Starmer unveils 35 bills in King's Speech to regain political momentum

Prime Minister Keir Starmer has set out a legislative agenda comprising 35 bills for the next parliamentary session, aiming to restore political momentum following recent setbacks. The package, which will be read during the King's Speech, covers a broad range of policy areas including housing, immigration, energy, and the nationalisation of British Steel.

Key measures within the legislation include proposals to align domestic regulations with those of the European Union and a ban on the sale of new leasehold flats. The government also plans to introduce an energy independence bill designed to facilitate the transition to clean power, specifically implementing recommendations from infrastructure expert John Fingleton to ease the construction of nuclear power plants.

In the health sector, Health Secretary Wes Streeting will oversee legislation to abolish NHS England, while Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson is set to push for reforms regarding special educational needs. The inclusion of a bill to fully nationalise British Steel follows the asset's recent takeover by the government.

The immigration component of the agenda has drawn particular attention, with plans to double the waiting period for settled status from five to 10 years. The proposed legislation would also restrict the use of Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights for asylum appeals, a move that has generated significant debate regarding backbench support.

The timing of the announcement coincides with reported tensions between the government and King Charles concerning the state opening of parliament. Royal sources have described the situation as embarrassing for the monarch due to the government's instability, though Buckingham Palace has declined to comment on the reports.

Despite the reported awkwardness and internal pressure on Starmer from his own MPs, the Prime Minister insists on delivering radical change over the next few years. Security arrangements are already in place for the monarch to attend the ceremony, which is scheduled to proceed as planned.