Keir Starmer slams populism as a ‘dead end’ after 14 years of Tory rule that have brought ‘chaos’

'They have no idea!' Rosie Duffield slams primary school for having pupils pose alongside Pride flag

A Labour MP has condemned a primary school which posted a photo of children holding a trans-inclusive flag.

Rosie Duffield criticised Daubeney Primary School in east London following the release of the image which showed young pupils with a large "Progress flag" to celebrate Pride Day last month.

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Wandsworth Council discovers 6,500 votes lost on election day in Putney constituency as questions asked over 'Labour's competency'

Wandsworth Council has found 6,500 votes which were lost on election day as officials reissue results following an error.

A total of 6,558 votes across the Putney constituency were missed - approximately 15 per cent in addition to the original turnout result.

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Stephen Flynn 'disappointed' abolishing the two-child benefit cap did not feature in the King’s Speech

The SNP Westminster leader said: "This is a policy – an iniquitous, heinous policy – which was introduced by the former Conservative government in 2015. Each and every one of us in this chamber knows that it retains children in poverty – hundreds of thousands of children across these isles.

“In Scotland alone, it impacts 27,000 households. It’s estimated that 14,000 children would immediately be taken out of poverty were it to be scrapped, but it was not mentioned in the Government’s programme for Government today.

“Instead, all we have heard is that a taskforce is going to be created – no timeframe for that taskforce, no indication of when that taskforce will conclude, and all the while, those children will remain in poverty.”

Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) slams King's speech - 'no sign of delivery'

Policy Chair of the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), Tina McKenzie, said: "Today’s King’s Speech announcements fell short on the central challenge – getting growth back into the economy and ensuring wealth creation in every local community.

"Small businesses and the self-employed expected more on these, with their key issues instead overlooked. The Government’s 105-page briefing document doesn’t mention ‘small business’ once – suggesting Labour may not keep its promises to drive growth in the real economy.

"Apart from ambitious-sounding planning reform, there was no sign of delivery of the small business plan promised by Labour in opposition. The lack of promised legislation to tackle late payments and poor payment practices by bigger businesses to their small business suppliers is the most serious omission for our community and will hold back economic growth.

"This scourge hampers cashflow and stifles investment, and we call on the Government to look again and deliver on the promise it made."

Government to hold fresh talks with transport union Aslef

The Government is to hold fresh talks with Aslef in a bid to resolve the two-year-long train drivers pay dispute, the union announced.

General secretary of Aslef Mick Whelan said: "Keir Starmer has delivered today on the Labour Party’s manifesto commitment by setting out plans to bring Britain’s railways back into public ownership.

"This is the right decision, at the right time, to take the brakes off the UK economy and rebuild Britain. John Major’s decision to privatise British Rail in 1994 was foolish, ideologically-driven, and doomed to fail. It was described even by that arch-privateer Margaret Thatcher as “a privatisation too far” and so it has proved.

"The privateers have taken hundreds of millions of pounds from our railways and successive Conservative governments have pursued a policy of managed decline which has sold taxpayers, passengers, and staff short. Now we are going to see the wheels and the steel put back together, an end to the failed fragmentation of our network, and a railway brought back into the public sector, where it belongs, to be run as a public service, not for private profit."

Sir Ed Davey makes joke about stunt-filled campaign in King's Speech debate

The Liberal Democrat leader said: "I welcome the Prime Minister to his place. As he says, they now have an enormous undertaking and we wish them well.

"I read somewhere the Prime Minister apparently surfed to power on a wave of Conservative failure. Can I say to him gently with a pang of envy, watersports are my thing.

"The challenges awaiting this new Government are certainly great, and set against that challenging backdrop, there is much to welcome in the programme set out today.

"Not least the Government’s focus on getting our economy growing strongly again. The Prime Minister is right to say that building more homes is an essential part of that."

Sir Keir pays tribute to Jo Cox and Sir David Amess

Speaking in the Commons the Prime Minister said: "Last time this address took place and I stood at that despatch box, I could see for the first time that the new plaque, now behind me, commemorating the memory of Sir David Amess. And I know how hard that loss was for members on the opposite benches.

"And now, standing on this side, I can see for the first time in front of me the plaque to our dear friend Jo Cox, with her words that catch the air of this chamber even more at a moment like this: ‘more in common’. So while our thoughts at this time are of course with President Trump and the American people, we cannot think that this is something that only happens elsewhere.

