal is not a quick fix – the rot of 14 years will take time to fix.”

3.40pm: ‘I take child poverty very seriously’

Keir Starmer is discussing the strategy to tackle child poverty and announced the taskforce to help kickstart the government’s efforts in this area.

He said the government will work across the House in order to bring down child poverty, but did not make a commitment to scrapping the two-child benefit cap.

3.34pm: Starmer addresses Commons

The Prime Minister is now addressing the House of Commons and said his party was elected to “stop the chaos of the past 14 years… and return it to public service.”

He said the government’s plans will take the brakes off the economy and improve the lives of millions.

3.25pm: Sunak urges cross-party approach to constitutional reform

Sunak says the government should prioritise “practical real-world” issues over constitutional reform, including scrapping hereditary peers in the House of Lords.

However, he has said for such measures, the government should consider a cross-party approach to pass them.

3.20pm: ‘Government has inherited economy on upward trajectory’

Sunak is now talking about the economy and said that the new Labour government has “inherited an economy that is already on an upward trajectory”.

He urged Labour not to impose new burdens on businesses, which could have the unintended consequences including unemployment.

Sunak also said that Labour had no answer for how to deal with the rising welfare bill following the pandemic.

3.14pm: ‘Life comes at you fast’

Rishi Sunak has offered some advice to members on the government benches.

He said: “On the government benches, life comes at you fast. Soon, you might be fortunate enough to be tapped on the shoulder and offered a junior ministerial role. Then you’ll find yourself attending Cabinet. Then in the Cabinet.

“And then, when the Prime Minster’s position becomes untenable… you might end up being called to the highest office. And before you know it, you have a bright future behind you and you were left wondering whether you can credibly be an elder statesman at the age of 44.”

3.11pm: Leader of the Opposition Rishi Sunak addresses Parlimament

Rishi Sunak is now speaking in the debate as Leader of the Opposition. He began by welcoming the new MPs, regardless of political allegiance, and condemning the assassination attempt on former US President Donald Trump.

3.00pm: Debate on the speech underway

Debate on the King’s Speech is well underway in Parliament. The debate is beginning with a Humble Address to His Majesty.

2.40pm: ‘Ministerial taskforce’ to be launched to kickstart work on child poverty strategy

Labour is set to launch a new “taskforce” to work on a child poverty strategy, after pressure on the government to ditch the controversial two-child benefit cap in its King’s Speech.

Scrapping the cap was not part of the legislative programme, but Number 10 confirmed the Work and Pensions Secretary and Education Secretary will lead a wider review, while a new Child Poverty Unit will be launched inside the Cabinet Office.

It comes after Labour MP Kim Johnson said she would file a King’s Speech amendment to scrap the two-child benefit cap.

2.20pm: Academy freedoms reined in

There are some striking education reforms affecting England in the King’s Speech.

One is a duty on councils to have a list of children not in school, to ensure they do not “slip under the radar” and don’t get the right support or education– a real problem now.

Another is stronger regulator powers to investigate unregistered schools, and to directly inspect multi-academy trusts that now run most of England’s secondary schools (rather than just school-level inspections).

Academy schools, promoted by former Labour and Tory governments to set them free from local authority control, will also be forced to cooperate with councils to ensure they act fairly on admissions policies, place planning and the proper inclusion of children with special educational needs and disabilities.

They will also see their freedom to deviate from the national curriculum scrapped, as well as their freedom to hire unqualified teachers withdrawn.

2.00pm: What wasn’t in the King’s Speech?

A number of manifesto pledges and bills that were rumoured to be included have been left out of this year’s King’s Speech. Here are just a few that did not make the cut:

  • Extending the franchise to 16 and 17 year olds
  • Retirement age for peers at the age of 80
  • Automatic voter registration

More details on all of those here.

Labour also faced calls to scrap the two-child cap, with Labour MP Kim Johnson planning to file an amendment. Notably Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall convened experts to start work on Labour’s child poverty strategy today though:

1.55pm: Labour ‘refreshing’ after years of attacks on workers

Public and Commercial Services (PCS) union general secretary Fran Heathcote says: “After 14 years of anti-union rhetoric and attacks on workers across sectors, it is refreshing today to see a new government committed to implementing rights from day one.

“We would urge Labour to liaise with unions urgently to ensure that workers across sectors are protected. Our union stands ready to work with Labour in government to ensure civil servants, outsourced workers and related bodies are protected, empowered and respected.”

1.50pm: Scottish Labour frontbencher calls for amendment to King’s Speech

Carol Mochan, the Scottish Labour spokesperson on public health and mental health, has called on Prime Minister Keir Starmer to accept an amendment to the King’s Speech to abolish the two-child benefit cap.

