King’s Speech 2024
by H/Advisors Cicero
18 July 2024
King Charles III’s speech marks the beginning of the new Labour Government’s legislative priorities, featuring 40 bills, an unusually high number. This ambitious agenda reflects the Government’s determination to implement sweeping changes, but it also poses challenges for parliamentary scrutiny and timely implementation. Including the risk of legislative bottlenecks, not least with four bills remaining in draft form, which suggests they are unlikely to pass in this session.
But what does the volume of content in the King’s Speech tell us about this Government’s ambitions?
A clear vision
The programme reflects Labour’s five core missions: economic stability and growth; establishing the UK as a clean energy superpower; securing borders and tackling antisocial behaviour; breaking down barriers to opportunity; and health. Despite initial pushback, framing the legislative agenda around these missions sets a clear framework for Labour’s vision.
Priorities
Economic stability and growth are major priorities, with 15 of the 40 bills dedicated to this goal. Key bills include the Budget Responsibility Bill, which establishes independent assessment by the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR); the National Wealth Fund Bill, creating a statutory basis for the National Wealth Fund; and the Planning and Infrastructure Bill, aimed at driving infrastructure development.
The exclusion of other flagship legislation, like extending voting rights to 16-year-olds, shows the Government’s focus on consolidating its agenda to deliver on main priorities.
There has been some flexibility to the mission centred approach with Bills introduced recognising a response to geopolitical tensions is needed. Additional legislation on national security, including the Cyber Security and Resilience Bill, has been announced in an effort to ensure stability and prioritise national security.
The programme also represents a continuation of areas the previous Government looked at, including regulation on Tobacco & Football Governance, while a change in tack on Employment and Planning regulation is clear.
Treasury back on top?
Approximately five of these 15 growth bills will sit with the Treasury, which takes on a larger share of legislation than had previously been anticipated given the inclusion of two unreported financial services bills; including the Pensions Schemes Bill and the Bank Resolution (Recapitalisation) Bill.
The remaining 10 sit across other Government departments including the rebranded Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, the Department for Transport and the Ministry of Justice, an embodiment of Starmer’s ambition to embed his missions across Whitehall and promote cross-departmental collaboration.
Challenges
Certain bills are expected to spark debate, such as the Planning and Infrastructure Bill, likely to face opposition from the Liberal Democrats over greenbelt development, and the Border Security, Asylum, and Immigration Bill, which could face challenges from Reform UK benches. With a significant majority in the Commons, the Government is well-positioned to overcome opposition amendments. However, loyalty from backbenchers, especially newly elected Labour MPs with narrow majorities, will be crucial.
Next Steps
The first Bills could be introduced as early as tomorrow, with Second Reading scheduled after the King’s Speech debate concludes on 25 July. There is speculation that Friday 26 July might be declared an official sitting day to expedite progress before the summer recess.
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