"We must heed the words of President Biden to lower the temperature of our democracy, work across our disagreements and find each other’s common decency."

Starmer praises outgoing England manager Gareth Southgate

The Prime Minister told the Commons he wanted "to congratulate the England football team for their achievements in the Euros, something the Leader of the Opposition and I were talking about this morning."

He added to laughter: "Yes, the trophy eluded us again, but the team can be proud of another exceptional performance, something I’m sure the whole house will be only too pleased to recognise."

Sunak claims Labour inherited an economy was 'already on upward trajectory'

Speaking in the Commons, the Leader of the Opposition said: "I understand well that the Chancellor is keen to paint as bleak a picture as possible, but I would just gently point out that this is not exactly what the facts say.

"Inflation at two per cent, unemployment four per cent, and the fastest growing economy in the G7 so far this year. The party opposite has inherited an economy that is already on an upward trajectory."

He added that Labour cannot claim that tax rises are needed because the finances are in a worse state than they thought. The former Prime Minister said the Tories will hold Keir Starmer to his pledge on taxes he has said he won’t raise.

Sir Keir Starmer sends well wishes to Donald Trump after assassination attempt

The Prime Minister said: "We also wish President Trump a speedy recovery from the appalling attempt on his life weekend.

"I spoke with President Trump on Sunday night to pass our best wishes, but also to share our revulsion of the senseless violence which has no place in democracy."

Rishi Sunak makes North Korea joke about Bootle MP Peter Dowd

The Leader of the Opposition noted Dowd is the “most popular constituency MP”, adding: "Enjoying the biggest majority of any member of this place and in a recent election he even won an astonishing 84 per cent of the vote.

"He might be the only person who can persuade Kim Jong Un of the benefits of democracy, although the people’s republic of Bootle doesn’t quite have the same ring to it."

The Conservative Party leader earlier paid tribute to the King, telling MPs: "It is typical of his dedication to duty that despite the medical challenges he has recently faced he was here today to open Parliament and will travel to the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Samoa and Australia this autumn.

"The King is a true model of public service."

​Rishi Sunak congratulates Sir Keir Starmer for 'decisive victory' at the General Election

The Leader of the Opposition: "The party opposite has successfully tapped into the public’s desire for change, but they must now deliver change, and we on this side of the House will hold them accountable for delivering on the commitments that they made to the British people.

"In the national interest we will not oppose for the sake of it, but when we disagree with the Government it is our responsibility as the Opposition to say so.

"What will guide us will be our principles. Sound public finances, a belief that people know how to spend their own money better than governments do, that private enterprise not state intervention is the key to delivering growth and prosperity, public services that work for those who need them, an education system that gives everyone the best start in life, secure borders, and a strong national defence."

Rishi Sunak says it was 'wrong' for Government to abandon Rwanda scheme

The leader of the opposition said that without a deterrent, more people will want to come to the UK.

It comes after Labour announced they would scrap the plan just hours after winning the General election.

Sunak urged the government to keep the measures the last government announced before the election, which he says will cut net migration over the next 12 months.

Rishi Sunak jokes if he could be considered an 'elder statesman' at the age of 44

The former prime minister, offering advice to MPs tipped with a bright future, joked in the Commons: “On the Government benches life comes at you fast.

“Soon you might be fortunate enough to be tapped on the shoulder and be offered a junior ministerial role, then you’ll find yourself attending cabinet, then in the cabinet and then when the prime minister’s position becomes untenable you might end up being called to the highest office.

“And before you know it you have a bright future behind you and you’re left wondering whether you can credibly be an elder statesman at the age of 44.”

Farage delivers verdict on King's Speech as Labour pushes for growth

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has delivered his verdict on today's King's Speech as Sir Keir Starmer pushes ahead with his agenda for growth.

Taking to social media, the Clacton MP said: "Labour’s King’s Speech is just more big state with the assumption that government can create wealth."

MPs prepare to return to House of Commons for King's Speech debate

MPs will return to the House of Commons at 2.30pm to debate the contents of the King's Speech.

The House of Commons will spend a few sessions discussing Labour's legislative agenda after King Charles delivered his second King's Speech earlier today.

Two backbench Labour MPs, representing different types of constituencies and usually from different parliamentary intakes, will open the debate.