The cap, introduced by the Conservatives in 2017, limits means-tested benefit to two children and has been blamed by some for causing an increase in child poverty.

Although Labour opposes the cap, the party has refused to endorse calls to immediately scrap the measure due to cost, but has committed to other policies to reduce child poverty.

In a post on social media, Mochan said: “It’s an important moment in our history, the first Labour King’s Speech for many years.

“I look forward to bills to renationalise railways and deliver a New Deal for Working People.

“I hope Westminster will back amendments to scrap the two-child [benefit] cap and end arms sales to Israel.”

1.40pm: Snake oil warning

Some striking words in Starmer’s introductory comments to the King’s Speech briefing pack…

He writes: “Rebuilding our country will not happen overnight. The challenges we face require determined, patient work and serious solutions, rather than the temptation of the easy answer. The snake oil charm of populism may sound seductive, but it drives us into the dead end of further division and greater disappointment.”

1.35pm: Employment reforms not a ‘striker’s charter’

A government spokesman dismissed a journalist’s suggestion in a briefing for journalists that the employment reforms amounted to a “striker’s charter”, saying reforms were about creating a “new partnership” between firms and workers that could help reduce rather than increase industrial disputes.

More on Labour’s plans here

1.30pm: At least ten arrests ahead of State Opening of Parliament

The Metropolitan Police have confirmed they arrested a number of people ahead of the State Opening of Parliament earlier this morning.

At least ten members of the Youth Demand group have been arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to cause public nuisance. The group had announced last week they planned to disrupt the event.

1.25pm: Starmer government ‘most class-conscious since Wilson’

The New Statesman’s George Eaton has said this King’s Speech proves the Starmer government would be the “most interventionist and class-conscious” since Harold Wilson’s.

1.15pm: Unite: King’s Speech platform will ‘transform workers’ lives’

The Unite union has welcomed the scope of the government’s ambition following the King’s Speech, but said Labour needs to be ready to deliver the change workers and communities need.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “The King’s Speech is packed full of measures which will begin transforming the UK for the better. The King’s Speech shows why Britain needs a Labour Government. The forthcoming employment rights bill is key to rebalancing the relationship between employers and workers, making work fairer. As always, the detail will be important.

But she added: “Now is not the time for the government to be straitjacketed by self-made fiscal rules, leaving us entirely reliant on growth, which may not arrive in time.”

1.10pm: Labour repeats commitment to grant vote to 16 year olds

A Downing Street spokesman confirms Labour remains committed to implementing votes at 16 this parliament, allowing 16- and 17-year-olds to vote at the next general election.

1.00pm: Mayor of London backs plans for English devolution

Reacting to the King’s Speech, Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said: “I wholeheartedly welcome the King’s Speech, which is good news for London and the whole country. The new government has set out the first steps and missions to rebuild Britain and it marks a significant change of approach after years of London being held back.

“I welcome the English Devolution Bill, which will help unlock the power and potential of cities like London. It’s refreshing to have a government that recognises the vital role that regional mayors can play in boosting economic growth, building more homes and improving local communities.

“We will now see game-changing action to ban the dangerous knives driving violence in our communities and new laws to give private renters greater security, including banning no-fault evictions – measures affecting Londoners that I have repeatedly called for. The Government’s plans for cleaner, greener energy will make a huge difference all around the country.

“Change is not going to happen overnight, but this is clearly a turning point. And I look forward to working hand-in-hand with the new government as we build a fairer, safer and greener London for everyone and help deliver the change Britain needs.”

12.55pm: Ban on exploitative practices and making work pay

The Employment Rights Bill includes pledges made by Labour as part of its “New Deal for Working People”.

The bill, if passed, would ban exploitative zero-hours contracts, end fire and rehire practices, make parental leave, sick pay and protection from unfair dismissal available from day one and make flexible working the default from day one for all workers.

The plans would also update trade union legislation to scrap “unnecessary restrictions on trade union activity”, including the Conservative government’s approach to minimum service levels.

12.50pm: Employment Bill ‘a vital stepping stone’

A TUC statement hailed the Employment Bill as a “a vital stepping stone”.

It added: “Improving the quality of work is hugely popular with voters across the political spectrum and can raise living standards.”

12.47pm: No votes at 16 for now

Plans to extend the franchise to 16 and 17-year-olds have not been included in today’s King’s Speech.

Tom Brake, director of Unlock Democracy, praised Lords reform and devolution measures, but added: “We regret that a concrete commitment to Votes at 16 and automatic voter registration (AVR) is missing from this speech.”

A government figure told Sky News’ Beth Rigby that the plan could appear in a later session of Parliament, but that the first King’s Speech “prioritised the things that matter most”.

12.43pm: Read the full detail of the King’s Speech

The government has now published a briefing note on all the key measures – you can read it here.

