The King’s speech is expected to include new laws.7 hours agoKate MerryBBC News Analysis & ResearchParliamentOn Tuesday, The Prime Minister is planning legislation that will allow the UK to adopt EU rules for single market in certain areas, such as food standards. The prime minister is likely to introduce bills to address the cost of living crisis, following criticism from some Labour members of parliament. This bill would restrict certain benefits, such as preventing under-age claimants from receiving incapacity payments. The Timms Review will bring further changes to disability benefits. National Wealth Fund Bill – In October 2024 Rachel Reeves will rebrand the The Financial Times reports that the government plans to merge the Payment Systems Regulator into the Financial Conduct Authority and reform its Financial Ombudsman Service. The plans include merging the Payment Systems Regulator into the Financial Conduct Authority and reforming the Financial Ombudsman Service, according to The Financial Times.Tourist tax – Local Government Secretary Steve Reed launched a consultation in November on allowing English regional mayors to charge tourists a tax for staying overnight in their towns and cities.Public Procurement (British Goods and Services) Bill – This legislation – which was first debated in 2024 – is aimed at forcing public bodies to buy more supplies and services from small and medium sized UK companies.Late payment – In July last year, the government announced plans for a crackdown on large companies that persistently fail to pay their suppliers on time, with fines for those who fail to pay money owed to small companies within 60 days.What is the King’s Speech and what happens during the State Opening of Parliament?King’s Speech 2024 – key points at a glanceAsylum and immigrationLegislation is expected on restricting the way article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), which protects the right to family life, is applied in some asylum cases.EnvironmentPAEnergy Independence Bill – Rising energy bills and security of supply are major issues for the government and Energy Secretary Ed Miliband is expected to push ahead with the new Energy Independence Act promised in Labour’s 2024 election manifesto.The government has already set out plans to increase the windfall tax on electricity companies’ profits from 45% to 55% and is likely to legislate to make it easier to install electric vehicle chargers and remove the need for planning permission. Some aspects of energy policy are devolved and it is unclear at this stage how much of the bill will apply to Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.Water bill – Legislation to replace Ofwat with a new single regulator responsible for tackling pollution and capping household bills across the water system in England.The new body would take responsibility for water from Ofwat, the Environment Agency, Natural England and the Drinking Water Inspectorate, which the government says will end the complexity that gets in the way of delivering for customers.HealthLegislation is needed to deliver Health Secretary Wes Streeting’s commitment to abolish NHS England, and to implement some of the commitments in his 10 Year Health Plan.HousingPA MediaLeasehold and Commonhold Reform Bill -This legislation, which has already started its journey into law, would increase leaseholders’ rights to extend their lease and buy their freehold in England and Wales.It would also cap ground rents at PS250 a year, changing to a peppercorn after 40 years. The government published draft legislation in January, setting out how it would work and it is likely to pass later this year.Building Safety Remediation Bill – Aimed at improving building safety in England further in the wake of the 2017 Grenfell fire, implementing changes outlined in the government’s policy plan.TransportRailways Bill – Labour’s flagship plan to nationalise the railways under the Great British Railways banner, which will manage passenger train services, infrastructure and operational decisions has already started its journey into law and is likely to be passed in the coming year.The legislation will apply in England, Wales and Scotland – but transport is a devolved issue and the UK government will have to reach an agreement with Scottish and Welsh ministers on how it will be implemented. High Speed Rail (Crewe – Manchester) Bill – A bill first proposed by the previous Conservative government in January 2022. It would establish the necessary The bill involves the construction a railway line between Crewe and Manchester, stopping at Manchester Airport or Manchester Piccadilly. The controversial CrimeCourts and Tribunals Bill contains plans to eliminate jury trials in some cases in England and Wales to reduce court backlogs. The legislation, which is being carried from the previous Parliamentary session, would also reform procedures in sexual offences prosecutions.Policing reform – In January, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood announced plans to cut the number of police forces in England and Wales through mergers and abolish police and crime commissioners, replacing them with mayoral authorities and crime and policing boards.Terrorism – Following the Southport Attack 2024, concerns have been raised about tackling extreme violence where there is no clear underlying ideology. The government has acknowledged this gap and said it will address it through terrorism legislation.GovernanceGetty Images’Hillsborough Law’ Public Office (Accountability) Bill -The “Hillsborough Law” will introduce a legal obligation for public authorities to tell the truth and cooperate with inquiries. The bill has already begun its passage into law. Campaigners have criticised the extent to which it would apply to intelligence agents. The government is expected complete the passage of the Representation of the People Bill, which will lower the voting age at general elections to 16 years old, introduce automatic The Electoral Commission is to be given the power to impose fines up to PS500,000 on parties that violate political finance rules. Companies making political contributions will The King’s Speech is expected to include legislation that will strip disgraced House of Lords members of their titles following the Lord Mandelson scandal. Other things to be aware of ReutersDigital ID: After the government backed away from a mandatory system, new legislation will outline how a voluntary digital ID Armed forces: Completing a bill that will increase the maximum age of reservists who can be recalled to 65. The bill will also create the Defence Housing Service, which will improve the standard accommodation for serving personnel. It will also give the armed services new powers to destroy drone Draft Equality (Race and Disability Bill) – This bill would require employers who have 250 or more employees to publish six key metrics for pay gaps, as The government published draft legislation following a consultation that concluded in March of this year. However, it is unlikely to become law during the next Parliamentary session. The bill would ban any practices that aim to change someone’s gender identity or sexual orientation. The government has been urging equalities minister Olivia Bailey to stop conversion practices. According to The Financial Times, it is unlikely that the bill will become law before 2027/28. Major artists, including Dua Lipa, Coldplay and Radiohead, have backed proposals to change the law.Bills that won’t be in the King’s SpeechReutersAssisted dying – MPs voted in favour of legalising assisted dying in England and Wales in June last year – but the bill ran out of time and fell in the House of Lords after peers tabled more than 1,200 amendments.The Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill was not a government bill – and the government will not be including legislation on it in the King’s Speech.Supporters of assisted dying are hoping another backbench MP will take up the cause when the next private members bill ballot is held and have another go at getting it into law. The King’s Speech will not include legislation on assisted dying. Supporters of assisted dying are hoping another backbench MP will take up the cause when the next