The opening speeches have traditionally been used to bring humour to the House of Commons.

Rishi Sunak, who is now Leader of the Opposition, will deliver his verdict on the Government's agenda.

Sir Keir Starmer will respond to his Downing Street predecessor before the debates continues for a handful of days.

Trade union welcomes Labour's legislative agenda after King's Speech

The trade union Unite has welcomed Labour's legislative agenda after hearing the King's Speech.

Sharon Graham, the Unite general secretary, said: “The King’s Speech is packed full of measures which will begin transforming the UK for the better. The King’s Speech shows why Britain needs a Labour Government.

On spending, Ms Graham said the Government must not be “straitjacketed by self-made fiscal rules, leaving us entirely reliant on growth, which may not arrive in time”.

“There is no doubt that the UK has been given hope and the opportunity for tangible change by electing a Labour government. Unite is already seeing that in our initial discussions with key ministers.

“Britain is broken and hurting, we have no time to waste. We have one shot to deliver for workers and communities. We have to make it count.”

King Charles unveils Starmer's grand plan as he vows to radically overhaul Britain and leave it unrecognisable

King Charles has delivered the speech as Sir Keir Starmer has vowed to radically overhaul Britain.

The 75-year-old monarch delivered his speech in the Houses of Parliament alongside wife Queen Camilla.

Charles travelled in the Diamond Jubilee State Coach in his second State Opening of Parliament.

Starmer said he intended to use the King's Speech to outline his plan to "take the brakes off Britain".

The Prime Minister has doubled-down on his pledge to improve UK-EU relations as well as certifying Labour’s controversial VAT raid on Private schools.

Labour is hoping to focus on "unlocking growth and improving living standards for working people" in an "ambitious legislative agenda".

In the speech delivered to MPs and Lords, a Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill was announced to “modernise the asylum and immigration system.”

An overhaul to the pensions system and plans to hand Sadiq Khan and Andy Burnham more powers were also announced.

SNP criticise Labour's 'timid' King's Speech

The SNP has criticised today's King's Speech as a "missed opportunity".

Stephen Flynn, leader of the nationalist party in Westminster, said: “Keir Starmer has failed his first test in government. This timid legislative programme is a missed opportunity that failed to deliver the change that people in Scotland were promised.

“People in Scotland voted for clear and substantial change at Westminster, and the Labour Government was handed a huge mandate to deliver it, so it’s bitterly disappointing that they have thrown that opportunity away.

“While some of the small measures announced are welcome, they fail to deal with the major challenges facing the UK. There was no plan to eradicate child poverty, no plan to tackle the cost of living and no plan to end Tory austerity and boost NHS funding.”

Rishi Sunak awkwardly jokes with Sir Keir Starmer as pair forced to make conversation after election

Prime Minister Keir Starmer and his predecessor Rishi Sunak were spotted joking with each other as they headed into the House of Lords for the King’s Speech.

Following Black Rod, the pair strolled through the Commons together as they made their way to spectate King Charles’s speech.

Speaking on GB News, royal commentator Rafe Heydel-Mankoo pointed out how the roles were reversed just eight months ago.

But today it is Keir Starmer’s agenda being set out after his Labour Party dealt the Tories a crushing blow in this month’s General Election.

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Charles concludes King's Speech

Charles has concluded his King's Speech in just his second State Opening of Parliament.

King Charles said: “Later this week, my Government will host the European Political Community meeting at Blenheim Palace.

“The Queen and I look forward to our visit to Samoa alongside the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in October, and our visit to Australia.

“Members of the House of Commons, Estimates for the public services will be laid before you. My Lords and Members of the House of Commons, other measures will be laid before you.

“I pray that the blessing of Almighty God may rest upon your counsels.”

King Charles and Queen Camilla left the House of Commons.

The royal couple will return to Buckingham Palace ahead of MPs debating the King's Speech at 2.30pm.

Labour commit to seeing 'sovereign Palestinian state'

The Labour Government is now "committed to a two state solution" in the Middle East.

Sir Keir Starmer and David Lammy have taken a decisive step by vowing to "secure Israel alongside a viable and sovereign Palestinian state".

King Charles said: “My Government will play its part in trying to secure long-term peace and security in the Middle East.”

Labour to overhaul pension system with Britons in line for £11,000 retirement savings boost

The UK's pension system is set to be overhauled under the new Labour Government in radical changes unveiled in today's King Speech.

