Prime Minister Keir Starmer has introduced 40 new laws aimed at improving life in the UK. These laws cover various areas, including smoking, railways, workers’ rights, and public safety.
Starmer said these new laws provide a clear direction for the country. He promised to start working on them right away to build more homes, stop young people from smoking, renationalize the railways, and ban dangerous ninja swords.
He noted that this plan has more laws than those announced by Tony Blair in 1997. The last time a Labour government presented a King’s Speech was when Clement Attlee was Prime Minister, and George VI was king.
“People across the country have voted for change,” Starmer said. “My Labour government will deliver that change. We will work with anyone who wants our country to succeed, no matter who they voted for.”
Starmer warned that rebuilding the country will take time, but he assured that his government will focus on serious solutions rather than making empty promises.
The new Tobacco and Vapes Bill will stop anyone born after January 1, 2009, from buying cigarettes. It will also regulate vape flavors and packaging to prevent them from being attractive to children. Shops selling these products will face fines and enforcement actions.
The Pension Schemes Bill will help people save more for retirement by preventing them from losing track of their pension pots. The Employment Rights Bill will introduce a living wage, ban zero-hour contracts, and ensure better working conditions from day one.
The Crime and Policing Bill will ban ninja swords and impose tougher penalties on those exploiting children for gangs. It also introduces Respect Orders to tackle anti-social behavior, such as street drinking and off-road bikes. The Victims, Courts, and Public Protection Bill will force offenders to attend their sentencing hearings.
The Passenger Railway Services (Public Ownership) Bill will begin the process of bringing railways back into public ownership. The government will also set up Great British Railways to improve rail services and create a new watchdog for passengers.
The new Renters’ Rights Bill will ban no-fault evictions and strengthen tenant rights. It will also ensure landlords maintain decent living standards and prohibit discrimination against families receiving benefits or with children.
The Football Governance Bill aims to involve fans in club decisions and prevent clubs from financial troubles. An independent watchdog will oversee club management and prevent drastic changes without supporter approval.
The Great British Energy Bill will create a public-owned company to lower energy bills, create jobs, and tackle climate change. The Water (Special Measures) Bill will impose stricter penalties on water companies failing to prevent pollution.
The Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill will target people smugglers and dismantle costly migration deals. Martyn’s Law will require venues to have terrorism prevention plans in place.
A Children’s Wellbeing Bill will provide free breakfast clubs in primary schools and reduce the cost of school uniforms. It will also ensure all schools teach a national curriculum.
These new laws aim to address a wide range of issues, promising significant improvements in various aspects of daily life across the UK. The Prime Minister is committed to making these changes happen and working with everyone who wants to see the country succeed.
