Over 35 bills introduced as Prime Minister Keir Starmer prioritizes planning reforms and transport policies to boost the UK economy

In a historic moment for the Labour Party, Prime Minister Keir Starmer delivered his first King’s Speech, revealing a comprehensive package of over 35 bills aimed at fostering economic growth. At the heart of this ambitious agenda lies a mandate for local councils to adopt housing targets, a move intended to tackle the ongoing housing crisis in the UK.

Starmer’s speech, the first of its kind from a Labour prime minister in 15 years, set a clear direction for his administration. He emphasized the need to “take the brakes off Britain,” asserting that economic progress depends on creating wealth and opportunities for all citizens, regardless of their background. “Our paths should be determined by talent and hard work, not where we came from,” he declared.

The proposed reforms signal a significant shift in housing policy. Previously, under pressure from Conservative backbenchers, former Housing Secretary Michael Gove relaxed mandatory housing targets, allowing councils to bypass them if they threatened local character. Starmer aims to reinstate these targets, compelling local authorities to collaborate on regional infrastructure needs and develop comprehensive local housing and growth plans.

Angela Rayner, the newly appointed Housing and Local Government Secretary, will oversee these planning proposals. She is charged with ensuring that local councils not only create housing plans but also contribute to a broader strategy to support local economies.

Additionally, Louise Haigh, the Transport Secretary, plans to introduce bills that aim to renationalize rail services and enhance public sector involvement in local bus networks. This initiative includes the establishment of an arms-length body called Great British Railways, which will oversee passenger satisfaction and introduce automatic compensation across the rail network.

While the speech primarily emphasized economic policies, it also touched on other significant reforms. Starmer plans to address House of Lords reform by proposing a mandatory retirement age of 80. He aims to resurrect the phased smoking ban initiative, showcasing a balance between economic and public health priorities.

Despite the focus on growth, some key Labour policies, such as lowering the voting age to 16, did not make the cut. Government insiders have suggested that while the proposal remains a priority, it might be postponed until closer to the next election, leading to speculation about its future.

Starmer’s vision for the upcoming year focuses heavily on rebuilding the economy and addressing housing shortages while navigating the complexities of local governance. With the introduction of these ambitious reforms, Labour seeks to redefine its role in addressing the pressing challenges facing the UK today.

The Guardian

Keir Starmer’s first King’s Speech will introduce mandatory housing targets for local councils as part of over 35 bills aimed at prioritizing economic growth. This marks the first such speech by a Labour prime minister in 15 years. The reforms will focus on planning, devolution, and public transport, with Starmer stating, “Now is the time to take the brakes off Britain,” emphasizing the need to create wealth and support local ambitions.

Central to the reforms is the liberalization of the planning system, reversing previous relaxations on housing targets. Local authorities will be required to develop local housing and growth plans, with consultations set to begin in two weeks. The government aims to foster collaboration among councils to address regional infrastructure needs.

Key initiatives include plans to renationalize the railways and increase public sector involvement in local bus networks. The rail bill will return services to public ownership as contracts expire, creating an oversight body called Great British Railways. The bus bill will empower local leaders to establish publicly owned services.

Additional bills include proposals for House of Lords reform and a phased smoking ban, while Labour’s commitment to lowering the voting age to 16 will be postponed, reflecting the priority given to economic growth initiatives. Government insiders suggest that changes to the voting age may be revisited closer to the next election, but there are concerns about its future viability.

Overall, the King’s Speech aims to lay the groundwork for a more ambitious and collaborative approach to governance, centred on economic revitalization and community empowerment.

Sky News

In his King’s Speech, Keir Starmer emphasized Labour’s commitment to “take the brakes off Britain,” outlining a bold legislative agenda focused on economic growth. Over 35 bills will be introduced, targeting transport, housing, and devolution, reflecting Labour’s priorities established during the general election.

Starmer stated that the government aims to “unlock growth and improve living standards” for working people, promising to create wealth across the country. Key initiatives include bringing rail services back into public ownership and establishing Great British Railways to oversee operations and fares. Additionally, the Better Buses Bill will empower local authorities to manage bus services and promote public ownership.

Long-awaited planning reforms will facilitate housing and infrastructure development, alongside a new English Devolution Bill to transfer more powers to local leaders. Starmer declared these laws will “lay the foundations of real change” and support the ambitions of communities.

Former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak responded, acknowledging the Conservatives’ responsibility to hold the government accountable for its commitments. He stressed that while the Labour Party has tapped into the public’s desire for change, it must deliver on its promises, particularly regarding tax policies and public finances.

As the debate on the King’s Speech unfolds, the government aims to navigate these ambitious plans while ensuring accountability and transparency in its legislative efforts.