Starmer urges voters to reject ‘snake oil charm of populism’ after King’s Speech – live updates
Rishi Sunak said the Conservative Party will not oppose Labour’s policy plans “for the sake of it” as he congratulated Sir Keir Starmer on a “decisive” general election victory.
Speaking during the King’s Speech debate in the House of Commons, the outgoing Tory leader said Labour had managed to successfully “tap into the public’s desire for change” and the new Government “now must deliver”.
He said: “It is right to begin by congratulating the Prime Minister on his decisive victory in the election. He deserves the goodwill of all of us in this House as he takes on the most demanding of jobs in the increasingly uncertain world in which we now live.
“The party opposite has successfully tapped into the public’s desire for change but they now must deliver change and we on this side of the House will hold them accountable for delivering on the commitments they made to the British people.
“In the national interest, we will not oppose for the sake of it but when we disagree with the Government it is our responsibility as the opposition to say so.”
You can follow the latest updates below and join the conversation in the comments section. [1]
4:47PM [2]Truss attacks civil servants for describing mini-budget as ‘disastrous’
Liz Truss has demanded civil servants receive “suitable admonishment” after her September 2022 mini-budget was described as “disastrous” in briefing notes prepared for the King’s Speech.
The former Prime Minister wrote to Simon Case, the Cabinet Secretary, on Wednesday condemning the “political attack”.
“Not only is what is stated in the document untrue, making no reference to the LDI crisis precipitated by the Bank of England’s regulatory failures; but I regard it as a flagrant breach of the Civil Service Code, since such personal attacks have no place in a document prepared by civil servants – an error made all the more egregious when the attack is allowed to masquerade in the documents among ‘key facts’,” she wrote.
Ms Truss asked for an investigation into the production of the document and its removal from the Government’s website.
4:39PM [3]Migration should be increased to ‘enhance’ Britain, says Flynn
Stephen Flynn has said migration should be increased to “enhance” Britain.
The SNP’s Westminster leader told the House of Commons: “On that point of migration, I wish to seek consensus in this House, which might be moderately difficult, given some of the people who now sit behind me.
“We need to stand up and be bold and brave in the face of those who seek to demonise migration, who seek to other those people who come and work in our public sector and in our private sector, who care for us in our hospitals and who teach our children.
“We should be seeking to increase migration, to increase our economic output and to grow our economy and, indeed, to enhance our communities.”
4:34PM [4]Commons groans as Flynn vows SNP will be ‘constructive’
MPs groaned when Stephen Flynn vowed that the SNP would be “constructive” in the House of Commons.
The Scottish nationalists’ Westminster leader said: “They have a parliamentary majority which will go down in history, and that majority affords them something incredibly important.
“It affords them the ability to deliver change, and what that change looks like.
“And perhaps more importantly, what that change feels like for people in their homes is so important, my colleagues and I on the SNP benches will try to do everything that we possibly can to be as constructive as we can. We will.”
4:30PM [5]King’s Speech ‘fell short’ for small businesses
The King’s Speech “fell short” for small businesses, the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has said.
Tina McKenzie, its policy chair, said: “Today’s King’s Speech announcements fell short on the central challenge – getting growth back into the economy and ensuring wealth creation in every local community.
“Small businesses and the self-employed expected more on these, with their key issues instead overlooked.
“The Government’s 105-page briefing document doesn’t mention ‘small business’ once – suggesting Labour may not keep its promises to drive growth in the real economy.
“Apart from ambitious-sounding planning reform, there was no sign of delivery of the small business plan promised by Labour in opposition.”
4:26PM [6]Labour’s ‘regulate first’ approach puts Britain’s ‘world-class’ AI industry at risk, say Tories
Labour’s “regulate first, ask questions later” approach to AI puts the industry at risk in Britain, the shadow science secretary has said.
“We await further detail on Labour’s proposals for AI, but their regulate first, ask questions later approach risks the progress made under the Conservatives,” Andrew Griffith said. “Progress that gave Britain the third largest AI industry globally.
“Labour have inherited a world-class regulatory regime that has drawn innovators such as Google, Microsoft and OpenAI to the UK, companies which have warned that further regulation of the industry will only serve to push innovators and wealth creators away, as happened in the EU, to countries such as the US and China.
“Whereas the Conservatives welcomed innovators to the UK through our regulatory regime and the world’s first AI Safety Summit at Bletchley Park, Labour are already pushing tech companies away, threatening our future as a science and tech superpower.”
4:14PM [7]Lib Dems call for proportional representaiton
Sir Ed Davey has called for proportional representation as he spoke in the Commons.
“It won’t surprise anyone in this house, Mr Speaker, to hear that we on these benches believe that political reform must include electoral reform,” the Liberal Democrat leader said.
“Proportional representation, giving everyone equal power to hold Members of Parliament property to account.
“Maybe even the Conservatives support that these days.”
4:12PM [8]Government to hold new strike talks with train drivers’ union
The Government will hold new strike talks with the union that represents train drivers in an attempt to resolve a long-running pay dispute.
Aslef, whose members have gone out on strike on 18 days in the last two years, said there will be an initial meeting with the Department for Transport next Tuesday, saying it hoped for “constructive” talks.
It is understood the Rail Delivery Group, which represents train companies involved in the dispute, will not be involved.
4:09PM [9]Labour launches new child poverty taskforce amid backbench unease
Labour has launched a new child poverty taskforce amid growing backbench pressure to scrap the two-child benefit cap.
It will be led by Liz Kendall, the Work and Pensions Secretary, and assisted by a new “child poverty unit” in the Cabinet Office.
Ms Kendall met with a series of groups on Wednesday morning to discuss the taskforce, including Save the Children, Action for Children, Barnados, the Trades Union Congress, End Child Poverty Coalition, Resolution Foundation and Unicef.
Sir Keir Starmer said the taskforce would produce “an ambitious child poverty strategy”.
4:04PM [10]Davey: ‘Much to welcome’ in King’s Speech
Sir Ed Davey has said there was “much to welcome” in the King’s Speech.
Speaking in the Commons, the Liberal Democrat leader said: “The challenges awaiting this new Government are certainly great, and set against that challenging backdrop, there is much to welcome in the programme set out today.
“Not least the Government’s focus on getting our economy growing strongly again. The Prime Minister is right to say that building more homes is an essential part of that.”
4:01PM [11]Water sports are ‘my thing’, Davey tells Starmer
Sir Ed Davey has told Sir Keir Starmer that “water sports are my thing” as he responded to his speech in the Commons.
The Liberal Democrat leader said: “May I welcome the Prime Minister to his place and congratulate him and his party on their election victory.
“As he says, they now have an enormous undertaking, and we wish them well.
“I read somewhere that the Prime Minister apparently surfed to power on a wave of Conservative failure, but can I say to him, gently with a pang of envy, water sports are my thing.”
Sir Ed embarked on a series of campaign stunts in the run up to the election, including paddleboarding and going on water slides.
3:54PM [12]Tory MP presses Starmer on commitment to rural issues
A Conservative MP has pressed Sir Keir Starmer on his commitment to rural issues after they were not mentioned in the King’s Speech.
Graham Stuart, MP for Beverley and Holderness, intervened to ask the Prime Minister: “I am grateful to the Prime Minister for giving way and he talks about priorities.
“But of course, people in rural communities around the country see the vast majority which the right honourable gentleman has assembled, and they’re afraid.