12.40pm: Fabians welcome King’s Speech

Fabian Society general secretary Andrew Harrop welcomed the King’s Speech with hopes Labour can “transform the country” over the coming Parliament.

He said: “The King’s Speech shows Labour is prepared to take on vested interests for the public good. With sweeping reforms to employment law, housing and planning, and a greatly expanded role for the public sector in transport and energy this is an administration that knows the power of government to improve people’s lives.

“Today’s package of laws will change Britain decisively and irreversibly including comprehensive devolution in England, the end of hereditary peers and controls on tobacco and junk food to improve the nation’s health. If this is what Labour can do in just one year of law-making, over the whole parliament the party will transform the country.”

12.35pm: First key steps pave way for ‘bold and tangible change’

Harry Quilter-Pinner, interim executive director of IPPR, has welcomed the new government’s proposals to tackle the nation’s challenges.

He said: “The whole country needs action to tackle the long-standing issues of stagnant wages, low growth, insecure work, growing poverty and the need for a fair transition to a net zero economy.

“These proposals speak to the demands of the voters who put the government into power. We know from our own analysis that this coalition is more united than many think, and supports bolder action on the economy, climate change and workers’ rights.

“Today’s measures are just the beginning of a long process which will require bold and tangible change. The government is still in the ‘honeymoon’ period. But voters are impatient for change. Now is the time to deliver.”

12.30pm: How will tobacco ban work?

Based on the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, the government would introduce a progressive smoking ban to gradually end the sale of tobacco products.

Children born on or after January 1 2009 would never be allowed to legally purchase cigarettes under the proposals.

As well as this, vapes and other consumer nicotine products will be prohibited from being deliberately branded and advertised to appeal to children.

12.25pm: ‘Welcome step forward’

Mathew Lawrence, director of think tank Common Wealth, heralded the creation of Great British Energy as an “important and welcome step forward”.

He said: “By scaling homegrown, home-owned green power, it can ensure a faster, fairer, and more affordable energy transition. Designed well and backed with ambition, it can help deliver Labour’s clean power mission and cut bills, a visible sign of genuine change.

“Labour governments have always built institutions: the NHS, the Open University, Sure Start. Pursued with ambition and scale, GB Energy could join that list, a collective and national institution that can rebuild Britain.

“To unlock its potential, the next steps are clear: further investment ambition; and a retail option to translate clean power into lower bills.”

12.20pm: Independent football regulator announced

A Football Governance Bill has also been announced, delivering on Labour’s manifesto commitment to introduce a new independent regulator which will protect football clubs across England and give fans a greater say in how their clubs are run.

The bill will introduce financial regulation to improve financial resilience of clubs across the football pyramid, require clubs to get fan approval to changes to the badge and home shirt colours, and require approval from the regulator for a stadium sale or relocation.

12.13pm: Reaction from Fire Brigades Union

Following the King’s Speech, Fire Brigades Union general secretary Matt Wrack said: “The steadfast commitment to start delivery of the New Deal for Working People within 100 days will significantly improve the lives of workers after 14 years of vicious anti trade union legislation from the Tories.

“The stated urgency to deliver on Labour’s plan to repeal the Minimum Service Levels bill, which effectively bans firefighters and other key workers going on strike to defend their jobs and wages, as part of that package is particularly welcome.

“Likewise, the banning of zero hours contracts and tackling fire and rehire.

“The commitment to increase the living wage as part of the New Deal for Working People is also hugely welcome and must be reflected in pay offers made to firefighters and other public sector workers after a decade and a half of severe wage restraint.”

12.06pm: Hillsborough Bill among those included in King’s Speech

One of the new bills unveiled in the King’s Speech is a ‘Hillsborough Law’, delivering on Labour’s manifesto commitment to place a legal duty of candour on public servants and authorities.

The bill aims to improve transparency and accountability where failure in the provision and delivery of public services is the subject of public investigation and scrutiny, as well as reducing the culture of defensiveness in the public sector.

12.00pm: 40 bills announced in King’s Speech

A total of 40 bills have been announced in the King’s Speech, which include plans to launch Great British Energy, the nationalisation of the railways, scrapping hereditary peers in the House of Lords and planning reform.

Other measures include greater devolution for local authorities in England, including on transport, as well as a progressive ban on tobacco and restricting advertising of junk food to children.

The government will also establish a statutory Armed Forces Commissioner to support the armed forces and will work to deliver on a long-standing commitment to build a Holocaust Memorial and Learning Centre next to the Houses of Parliament.

Read more here

11.56am: Measures on terrorism and violence against women

The government will also put forward “Martyn’s Law”, named after a victim of the 2017 Manchester Arena attack, which will improve the safety and security of public venues and help keep the public safe from terrorism.

Plans will also be presented to halve violence against women and girls.