King Charles confirmed Prime Minister Keir Starmer will "strengthen pension investment" under the Pension Schemes Bill.

Under this legislation, 15 million Britons who save in private pension schemes will be awarded greater returns from their pots.

The bill aims to raise the amount available for pension savers and it is claimed it will assist the average earner in boosting their retirement savings by £11,000.

This would be applicable if the earner in question was savings over their lifetime in a defined contribution scheme.

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Labour vows to hand MORE control to trade unions with employers able to be held to ransom

Labour has vowed to hand more control to trade unions as Sir Keir Starmer pledges to remove "unnecessary restrictions".

The Prime Minister, who set out his legislative agenda in the King’s Speech today, is hoping to update trade union laws by removing "unnecessary barriers" on trade union activity.

Speaking ahead of today’s announcement, Starmer said: “We will level up workers’ rights, so every person has security, respect and dignity at work.”

Outlining the legislative agenda for the year ahead in the House of Lords, King Charles added: “My Government is committed to making work pay and will legislate to introduce a new deal for working people to ban exploitative practices and enhance employment rights.

“It will seek to establish the appropriate legislation to place requirements on those working to develop the most powerful artificial intelligence models.”

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Starmer doubles-down on pledge to 'improve' Brexit deal with EU

Sir Keir Starmer has doubled-down on his pledge to improve UK-EU relations in today's King's Speech.

Charles said: “My ministers will seek a new security pact to strengthen cooperation on the mutual threats faced by the United Kingdom and the European Union.”

Labour's private school VAT pledge gets go-ahead

Labour's promise to slap VAT on private school fees has been included in the King's Speech.

King Charles said: “My ministers will seek to raise educational standards and break down barriers to opportunity.

“Action will be taken to get people back in employment following the impact of the pandemic. A Bill will be introduced to raise standards in education and promote children’s wellbeing.

“Measures will be brought forward to remove the exemption from Value Added Tax for private school fees, which will enable the funding of six and a half thousand new teachers.”

Starmer vows to 'strengthen' UK borders

Sir Keir Starmer's Government has vowed to "strengthen the border and make streets safer".

A Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill will be introduced to “modernise the asylum and immigration system, establishing a new Border Security Command and delivering enhanced counter terror powers to tackle organised immigration crime”.

A Crime and Policing Bill will “strengthen community policing, give the police greater powers to deal with anti-social behaviour and strengthen support for victims”.

Labour prioritise 'economic growth' in King's Speech

Charles said: "Stability will be the cornerstone of my Government's economic policy and every decision will be consistent with its fiscal rules.

"It will legislate to ensure that all significant tax and spending changes are subject to an independent assessment by the Office for Budget Responsibility.

"Bills will be brought forward to strengthen audit and corporate governance, alongside pension investment.

"Securing economic growth will be a fundamental mission.

"My Government will seek a new partnership with both business and working people and help the country move on from the recent cost of living challenges by prioritising wealth creation for all communities.

"My Ministers will establish an Industrial Strategy Council. It is my Government's objective to see rising living standards in all nations and regions in the United Kingdom."

Starmer gives Sadiq Khan and Andy Burnham more power as new law revealed

Sir Keir Starmer has used the King’s Speech to hand Sadiq Khan and Andy Burnham more powers in a push to embolden devolved administrations.

Starmer’s English Devolution Bill hopes to increase economic output across the nation’s regions by providing a more consistent approach.

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King's Speech targeted as anti-monarchy protesters, anti-Israel activists and climate zealots unite

Protesters from a number of activist groups have flocked to Westminster today to protest the King's appearance at the State Opening of Parliament.

Demonstrators from anti-monarchist group Republic, and anti-Israel, anti-climate change bloc Youth Action had planned to protest outside the Palace of Westminster - pushing police to make a number of arrests.

The Metropolitan Police confirmed that ten members of Youth Demand had been arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to cause public nuisance.

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Royal Standard flies over Palace of Westminster as King Charles prepares to deliver speech

The Royal Standard is flying over the Palace of Westminster as King Charles prepares for his second State Opening of Parliament.

Charles arrived around 15-minutes ago alongside wife Queen Camilla.

Labour MP held 'captive' at Buckingham Palace

A Labour MP has been held "captive" at Buckingham Palace as King Charles prepares for the State Opening of Parliament.