“They see a manifesto in which just 87 words are used about farming. They see they see a King’s Speech with no mention of rural communities or rural priorities. Will the Prime Minister please take this opportunity to reassure people in rural and farming communities that his Labour Government will take notice of them?”
Sir Keir replied: “Let me take this opportunity to reassure those in rural communities. I grew up in a rural community myself, and I think that if you look at the places that are now represented, you can see the reassurance that has been given that will also be given again.”
3:49PM [13]Starmer vows to work with Tory MPs in ‘new era of service’
Sir Keir Starmer has promised to work with Tory MPs in a “new era” of “service”.
“I have said that we would serve everyone, whether they voted for us or not, and I meant it,” the Prime Minister said.
“So let me say directly to the benches opposite, if you are invested in the success of your community, we will work with you.
“This is a new era. We are turning a page, returning politics to service, because that is what the people of this country want to see from their politicians, and service is a stronger bond than political self-interest.”
3:46PM [14]No more gimmicks, Starmer pledges
Sir Keir Starmer has pledged that there will be “no more gimmicks” now that Labour are in power.
“Mr Speaker, we will have time, over the weeks, months and years, to debate the measures in this King’s Speech and the choices of this Government,” the Prime Minister told the Commons.
“But I defy anyone on those benches or elsewhere to look at the ambition and purpose or intent and not to perceive a return to the serious business of Government.
“No more wedge issues, no more gimmicks, no more party political strategies masquerading as policy.”
3:44PM [15]Labour MP and SNP leader launch interventions on child poverty
A Labour backbencher and Stephen Flynn, the SNP’s leader at Westminster, have launched interventions in Sir Keir Starmer’s speech, asking questions on child poverty.
Sarah Owen, the MP for Luton North, said: “I thank the Prime Minister for giving way during his excellent speech outlining the hope and renewal within this King’s Speech, much needed in constituencies like mine in Luton North where over 45 per cent of children are growing up in relative poverty.
“What reassurances can the Prime Minister give me and my constituents that he personally takes this issue very seriously and that his government will address it?”
Mr Flynn then asked: “Thank you, Mr Speaker, very grateful to the Prime Minister for giving way on his newly announced task force, which of course Beth Rigby was announcing on Twitter as we were all within this chamber.
“Mr Speaker, can the Prime Minister outline how many children will remain in poverty while that task force undertakes the work, which will ultimately lead to the same conclusion that we are proposing to scrap the two-child benefit cap?”
Sir Keir said he was “grateful” for the interventions before rejecting two further attempted interventions. “No child should be growing up in poverty,” he said.
3:38PM [16]Starmer thanks Sunak for ‘generosity’ since election
Sir Keir Starmer has thanked Rishi Sunak for his “generosity” since the general election.
He said: “We are all responsible for the tone and standards that we set, and I want to thank the right honourable gentleman in every exchange that we had since the election, and in his words today, he has gone well beyond the usual standards of generosity, and I thank him for that.
“And in that spirit, this King’s Speech picks up some of the important business not concluded in the last session.
“And so, on football governance and the reduction of smoking, we hope to proceed in a manner that recognises the previous consensus.
“We will also carry forward the Holocaust Memorial Bill so we build that memorial next to this Parliament and make sure every generation reaffirms our commitment to never again.”
3:35PM [17]Prime Minister condemns ‘appalling’ Trump assassination attempt
The Prime Minister has condemned the “appalling” assassination attempt on Donald Trump.
“Mr Speaker, we also wish President Trump a speedy recovery from the appalling attempt on his life at the weekend,” Sir Keir Starmer told the Commons.
“I spoke with President Trump on Sunday night to pass our best wishes, but also to share our revulsion at the senseless violence which has no place in democracy.”
He added: “While our thoughts at this time are, of course, with President Trump and the American people, we cannot think that this some this is something that only happens elsewhere.
“We must heed the words of President Biden, to lower the temperature of our democracy, work across our disagreements and find each other’s common decency.”
3:33PM [18]Starmer: Tories’ 14 years shows populism is a ‘dead end’
Sir Keir Starmer has said the Conservatives’ 14 years in Government shows populism is a “dead end”.
“Mr Speaker, this Government has been elected to deliver nothing less than national renewal to stop the chaos of the past 14 years, turn the page on an era of politics as noisy performance, and return it to public service,” the Prime Minister told the Commons.
“And start the work of rebuilding our country. A determined rebuilding, a patient rebuilding, a calm rebuilding, a rejection in this complicated and volatile world of those who can only offer the easy answer, the snake oil charm of populism.
“Mr Speaker, as the last 14 years has shown, that road is a dead end for this country. It does nothing to fix our foundations, and the British people have rejected it, as they have throughout our history. What people really want is change, and change is what this government of service will deliver.”
3:28PM [19]Starmer praises ‘gracious’ King
Sir Keir Starmer has praised the King as “gracious” as he begins his response to Rishi Sunak.
“Before we begin, may I join the Leader of the Opposition in his tribute to his Majesty the King,” the Prime Minister said.
“It is so heartening to see him in his rightful place, delivering the gracious speech, and I am sure the whole house will not mind once again wishing him a speedy recovery.
“Can I also join in wishing Her Majesty the Queen a happy birthday.”
3:25PM [20]Sunak challenges Starmer to match Tory defence spending pledge
Rishi Sunak challenged Sir Keir Starmer to commit to increasing defence spending to 2.5 per cent of GDP by 2030.
The Tory leader told the House of Commons: “The world is more dangerous now than it has been at any time since the end of the Cold War.
“So I would urge the Prime Minister to commit to boosting defence spending to 2.5 per cent of GDP by 2030.
“And if we lead the way on this we can make 2.5 per cent the new Nato benchmark for defence investment. This is the single best way to strengthen the alliance. It will show the Americans that we do not expect them to bear every burden and it would show President Putin that Nato is serious about bolstering its defences and will also be the most effective way to deter further acts of Russian aggression.”
Sir Keir has pledged to hit the 2.5 per cent number but has not set a deadline. The Tories said they would get there by 2030.
3:20PM [21]Sunak: Labour won ‘decisive’ victory at election
Rishi Sunak said Labour had won a “decisive” victory at the general election.
He also said the Tories will “not oppose for the sake of it”.
The Tory leader told the Commons: “It is right to begin by congratulating the Prime Minister on his decisive victory in the election. He deserves the goodwill of all of us in this House as he takes on the most demanding of jobs in the increasingly uncertain world in which we now live.
“The party opposite has successfully tapped into the public’s desire for change but they now must deliver change and we on this side of the House will hold them accountable for delivering on the commitments they made to the British people.
“In the national interest, we will not oppose for the sake of it but when we disagree with the Government it is our responsibility as the opposition to say so.”
3:16PM [22]Sunak jokes about ‘bright future’ now being behind him
Rishi Sunak told Labour MPs that “life comes at you fast” on the government benches as he recounted his own meteoric rise to the Cabinet and to No 10.
He said that one day they could wake up and realise there was a “bright future behind you” as he said he had recently asked himself if he could “credibly be an elder statesman at the age of 44”.
3:08PM [23]Sunak praises King Charles as ‘true model of public service’
Rishi Sunak is now delivering his verdict on the King’s Speech.
The Leader of the Opposition started by paying tribute to King Charles.
