Prime Minister Keir Starmer has promised to “fix the foundations” of the country through a sweeping legislative agenda unveiled in Labour’s first King’s Speech in 15 years. The programme includes 40 bills aimed at boosting economic growth, reforming planning and energy, and restoring trust in British politics.
Speaking to MPs, Starmer declared an end to “politics as noisy performance” and vowed “patient work and serious solutions” to counter the rise of populism. He criticised the previous 14 years of Conservative rule as a period where “decline deep in the marrow of our institutions” took hold.
Key measures include nationalising rail franchises as contracts expire, mandatory housing targets for councils, and a ban on zero-hours contracts unless requested by employees. The government will also introduce Great British Energy, capitalised with £8.3bn, to own and operate clean power projects, and a £7.3bn national wealth fund to drive investment.
Other bills target public health and antisocial behaviour, including restrictions on vapes, a progressive tobacco ban, and new “respect orders” to tackle persistent nuisance. A Border Security Command will be established to strengthen migration enforcement.
Starmer framed the agenda as a rejection of “the snake oil charm of populism”, insisting that “the era of politics as performance and self-interest above service is over”. The government aims to deliver lasting transformation through determined, patient work.