Samantha Dixon, the MP for Chester North & Neston, arrived and will depart from Buckingham Palace independently.

Police arrest 10 protesters ahead of State Opening of Parliament

Ten members of Youth Demand have been arrested ahead of King Charles' second State Opening of Parliament.

The group of protesters were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to cause public nuisance after the activists publicly revealed it was intending to disrupt today's proceedings.

Confirming the arrests, the Metropolitan Police said: “Last week, Youth Demand said they planned to disrupt the event.

"An hour ago, officers arrested 10 of them in Westminster on suspicion of conspiracy to cause public nuisance.

“A further 20 to 25 have now gathered in Victoria Embankment Gardens and further arrests are being made.”

Starmer leaves Downing Street for King's Speech

Sir Keir Starmer has been snapped leaving No10 ahead of today's King's Speech at 11.30am.

The Prime Minister walked out of No10's iconic door shortly after 10.30am.

The King's Speech will unveil Labour's legislative agenda just days after Starmer romped to a landslide victory on July 4

Anti-monarchy protest greets King Charles outside Parliament

A group of anti-monarchy protesters will greet King Charles outside Parliament later today.

Protesters, holding up banners such as "Down With The Crown" and "Labour for a Republic", gathered at the end of Whitehall.

Starmer pledges to build 1.5 million homes

Sir Keir Starmer has been tipped to use the King's Speech to tear up planning restrictions to built 1.5 million new homes.

The Prime Minister hopes to create wealth around the country by unlocking economic growth.

The new housing Bill will aim to “turbo-charge” and streamline the planning process to ensure more homes are built and accelerate the delivery of major infrastructure projects.

Sue Gray accused of 'subverting' Cabinet over £310m for football venue

Sir Keir Starmer's chief aide Sue Gray has been accused of "subverting" the Cabinet over an attempt to secure a bailout worth hundreds of millions for a football stadium in Belfast ahead of the King's Speech later today.

Gray, who conducted the partygate probe during Boris Johnson's stint as Prime Minister, is reported to have sparked resentment among ministers by “personally dominating” negotiations over Casement Park.

A Whitehall source told The Times: “It’s constitutionally improper.”

Starmer to impose renationalisation, force new homes on communities and introduce new trans rules

Sir Keir Starmer has outlined his plan to "take the brakes off Britain" ahead of today's King's Speech.

The Prime Minister is expected to hand King Charles more than 35 bills to read out in the Houses of Parliament.

Labour is hoping to focus on "unlocking growth and improving living standards for working people" in an "ambitious legislative agenda".

Speaking ahead of the King's Speech, Starmer said: "For too long people have been held back, their paths determined by where they came from - not their talents and hard work.

"I am determined to create wealth for people up and down the country. It is the only way our country can progress, and my government is focused on supporting that aspiration."

Echoing Vote Leave's 2016 message, the Prime Minister added: "Today's new laws will take back control and lay the foundations of real change that this country is crying out for, creating wealth in every community and making people better off - supporting their ambitions, hopes and dreams."

Labour's plans include bringing rail services back into public ownership, giving local authorities more power to franchise bus services, planning reforms to turbo-charge house-building and a "trans-inclusive" ban on conversion therapy.

Rishi Sunak, who is now Leader of the Opposition after serving as Prime Minister is expected to say: "[Labour] tapped into the public's desire for change, but they must now deliver change, and we on this side of the House will hold them accountable for delivering on the commitments they made to the British people.

"The Labour Party promised no tax rises on working people and no plans for tax rises beyond what's in their manifesto, in full knowledge of the public finances.

"They can't now claim that things are worse than they thought and renege on these pledges. We will hold the government to its own promises."

Lib Dems take swipe at Tories ahead of Starmer's first King's Speech

The Liberal Democrats appear to have continued with its campaign against the Tories ahead of today's King's Speech.

Sir Ed Davey, who picked up dozens of so-called Blue Wall seats on July 4, said: “Years of chaos under the Conservatives have left us with a stagnant economy and health services in a state of crisis.

"Millions of people are stuck on NHS waiting lists and struggling to get the care they need to return to work.

“Fixing the NHS and care would put rocket boosters under economic growth in our country.

“The Liberal Democrats will keep campaigning for our policies to tackle the health and care crisis and get our economy back on track.

"That is what millions of people voted for at the General Election, we will not let them down.”