“The King is a true model of public service,” he said.
3:01PM [24]Labour MP pokes fun at Rishi Sunak
Labour MP Florence Eshalomi said that a play at The Old Vic Theatre in her Vauxhall and Camberwell Green constituency was about an MP and a constituent and that it starred the UK actor James Corden.
She said that she had thought Mr Corden now lived in California and then joked that it might be more appropriate for him to “get in touch with the leader of the opposition” - a reference to the fact that Rishi Sunak owns a home in the US state.
2:57PM [25]Labour MP jokes she ‘nearly backed out’ of King’s Speech debate
Florence Eshalomi, the seconder of the King’s Speech debate, joked that she had “nearly backed out” of her role today after she was asked to do it by the Labour Chief Whip.
She told the House of Commons that she ultimately decided she could not give up the opportunity “to get on the record that Nigerian jollof is the best jollof”.
Jollof is a rice dish from West Africa.
2:48PM [26]Labour MP ‘made up’ after being asked to propose debate on King’s Speech
Peter Dowd said he was rarely the first person to do something of note first in his family.
The Labour MP said he had already beaten to being a leader of a council first and to even unveiling a plaque on a building first by his family members.
He was also not the first MP in his family but the third.
However, he told the Commons that “thanks to a good Samaritan in the form of the Chief Whip” he had now become the first member of his family to propose the debate on the King’s Speech.
“I am, as we say in Merseyside, made up,” he said.
2:43PM [27]King’s Speech debate now underway
The debate on the King’s Speech in the House of Commons has now started.
The first speaker is the Labour MP for Bootle, Peter Dowd, and the second will be his Labour colleague Florence Eshalomi, the MP for Vauxhall and Camberwell Green.
2:39PM [28]Sir Lindsay Hoyle tells new MPs how the Commons works
Sir Lindsay Hoyle is delivering an introductory statement in the House of Commons.
The Commons Speaker is basically explaining to new members how the chamber works and how MPs are supposed to behave.
Sir Lindsay urged MPs not to use their mobile phones in the chamber. He also urged MPs not to read questions but to speak freely without notes.
2:31PM [29]Swearing in of MPs concludes
The final few MPs are now being sworn in.
Sir Geoffrey Cox, the former attorney general, was one of the final MPs to be sworn in.
The debate on the King’s Speech in the House of Commons will get underway imminently.
2:22PM [30]Farage: King’s Speech is ‘just more big state’
Labour's King's Speech is just more big state with the assumption that government can create wealth.
— Nigel Farage MP (@Nigel_Farage) July 17, 2024[31] 2:16PM [32]Coming up: MPs to start debate on King’s Speech
The debate on the King’s Speech in the House of Commons will get underway just after 2.30pm.
It will start with two short speeches from government backbench MPs. They are normally from different types of constituencies and usually from different parliamentary intakes.
These speeches are, by tradition, supposed to be funny.
The leader of the opposition, in this case Rishi Sunak, will then kick off the debate proper by delivering his verdict on the Government’s policy blueprint.
The Prime Minister will then respond to Mr Sunak.
Today will be just the first of a handful of days of debate in the Commons on the King’s Speech.
2:10PM [33]Analysis: Has Starmer’s ambition set a trap for his enemies to spring?
Sir Keir Starmer called this King’s Speech “a clear destination for our country[34]” setting out his ambitious goal for office: “higher economic growth in every community.”
With those six words he has set the bar by which he will be judged, and while the scale of the challenge he has set himself should be applauded, he has already set a trap that will be sprung by his enemies should he fall short, writes Gordon Rayner.
You can read the full story here. [35]
2:00PM [36]Theresa May welcomes Labour’s plan to modernise Mental Health Act
Theresa May, the former prime minister, welcomed Labour’s decision to bring forward a new Mental Health Bill.
The party has pledged to modernise the existing Mental Health Act 1983 which it described as “woefully out of date”.
The new legislation will give patients “greater choice, autonomy, rights and support”.
Mrs May, who stood down as a Tory MP at the general election, said the Conservatives had “laid the groundwork” for modernisation and she was “pleased” Labour will now continue the work:
The inclusion of a new Mental Health Act in the King's Speech is to be welcomed. The Wessely review in 2018 and successive @Conservatives[37] governments have laid the groundwork for modernising the Act - I'm pleased this work will be continued by the new Government.
— Theresa May (@theresa_may) July 17, 2024[38] 1:43PM [39]Steve Barclay: Labour ‘ignoring rural communities’
Senior Tory Steve Barclay accused Labour of “ignoring rural communities” in the King’s Speech.
The shadow environment, food and rural affairs secretary said there was “nothing” in the policy blueprint on farming or fishing.
This Labour government's first King's Speech has confirmed that they are already ignoring rural communities.
Having had just 87 words on farming in their manifesto, there is nothing for farming or fishing in their plans announced today. pic.twitter.com/K5HsNQ4PUP[40]
— Steve Barclay (@SteveBarclay) July 17, 2024[41] 1:39PM [42]Pictured: Reeves and Hunt chat during State Opening of Parliament
Rachel Reeves and Jeremy Hunt chat during the State Opening of Parliament
Credit: Stefan Rousseau /Reuters
1:33PM
[43]
Tice: People will be poorer under Labour
Richard Tice claimed the measures set out in the King’s Speech will result in the British people becoming “poorer”.
The Reform deputy leader told the BBC: “They [Labour] talk about higher growth but everything represents more taxes, more bureaucracy, more regulation.
“All this talk about energy, renewable energy, will add to costs, we will have more expensive energy.
“This is a programme that will lead to lower growth and people will get poorer.”
1:24PM [44]Telegraph readers deliver verdict on Starmer’s King’s Speech
Sir Keir Starmer’s legislative plans for the first year of his Labour Government are now out in the open and in plain view for all to see.
The proposals will form the backbone of discussions in and around Westminster for the next 12 months.
So how have they been received? Telegraph readers have been delivering their verdict in the comments section of today’s live blog:
[embedded content] 1:20PM [45]Unite the union: Labour must not be ‘straitjacketed by self-made fiscal rules’
The Unite union welcomed the King’s Speech but warned the Labour Government it must be ready to invest in public services.
Sharon Graham, the Unite general secretary, 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.
On spending, Ms Graham said the Government must not be “straitjacketed by self-made fiscal rules, leaving us entirely reliant on growth, which may not arrive in time”.
“There is no doubt that the UK has been given hope and the opportunity for tangible change by electing a Labour government. Unite is already seeing that in our initial discussions with key ministers.
“Britain is broken and hurting, we have no time to waste. We have one shot to deliver for workers and communities. We have to make it count.”
12:53PM [46]Shelter: Housing plans will ‘restore hope’ to renters
The housing charity Shelter welcomed Labour’s plan to give greater rights and protections to renters (see the post below at 11.42).
Polly Neate, chief executive of Shelter, said: “Today’s King’s Speech will restore hope to England’s 11 million renters, whose lives have been plagued by no fault evictions for decades.
“The new Renters Rights Bill has to be a fresh start at reforming broken private renting.
“Not only does this mean urgently scrapping no fault evictions, but also setting clear limits to in-tenancy rent increases.
“The government cannot allow landlords to continue to force tenants out of their homes with eye-watering rent hikes.”