11.48am: Government committed to two-state solution in Middle East

The King has said that the government is committed to a two-state solution in the Israel-Gaza conflict, “with a safe and secure Israel alongside a viable and sovereign Palestinian state”.

11.46am: Hereditary peers to be scrapped

The King has said the government will introduce legislation to remove the right of hereditary peers to sit and vote in the House of Lords.

11.43am: Progressive ban on sale of tobacco

The King has confirmed that the government will put forward the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, which would introduce a progressive ban on the sale of tobacco. The bill began life under the last Conservative government but failed to make further progress due to the election being called.

11.42am: Removal of VAT exemption for private school fees announced

King Charles has announced that the exemption from VAT for private school fees will be removed to enable the funding of 6,500 new teachers.

He has also said the government will end no-fault evictions for renters, as well as establish an “independent football regulator”.

11.40am: GB Energy will ‘unlock investment in energy infrastructure’

A bill will be introduced to set up Great British Energy to accelerate investment in renewable energy, it has been announced.

11.37am: ‘Mission led government’

The King has begun his speech outlining the priorities for the government for the year ahead.

He said that the government will be “mission-led and based upon the principles of security, fairness and opportunity for all”.

Among the bills announced so far include an English Devolution Bill, plans to nationalise the railways and the New Deal for Working People.

11.32am: King and Queen arrive at Lords

The King and Queen have arrived at the House of Lords and MPs are now trickling from the House of Commons for the King’s Speech.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Leader of the Opposition Rishi Sunak were seen chatting to each other on their way into the chamber.

11.25am: Watch proceedings in the House of Lords

11.20am: King and Queen arrive at Westminster

King Charles and Queen Camilla have arrived at Westminster ahead of the State Opening of Parliament, with the Royal Standard flying over the Palace of Westminster.

11.10am: Protesters along procession route

Anti-monarchy protesters have lined parts of the procession route ahead of the State Opening of Parliament, including the group Labour for a Republic.

11.00am: King on way to Parliament

King Charles has left Buckingham Palace and has begun his procession to Westminster for the State Opening of Parliament.

He is expected to arrive in around 20 minutes and will take his throne in the Lords at around 11.30am.

10.45am: Labour MP to be ‘held hostage’ at Buckingham Palace

As part of the traditions surrounding the State Opening of Parliament, a Labour MP will be “taken hostage” during the proceedings this morning.

As King Charles heads from Buckingham Palace to the Palace of Westminster, Samantha Dixon will head in the opposite direction. The tradition, first carried out under the reign of Charles I, aims to ensure the monarch’s safe return from Parliament.

Dixon was selected because of her role as vice-chamberlain of the household. She will spend the morning watching the ceremony unfold on television, while being fed tea and sandwiches by palace staff – so it’s not all bad!

10.25am: Prime Minister on the King’s Speech

Speaking ahead of the King’s Speech, Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: “Our work is urgent. There is no time to waste. We are hitting the ground running by bringing forward the laws we will need to rebuild our country for the long-term – and our ambitious, fully costed agenda is the downpayment on that change.

“From energy, to planning, to unbreakable fiscal rules, my government is serious about delivering the stability that is going to turbocharge growth that will create wealth in every corner of the UK.

“The task of national renewal will not be easy, and this is just the down payment on our plans for the next five years, but the legislation set out at 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.”

10.05am: What LabourList readers want to see

In a poll yesterday, we asked our readers what policies they would like to see prioritised by the government in today’s King’s Speech.

Of the 277 readers who responded, an overwhelming 60% said they want to see the New Deal for Working People as Labour’s biggest priority.

Labour’s plans for housebuilding, GB Energy and railway nationalisation came a very close second.

Among policies not included in Labour’s manifesto, a large number of readers said they would like to see the two child benefit cap scrapped, with other policies including proportional representation, nationalising water companies, and compensation to WASPI women.

9.50am: What will be in the King’s Speech?

The speech is set to feature a number of new bills that will prioritise growth – the government’s overarching mission for the year ahead.

Departments are working on more than 35 bills and announcements which will be revealed in the King’s Speech, which are expected to include a bill to enforce tough new spending rules, launch a National Wealth Fund and opening recruitment for the government’s new border security command.

9.30am: What is the King’s Speech?

Each parliamentary session, which runs for around 12 months, begins with a State Opening of Parliament. A key part of the ceremony is the King’s Speech, also known as the Speech from the Throne, which allows the government to outline its priorities for the months ahead.

The speech is written by the government and usually lasts around ten minutes, depending on the number of bills and announcements being made.

More than 35 bills are set to be proposed in the speech later this morning.

9.10am: Watch the King’s Speech

You can tune in yourself to watch the King’s Speech via Parliament TV via this link, likely to go live just before it begins.

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