12:52PM [47]Pictured: Farage smiles as he attends State Opening of Parliament
Nigel Farage, the leader of Reform UK, attends the State Opening of Parliament
Credit: Alberto Pezzali/Reuters
12:49PM
[48]
Longest King’s Speech since 2003
The King’s Speech ran to 1,421 words, making it the longest monarch’s speech at a State Opening of Parliament since 2003.
It was also the most legislation-heavy speech for nearly two decades, with its 40 Bills being the highest number to be announced at a State Opening since 2005.
The text of this year’s speech took 12 minutes and 44 seconds for the King to read out loud, more than a minute longer than last year’s speech, which took him 11 minutes and 29 seconds to deliver.
It was the longest text, by word count, since the 1,448-word speech delivered by Charles’ mother, Queen Elizabeth II, at the 2003 State Opening of Parliament.
12:34PM [49]King’s Speech a ‘breath of fresh air’, says GMB union
The GMB union hailed the King’s Speech as a “breath of fresh air”.
Gary Smith, the GMB’s general secretary, said: “After 14 years of Tory chaos, Labour’s first King’s Speech is the breath of fresh air the country has been looking for.
“The Employment Rights Bill contains much that will make a big difference to the lives of working people. GMB members will welcome proper national terms and conditions for school support staff, a fair pay agreement for social care workers, and the tackling of vindictive and outdated practices used by bad bosses.
“It’s good to see a much-needed focus on industrial strategy and skills, areas of critical importance to growth and prosperity that have been neglected for too long.
“The people of our country voted for change and this King’s Speech is a serious and comprehensive response.”
12:30PM [50]SNP criticise Labour’s ‘timid’ King’s Speech
The SNP criticised the King’s Speech as a “missed opportunity” that failed to deliver measures such as scrapping the two-child benefit cap.
Stephen Flynn, the SNP Westminster leader, labelled Labour’s legislative blueprint “timid”.
He said: “Keir Starmer has failed his first test in government. This timid legislative programme is a missed opportunity that failed to deliver the change that people in Scotland were promised.
“People in Scotland voted for clear and substantial change at Westminster, and the Labour Government was handed a huge mandate to deliver it, so it’s bitterly disappointing that they have thrown that opportunity away.
“While some of the small measures announced are welcome, they fail to deal with the major challenges facing the UK. There was no plan to eradicate child poverty, no plan to tackle the cost of living and no plan to end Tory austerity and boost NHS funding.”
12:28PM [51]Liz Truss: Labour has ‘no idea about change UK needs’
Liz Truss claimed the King’s Speech showed Labour had “no idea about the change Britain needs”.
She argued the measures set out by the new Government would expand the power of the “unelected state” and also “increase red tape” on families and businesses.
The former prime minister and former MP tweeted the following statement:
My response to the King's Speech 👇 pic.twitter.com/9pu8nXGlFK[52]
— Liz Truss (@trussliz) July 17, 2024[53] 12:20PM [54]King Charles returns to Buckingham Palace
Protesters could be heard chanting “not my king” to His Majesty as he left Parliament and returned to Buckingham Palace.
Activists from Republic held up yellow banners and placards outside the Treasury as Charles passed in a carriage through Whitehall.
Members of the public could be heard clapping and cheering the King on the other side of the road as he came through in a carriage with the Queen.
12:18PM [55]Sir Ed Davey: Lib Dems will ‘carefully scrutinise’ Labour’s plans
Sir Ed Davey said the Liberal Democrats will “carefully scrutinise” Labour’s legislative plans.
The leader of the Lib Dems said: “After years of crisis and chaos under the Conservative Party, it is clear our country faces enormous challenges. The Liberal Democrats will carefully scrutinise the Government’s plans, striving hard to stand up for our constituents.
“We will continue campaigning to fix the NHS, boosting GP numbers, tackling delays to cancer treatment and improving access to dentists and pharmacists.
“We will make sure the voice of carers is heard, from increasing the Carer’s Allowance to the big challenge of fixing social care – so that our loved ones can get the support they need.”
12:14PM [56]Starmer: ‘National renewal starts now’
Today's King's Speech sets out how we are delivering change for our country.
Serving working people. Creating wealth in every community.
National renewal starts now. pic.twitter.com/SznttCF8Cu[57]
— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) July 17, 2024[58] 12:03PM [59]The key measures in the King’s Speech
These are some of the key measures set out in the King’s Speech:
- Planning: A radical overhaul of planning rules to boost the building of new homes (1.5 million over five years) and national infrastructure.
- Smoking: Resurrect Rishi Sunak’s plan to introduce a phased smoking ban.
- VAT: Impose VAT on private school fees to pay for 6,500 new teachers.
- Devolution: Greater decision-making powers will be handed to local leaders to drive economic growth.
- Rail: Nationalise rail services as existing franchises expire and set up Great British Railways to replace them.
- Water: Strengthen the powers of the water regulator to improve water quality.
- Small boats: Modernise the asylum and immigration system, establish a new Border Security Command and deliver enhanced counter-terror powers to tackle organised immigration crime.
- Conversion therapy: Bring forward a ban conversion practices.
- Equal pay: Enshrine a “full right to equal pay” in law.
- Northern Ireland: Repeal Northern Ireland Legacy legislation.
- Lords reform: Remove the right of hereditary peers to sit and vote in the House of Lords.
- Brexit: The Government will “seek to reset” the UK’s relationship with the EU and “improve” the post-Brexit trade deal.
King and Queen leave House of Lords
The King and Queen have now left the House of Lords.
MPs are now leaving the upper chamber. They will debate the contents of the King’s Speech in the House of Commons from 2.30pm.
11:48AM [61]King Charles finishes his address
Concluding the King’s Speech, King Charles said: “Later this week, my Government will host the European Political Community meeting at Blenheim Palace.
“The Queen and I look forward to our visit to Samoa alongside the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in October, and our visit to Australia.
“Members of the House of Commons, Estimates for the public services will be laid before you. My Lords and Members of the House of Commons, other measures will be laid before you.
“I pray that the blessing of Almighty God may rest upon your counsels.”
11:47AM [62]Labour committed to seeing ‘sovereign Palestinian state’
The Labour Government is “committed to a two state solution” in the Middle East “with a safe and secure Israel alongside a viable and sovereign Palestinian state”.
King Charles said: “My Government will play its part in trying to secure long-term peace and security in the Middle East.”
11:47AM [63]Government will seek to ‘improve’ Brexit deal with EU
The Government will “seek to reset” the UK’s relationship with “European partners and work to improve the United Kingdom’s trade and investment relationship with the European Union”.
King Charles said: “My ministers will seek a new security pact to strengthen cooperation on the mutual threats faced by the United Kingdom and the European Union.”
11:45AM [64]Hereditary peers to lose the right to sit and vote in House of Lords
Labour will remove the right of hereditary peers to sit and vote in the House of Lords.
King Charles said: “Measures to modernise the constitution will be introduced including House of Lords reform to remove the right of hereditary peers to sit and vote in the Lords.
“My ministers will strengthen the integrity of elections and encourage wide participation in the democratic process.”
11:45AM [65]Labour will repeal Northern Ireland Legacy law
The King’s Speech confirms that the Labour Government will repeal Northern Ireland Legacy legislation.
King Charles said: “My Government will continue to support the political institutions and devolved government in Northern Ireland.
“In consultation with all parties, measures will be brought forward to begin the process of repealing and replacing the Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023.”
11:44AM [66]Right to equal pay to be enshrined in new law
The Labour Government will enshrine the “full right to equal pay in law” in the form of the Draft Equality (Race and Disability) Bill.
Ministers will also set up a new Council of the Nations and Regions “to renew opportunities for the Prime Minister, heads of devolved governments and mayors of combined authorities to collaborate with each other”.
11:43AM [67]Government will ban conversion therapy
King Charles said: “A draft Bill will be brought forward to ban conversion practices.”
It will be called the Draft Conversion Practices Bill.
11:43AM [68]Starmer resurrects Sunak’s tobacco ban
The Labour Government is resurrecting Rishi Sunak’s plan to ban the sale of cigarettes and tobacco to young people.
King Charles said: “A Bill will be introduced to progressively increase the age at which people can buy cigarettes and impose limits on the sale and marketing of vapes.”
The Government will also legislate to restrict advertising of junk food to children along with the sale of high caffeine energy drinks to children.
11:43AM [69]Government vows to give mental health ‘same attention’ as physical health
Turning to the NHS, King Charles said: “My Government will improve the National Health Service as a service for all, providing care on the basis of need regardless of the ability to pay.
“It will seek to reduce the waiting times, focus on prevention and improve mental health provision for young people.
“It will ensure mental health is given the same attention and focus as physical health.”
11:42AM [70]Labour promises draft legislation on leasehold reform
Labour will give “greater rights and protections to people renting their homes, including ending no fault evictions and reforming grounds for possession” through a new Renters’ Rights Bill.
The Government will also publish draft legislation on reforming leasehold and commonhold.
11:41AM [71]King’s Speech includes VAT on private school fees plan
The King’s Speech includes Labour’s plan to impose VAT on private school fees.
Turning to education, King Charles said: “My ministers will seek to raise educational standards and break down barriers to opportunity.
“Action will be taken to get people back in employment following the impact of the pandemic. A Bill will be introduced to raise standards in education and promote children’s wellbeing.
“Measures will be brought forward to remove the exemption from Value Added Tax for private school fees, which will enable the funding of six and a half thousand new teachers.”
11:40AM [72]King’s Speech: Government will ‘strengthen’ UK’s borders
The Government will “seek to strengthen the border and make streets safer”.
A Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill will be introduced to “modernise the asylum and immigration system, establishing a new Border Security Command and delivering enhanced counter terror powers to tackle organised immigration crime”.
A Crime and Policing Bill will “strengthen community policing, give the police greater powers to deal with anti-social behaviour and strengthen support for victims”.
The King and Queen sit on their thrones in the House of Lords
Credit: Kirsty Wigglesworth/AP
11:40AM
[73]
Labour vows to improve water quality
Labour will strengthen the water regulator’s powers.
Turning to water quality, King Charles said: “My Government recognises the need to improve water quality and a Bill will be introduced to strengthen the powers of the water regulator”.
11:39AM [74]Government recognises ‘urgency of global climate challenge’
The Labour Government “recognises the urgency of the global climate challenge and the new job opportunities that can come from leading the development of the technologies of the future”, King Charles said.
“It is committed to a clean energy transition which will lower energy bills for consumers over time.
“A Bill will be introduced to set up Great British Energy, a publicly owned clean power company headquartered in Scotland, which will help accelerate investment in renewable energy such as offshore wind.”
11:39AM [75]Labour tabling two big rail Bills
Labour will bring forward two pieces of legislation to improve the railways: the Passenger Railway Services (Public Ownership) Bill and the Rail Reform Bill.
These will reform rail franchising, establish Great British Railways and bring train operators into public ownership when franchises expire.
King Charles said: “Taken together these policies will enhance Britain’s position as a leading industrial nation and enable the country to take advantage of new opportunities that can promote growth and wealth creation.”
11:38AM [76]Greater devolution will drive economic growth
Devolving greater decision-making powers to local leaders will help to drive economic growth, the King said.
The Government will bring forward an English Devolution Bill which will give new powers to metro mayors and combined authorities.
“This will support local growth plans that bring economic benefit to communities,” King Charles said.
King Charles delivers the King's Speech in the House of Lords
Credit: Henry Nicholls /AFP
11:37AM
[77]
King’s Speech: Planning reform will ‘get Britain building’
The Labour Government will bring forward a Planning and Infrastructure Bill to “get Britain building”.
King Charles said: “They will also pursue sustainable growth by encouraging investment in industry, skills and new technologies.”
The Government is also “committed to making work pay and will legislate to introduce a new deal for working people to ban exploitative practices and enhance employment rights”.
This will be done through an Employment Rights Bill.
11:36AM [78]Government will ‘prioritise wealth creation’
The Labour Government will “prioritise wealth creation” and aim to deliver rising living standards in every part of the UK.
King Charles said: “My Government will seek a new partnership with both business and working people and help the country move on from the recent cost of living challenges by prioritising wealth creation for all communities.
“My Ministers will establish an Industrial Strategy Council. It is my Government’s objective to see rising living standards in all nations and regions in the United Kingdom.”
11:36AM [79]King Charles: Stability will be ‘cornerstone’ of Government’s economic policy
Stability will be the “cornerstone” of the Government’s economic policy and “every decision will be consistent with its fiscal rules”, King Charles said.
All “significant” tax and spending changes will be made subject to an independent assessment by the Office for Budget Responsibility.
“Securing economic growth will be a fundamental mission,” the King said.
11:35AM [80]King’s Speech now underway
King Charles has now started to deliver the King’s Speech as he sets out the Labour Government’s legislative plans
The monarch said the Government will “govern in service to the country” and its legislative programme will be “mission led and based upon the principles of security, fairness and opportunity for all”.
11:34AM [81]Starmer and Sunak all smiles as they chat at State Opening of Parliament
Sir Keir Starmer chatted to Rishi Sunak - both all smiles - as they walked to the House of Lords to hear the King’s Speech.
Angela Rayner, the Deputy Prime Minister, was speaking to Oliver Dowden as they walked together directly behind the Prime Minister and the Tory leader.
Sir Keir Starmer and Rishi Sunak chat during the State Opening of Parliament
11:32AM
[82]
Black Rod knocks on Commons door
Black Rod Sarah Clarke has now banged on the door of the House of Commons three times and asked MPs to attend the King’s address in the House of Lords.
MPs are now making their way to the upper chamber.
11:31AM [83]The King and Queen arrive in the House of Lords
The King and Queen have now arrived in the House of Lords and taken their seats on the ornate golden thrones at the end of the chamber.
Black Rod has now been sent to the House of Commons.
11:30AM [84]Queen Camilla wearing a Diadem from 1820
The Queen’s George IV Diadem was made in 1820 for the coronation of George IV to encircle the King’s velvet Cap of Estate.
The Privy Council ruled that the crown could not bear roses, shamrocks and thistles, as the King wished, rather than the traditional fleurs-de-lis, and so the national symbols were instead incorporated in the diadem.
Queen Victoria and Elizabeth II each wore the diadem for the processions to their coronations and it features on all denominational postage stamps.
11:26AM [85]Sir Lindsay Hoyle takes his seat in Commons
Sir Lindsay Hoyle has now arrived in the House of Commons.
The Commons Speaker took his seat as Sir Keir Starmer and Rishi Sunak, along with dozens of MPs, looked on.
They now await the arrival of Black Rod.
11:22AM [86]And now we wait...
The King and Queen will arrive in the House of Lords shortly.
Sarah Clarke, the Black Rod, will then be sent to the House of Commons to fetch MPs to come and listen to the monarch’s address.
Black Rod will knock on the door of the Commons three times - but only after it has first been slammed in her face, as is tradition.
A number of MPs will then make the short walk across to the upper chamber. This normally sees government ministers and their shadows chatting and walking together, so we should see Sir Keir Starmer and Rishi Sunak making some small talk.
The King and Queen travel to the Houses of Parliament this morning
Credit: Kin Cheung /AP
11:17AM
[87]
Pictured: The Imperial State Crown is carried through Parliament
The Imperial State Crown is carried through the Norman Porch ahead of the State Opening of Parliament
Credit: Justin Tallis/AFP
11:13AM
[88]
King and Queen arrive at Parliament for State Opening
King Charles and Queen Camilla have now arrived at the Palace of Westminster.
They entered through the Sovereign’s Entrance.
The King will deliver the King’s Speech at 11.30am.
King Charles and Queen Camilla walk up the stairs in the Norman Porch of Parliament
Credit: Justin Tallis/Reuters
11:11AM
[89]
Pictured: The Yeomen of the Guard make their way through the Norman Porch in Parliament
The Yeomen of the Guard, the King's Bodyguard, make their way through the Norman Porch ahead of the State Opening of Parliament
Credit: Justin Tallis /AFP
11:09AM
[90]
Queen Camilla celebrates 77th birthday
The Queen, who is celebrating her 77th birthday today, is wearing an off white silk crepe embroidered dress by one of her favoured designers, Fiona Clare, a diamond collet necklace, diamond Van Cleef and Arpels earrings and a diamond bracelet.
She is accompanied by two close friends and Queen’s Companions, Fiona Petty-Fitzmaurice, the Marchioness of Lansdowne, and Lady Sarah Keswick, both of whom are travelling in the second carriage in the Sovereign’s Procession along with Lord Ashton of Hyde, Master of the Horse, and the Earl of Rosslyn, the Lord Steward.
11:08AM [91]
Pictured: Black Rod walks through the Royal Gallery before the King’s arrival
Black Rod Sarah Clarke walks through the Royal Gallery on the day of the State Opening of Parliament
Credit: Hannah McKay/PA
11:07AM
[92]
The King has a new ‘protector’ for today’s procession
Last year, the Princess Royal took on the ceremonial role of the King’s “protector”, riding in the procession as Gold Stick In Waiting, a key role historically handed to a person entrusted with the personal safety of the monarch.
This time, the role will be performed by Lt Gen Sir Edward Smyth-Osbourne, a retired Army officer who served with the Life Guards.
The role alternates each year between two regiments of the Household Cavalry, the Life Guards and the Blues and Royals, of which Princess Anne is Colonel.
11:05AM [93]MP held ‘captive’ at Buckingham Palace as part of bizarre ritual
One of the more bizarre rituals of the State Opening of Parliament involves the Vice-Chamberlain of the Household - an MP and government whip - being held “captive” at Buckingham Palace during the event to guarantee the monarch’s safe return.
This year’s hostage is Samantha Dixon, Labour MP for Chester North and Neston, who will arrive and depart from Buckingham Palace independently, writes Victoria Ward, The Telegraph’s deputy royal editor.
It is unclear when this custom began, although according to a House of Commons library briefing paper, it may only date back to the 1960s or 1970s.
Since at least 1837, however, the Vice Chamberlain has remained at the Palace during the State Opening.
While “captive”, they are offered an alcoholic drink by the Lord Chamberlain as they watch the State Opening on television.
11:03AM [94]What will happen when the King and Queen arrive at Parliament
On arrival at the Houses of Parliament, the King and Queen will be received by the Lord Great Chamberlain, who will take them to the Royal Robing Room, writes Victoria Ward.
There, Their Majesties will put on their Robes of State. The King will don the heavy Imperial State Crown while the Queen will wear the George IV State Diadem.
They will then make their way up the Sovereign’s Staircase to the Royal Gallery.
It is not yet known whether the Queen, who sprained her ankle in Jersey on Monday and was sporting a bandage yesterday, will take the stairs or opt for the lift.
In 2016, the year Elizabeth II turned 90, she used the lift rather than stairs for the first time during the State Opening, with the modest adjustment made for her comfort due to knee pain.
10:58AM [95]King and Queen leave Buckingham Palace
The King and Queen have now left Buckingham Palace.
They are travelling to the Houses of Parliament in the Diamond Jubilee State Coach, an enclosed, six-horse-drawn carriage that was made to commemorate Elizabeth II’s 80th birthday.
King Charles and Queen Camilla travel to the Houses of Parliament
Credit: James Manning/PA
The most modern of state carriages, the Diamond Jubilee State Coach boasts hydraulic suspension, a heating system, lighting, electric windows and air conditioning.
It was last seen in action at the State Opening of Parliament last November, and before that, when they made their way to their Coronation at Westminster Abbey on May 6.
It is being drawn, as always, by six Windsor Greys.
10:54AM [96]King Charles opening Parliament for second time as monarch
Today marks the second occasion when the King has opened Parliament as monarch, writes Victoria Ward, The Telegraph’s deputy royal editor.
In November, he presided over the first full ceremonial state opening since 2019. The event was cancelled in 2020 and scaled back in 2021 due to the Covid pandemic.
In 2022, the King and the Prince of Wales stood in for the ailing Elizabeth II as counsellors of state during a reduced state ceremonial.
10:45AM [97]Youth Demand protesters arrested in Westminster
Ten members of Youth Demand have been arrested in Westminster on suspicion of conspiracy to cause public nuisance after the protest group stated it planned to disrupt the State Opening of Parliament, the Metropolitan Police said.
On social media the Metropolitan Police said: “Last week, Youth Demand said they planned to disrupt the event. An hour ago, officers arrested 10 of them in Westminster on suspicion of conspiracy to cause public nuisance.
“A further 20 to 25 have now gathered in Victoria Embankment Gardens and further arrests are being made.”
Last week the group called for supporters to assemble at Victoria Embankment Gardens this morning in protest over Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s handling of the Israel-Hamas war.
Activists from the Youth Demand group are seen being arrested by police officers while protesting at the State Opening of Parliament
Credit: George Cracknell Wright
10:41AM
[98]
Carriage takes King’s crown to Parliament
A horse-drawn carriage has just left Buckingham Palace carrying the Crown Regalia to the Houses of Parliament.
The Regalia includes the Imperial State Crown, the Cap of Maintenance and the Sword of State.
A carriage carrying the Crown Regalia is seen travelling to the Houses of Parliament this morning
Credit: Jeff Spicer /Getty Images Europe
When the crown arrives at Parliament it will be formally inspected by the crown jeweller.
The crown is a working crown and is worn by the monarch at State Openings of Parliament. It contains 2,868 diamonds, 17 sapphires, 11 emeralds, five rubies and more than 270 pearls and weighs more than a kilogram.
10:36AM [99]Pictured: RAF personnel parade in Westminster ahead of the State Opening of Parliament
Members of The Royal Air Force Regiment on parade at the Queen Victoria Memorial ahead of the State Opening of Parliament
Credit: Jeff Spicer /Getty Images Europe
10:32AM
[100]
King Charles to pass by anti-monarchy protest on the way to Parliament
King Charles will pass an anti-monarchy protest as he makes his way to the Palace of Westminster for the State Opening of Parliament this morning.
Pro-republic campaigners have taken up a position at the end of Whitehall, just across from the Houses of Parliament.
They are waving banners and holding signs with the message “not my king”, “down with the crown” and “abolish the monarchy”.
A group of anti-monarchy protesters wave signs outside the Houses of Parliament
Credit: Amer Ghazzal /Alamy Live News
10:30AM
[101]
Starmer leaves No 10 and heads to Parliament
Sir Keir Starmer has just left No 10 Downing Street and is now making his way to Parliament.
A waiting journalist shouted “how are you going to pay for all of this” after Sir Keir walked out of the famous black door of No 10.
The Prime Minister did not respond.
10:18AM [102]Packed House of Lords awaits arrival of King Charles
Peers wearing their formal red Parliament robes are now taking their seats in the House of Lords as they await the arrival of King Charles.
The upper chamber is already packed, even though the King is yet to leave Buckingham Palace.
A member of the House of Lords holds an order of service for the King's Speech and the State Opening of Parliament in the House of Lords
Credit: Kirsty Wigglesworth/AFP
10:14AM
[103]
The timetable for today’s State Opening of Parliament
King Charles will leave Buckingham Palace later this morning and make his way to the Palace of Westminster to conduct the State Opening of Parliament.
The King will deliver the King’s Speech, setting out Sir Keir Starmer’s legislative agenda, in the House of Lords at 11.30am.
Both peers and MPs will attend the address.
Once it has finished there will then be a brief pause, with the House of Commons due to then start debating the speech from 2.30pm.
That is when we will hear from Sir Keir Starmer and from Rishi Sunak.
9:57AM [104]Pictured: The Yeomen of the Guard conduct a ceremonial search in the House of Lords
The King's Bodyguard, the Yeomen of the Guard, take part in a Ceremonial Search in the House of Lords, ahead of the State Opening of Parliament
Credit: Henry Nicholls/PA
9:46AM
[105]
Johnson urges Trump to stand by Ukraine
Boris Johnson urged Donald Trump not to abandon Ukraine after the former president picked a running mate who strongly opposes American support for the war.
Mr Johnson met Trump on the fringes of the Republican National Convention[106] in Milwaukee on Monday for almost an hour to discuss the war.
The Republican nominee has chosen JD Vance, a hard-line Ukraine sceptic[107], as his vice-presidential candidate for November’s election.
The 39-year-old Ohio senator has previously called for Washington to negotiate directly with Moscow over the war, and believes Ukraine will never recover territory lost after Vladimir Putin’s full-scale invasion [108]in February 2022.
You can read the full story here. [109]
9:30AM [110]Starmer vows to ‘take the brakes off Britain’
More jobs. Better transport. Building homes and infrastructure.
Now is the time to take the brakes off Britain and rebuild it to work for everyone.
Today we set out new laws to create wealth in every corner of our country to make people better off.
— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) July 17, 2024[111] 9:17AM [112]Priti Patel to run for Tory leadership
Dame Priti Patel will stand in the Conservative leadership race after being “urged to run” by fellow MPs, The Telegraph has learned.
The former home secretary has decided she will make an attempt to succeed Rishi Sunak[113] and has already assembled a campaign team funded by “high-profile” Tory donors. She is expected to make a formal announcement by the end of next week.
It will be the first time that Dame Priti, 52, has made a run for the leadership, and comes amid reports that fellow Right-wing MP Suella Braverman is losing support [114]for her own potential run.
You can read the full story here. [115]
9:11AM [116]Labour’s planning reforms ‘may be controversial in some places’, admits McFadden
Pat McFadden admitted Labour’s planning reforms “may be controversial in some places” but said the party is “on the side of getting things built more quickly”.
Planning reforms are expected to be a key part of the King’s Speech later today as King Charles sets out the Labour Government’s legislative agenda.
Mr McFadden, the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme: “We were very clear during the election campaign that we would come out of this on the side of getting things built more quickly.
“That may be controversial in some places, I’ve no doubt that it will be. But it’s reasonable for people to expect that, if we said that during the campaign, it’s what they see when the King’s Speech is published later today.”
The Labour MP for Wolverhampton South East added: “It’s a big decision for the country. If we do nothing on this, we will continue with a situation where there’s a whole generation of young people for whom the aspiration of owning their own home, or sometimes even renting one at a reasonable price, will continue to be unrealisable.”
9:02AM [117]Planning reforms will not result in development ‘free-for-all’ in countryside, insists Labour
Labour has insisted its plan to liberalise planning laws and build more houses will not result in a development “free-for-all” in the countryside.
Pat McFadden, the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, said Labour does not want to “sacrifice the beautiful parts of our countryside” as it seeks to ramp up building housing and infrastructure.
Ahead of the King’s Speech, he told Times Radio: “We live in a green and beautiful country. And what we’re talking about is not some free-for-all where the beautiful parts of the country are all set aside.
“We will have a policy of brownfield first… which should be the priority for development, we’ll always say that. But it’s simply a myth to say that there are parts of what we call the green belt that haven’t been built on in recent years. And it’s been done in an uncontrolled way.
“And we don’t want to sacrifice the beautiful parts of our countryside. But we do have to get things built in this country. And we were clear about that at the election. And by the way, it’s not just housing. It’s the major infrastructure developments, data centres, labs, development of our ports, the things that we need to get the economy moving.”
8:48AM [118]Tugendhat: Tories must ‘rediscover moral leadership’
Tom Tugendhat said the Tories must rediscover their “moral leadership” in order to unite the party as he prepares a second tilt at the top job, writes Amy Gibbons.
Speaking at a summer drinks reception held by the centrist Tory Reform Group yesterday evening, the shadow security minister said the party must be “bold and courageous” in its solutions to Britain’s problems, and depart “where necessary from the doctrines of the past”.
The Telegraph revealed yesterday that Mr Tugendhat, who is on the party’s moderate wing, is expected to announce a Tory leadership bid within weeks after finding widespread support among MPs.
It would be his second attempt, having come fifth in the race to succeed Boris Johnson in 2022, running on the promise of a “fresh start” following the partygate and Chris Pincher scandals.
In what will be regarded by many as a hint at his future ambitions, Mr Tugendhat told Tory supporters last night: “We must be willing to ask ourselves tough questions about how our economy has failed to deliver growth and rising living standards for families.
“And we must be prepared to be bold and courageous in our solutions, departing where necessary from the doctrines of the past. We need to rediscover the strength and moral leadership that defines our party at its best, so we can unite our party - and the country.”
8:35AM [119]Tories accuse Labour of ‘shameless spin’ on housing plans
Chris Philp, the shadow Commons leader, said the Government’s plans to find what it calls “grey belt” land to build on is “shameless spin”.
The Conservative MP said: “Obviously we accept and agree that more houses need to be built, but they need to be built in the right places.
“For example, in my view, they should be built on brownfield sites in city centres, those kinds of places first looking at maybe new towns, but what we should not be doing is ripping up the green belt.”
He said housing should be built on brownfield sites and by building high in town and city centres – for example in Canary Wharf or the Greenwich Peninsula in London.
He said: “They are talking about huge chunks of the green belt, not the odd car park. You can’t just suddenly claim that a whole load of green belt is now called the grey belt and it’s okay to build on it. I mean, that’s just obviously a piece of nonsensical and shameless spin.”
8:23AM [120]Hunt urges Labour not to ‘reverse’ economic progress made under Tories
Jeremy Hunt said inflation staying at 2 per cent showed the Tories had put the economy on the right track as he urged Labour not to “reverse that progress”.
The shadow chancellor said: “Figures this morning show the steps the Conservatives put in place in government have strengthened the economy and kept inflation down.
“Labour have inherited inflation at the Bank of England’s target at 2 per cent, the fastest growing economy in the G7, and unemployment near record lows at 4.4 per cent.
“The Labour Government must not reverse that progress with a suite of unannounced tax rises or increased business regulation that will stifle the economy.”
8:19AM [121]Labour: Nation’s railways ‘too fragmented’ and nationalisation will mean better services
The nation’s railways are “too fragmented” and don’t “work well enough”, a Labour frontbencher said.
Pat McFadden, the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, said Labour will get on with its plan to bring rail franchises back into public ownership “quite quickly”.
Labour pledged in its manifesto to renationalise the railways. It has also promised to simplify the ticket system.
Mr McFadden told Sky News: “We do have clear views on that and we think over time it is time to bring the railways back into public ownership, to integrate the service more, to have simpler ticketing and we said that before the election and my colleague Lou Haigh is leading plans on that.
“At the moment it is too fragmented, it doesn’t work well enough and it is often not the best value for money.”
Asked how long it would take, he said: “I think we will get on with some of this quite quickly but it depends how long the franchise lasts, so it is as the franchises come to [an end].”
Mr McFadden ruled out doing the same for water companies: “We don’t have plans to bring them into public ownership but we do have plans to make their leadership a bit more responsible.”
8:11AM [122]Treasury minister welcomes inflation staying at 2pc
The rate of inflation remained unchanged at 2 per cent in June, according to data published this morning by the Office for National Statistics.
Darren Jones, chief secretary to the Treasury, said: “It is welcome that inflation is at target, but we know that for families across Britain prices remain high.
“We face the legacy of 14 years of chaos and economic irresponsibility.
“That is why this Government is taking the tough decisions now to fix the foundations so we can rebuild Britain and make every part of Britain better off.”
8:05AM [123]McFadden: ‘We have to get stuff built’
There will always be some developments that people do not like, Pat McFadden said ahead of a King’s Speech today which is expected to include Labour’s plan for an overhaul of the planning system.
The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster told Times Radio: “People are going to have their view on individual development, they’re entitled to have their view on individual development.
“But local authorities will be asked to identify land for housing, or for development, and they’ve got a choice about whether it’s here or whether it’s there. But overall, we have to get stuff built.
“So you can have lots of fun in the next couple of years saying, here’s a Labour MP who doesn’t want this particular development. I know that will happen.”
Asked about whether it was hypocritical to preach house building as a national government and then have MPs argue against it in their local areas, he said: “I’m not predicting that everything we do is going to be opposed by MPs. But what I’m saying is in the real world, there’ll be some developments that some people don’t like, that’s always going to be the case.”
8:00AM [124]Vaughan Gething was not Labour’s Liz Truss, says Pat McFadden
Pat McFadden denied the suggestion that Vaughan Gething was Labour’s Liz Truss after the First Minister of Wales announced his resignation yesterday.
Ms Truss was prime minister for just under 50 days while Mr Gethin assumed office on March 20 this year and will leave his role in the coming months after his Labour successor has been selected.
It was suggested to Mr McFadden, the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, that Mr Gething was Labour’s version of Ms Truss.
He told Times Radio: “Hang on a minute. Vaughan Gething did not crash the economy and cause everybody’s mortgage rates to go through the roof. Look, I have known Vaughan for many, many years, I regret what has happened.”
Asked if Mr Gething was right to resign, Mr McFadden said: “The thing about being a leader is you have to be able to command the confidence of your cabinet, of your parliamentary group. It looks like that wasn’t the case.
“So I think the question now for my Welsh Labour colleagues is to elect somebody quickly who can do that.”
7:56AM [125]Labour hits back at JD Vance over ‘Islamist’ Britain claim
A Labour frontbencher rejected a claim made by Donald Trump’s pick for vice president that the party will turn the UK into the world’s first “Islamist” nuclear country.
JD Vance recently told an event in the US that he had been speaking to someone about what would be the “first truly Islamist country that will get a nuclear weapon”.
He said that they had decided “maybe it is actually the UK since Labour just took over”.
Asked if that was true, Pat McFadden, the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, told Times Radio: “No, it is not true. I did like his book though.”
He added: “I don’t think he is right about what he said about Britain the other day. I think this is a country where everybody is free to practise their faith and I think that is a good thing.
“That characterisation he made is not the case.”
7:47AM [126]Belfast stadium decision will be taken in ‘proper way’, insists McFadden amid Sue Gray row
A decision on whether to overhaul a Belfast stadium will be taken in the “proper way”, Pat McFadden insisted amid a row over Sue Gray’s alleged involvement in discussions.
Ms Gray, Sir Keir Starmer’s chief of staff, has been accused of “subverting” the Cabinet[127] in an attempt to secure a bailout worth hundreds of millions for Casement Park, a disused ground earmarked to host matches at Euro 2028.
Downing Street sources told The Times that no decision had been made on the stadium, and it was overblown to suggest Ms Gray was “personally dominating” negotiations.
Mr McFadden, the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, told Times Radio: “I have not been involved in any discussions about that myself but I think you’ll find that senior figures in No 10 are probably involved in discussions about all sorts of things.
“That is the kind of place it is. Policy decisions will be discussed there. But I am not aware of any decision that has been taken.”
Asked about the claim that Ms Gray was “personally dominating” discussions, Mr McFadden said: “When I read that story it did strike me that whoever spoke to The Times doesn’t want to see the stadium redeveloped.
“Whether it will be or not, a decision will be taken in the proper way.”
7:40AM [128]Labour frontbencher won’t say if social care plan will be in King’s Speech
Pat McFadden would not say if the King’s Speech will include a plan to legislate to improve the nation’s social care system.
The issue was the subject of much wrangling when Labour was writing its manifesto.
Asked how central social care will be to the King’s Speech today, the Cabinet minister said: “You will have to wait and see. Obviously a big issue for the future of the country.”
Asked if he was suggesting that Labour would not legislate on the issue, he said: “As I say, wait and see what is in the King’s Speech.”
Mr McFadden was told that he was happy to talk about other issues being included, like planning reform, and he replied: “Well, the King’s Speech, you will have to wait a few hours for that.”
7:35AM [129]McFadden defends making votes at 16 a priority
Pat McFadden has defended Labour’s plan to hand 16-years-olds the right to vote in all elections ahead of the King’s Speech today.
Mr McFadden, the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, was asked why the Labour Government was prioritising votes at 16 as a key issue when there are many other problems which need to be fixed.
He told Times Radio: “You always make choices. Again, wait to see what is in the King’s Speech.”
Asked why it was more important than anything else, Mr McFadden said: “I am not saying it is more important than anything else because your manifesto is not just about one thing but that was one thing that was in our manifesto, that is a policy of the Labour Party.
“Why is it important? We believe it is right to extend the franchise in that way, that already happens in Scotland for Scottish elections.”
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