King's Speech EXPLORED: 5 Labour plans that we ALL may not be entirely happy about...

1. Trade Unions

The government plans to introduce a new deal for working people to ban exploitative practices and enhance employment rights through an Employment Rights Bill.

As part of this bill, the government will create a new partnership with trade unions, businesses and working people.

The government have said it will be "updating trade union legislation so it is fit for a modern economy, removing unnecessary restrictions on trade union activity – including the previous Government’s approach to minimum service levels – and ensuring industrial relations are based around good faith negotiation and bargaining."

This could mean handing more control to trade unions with employers able to be held at ransom.

Labour’s plan for trade unions centres around removing unnecessary restrictions, including minimum service levels.

Minimum service levels were introduced by the Tories in 2022 to ensure the delivery of restricted services during industrial action.

2. Pensions

The UK's pension scheme is a continuation of a Tory policy as Labour sest out a new Pension Schemes Bill.

The new bill is expected to see over 15 million Brits who save in private pension schemes be awarded greater returns from their pots.

The purpose of the bill is to increase the amount available for pension savers and "help an average earner, who saves over their lifetime in a defined contribution scheme, to have over £11,000 more in their pension pots with which to secure their retirement income."

Based on the King's Speech, the Pension Schemes Bill incentivises greater consolidation within the private pensions market to the benefit of savers.

Initially a good move by Labour, but it will represent a significant shift in the workplace retirement saving arena and pave the way for any further reforms or changes that the party may want to make in the future.

3. Energy Bills

The Government unveiled a bill to set up a new Great British Energy company to help accelerate investment in renewable energy such as offshore wind.

The Bill establishes GB Energy as a new, publicly-owned energy production company which will own, manage and operate clean power projects in the UK - with headquarters in Scotland.

The company is to be backed by £8.3 billion over the course of this parliament.

Starmer is arguing that this local power generation will achieve energy independence, create new jobs, save money for households and tackle climate change.

During their campaign, Labour announced each household could save £300 a year by 2030 with GB Energy.

The party argue that by investing in renewable energy, providers will not need to purchase fuel to burn to create power, unlike gas, for example, which currently makes up about a third of electricity needs.

With less focus on gas to provide electricity, Labour hopes that energy bills will fall.

In his speech, the King said the government is "committed to a clean energy transition which will lower energy bills for consumers over time.

"Legislation will be brought forward to help the country achieve energy independence and unlock investment in energy infrastructure."

There are two criticisms of Starmer's plan - the first comes from the Conservatives, who argue that this rapid decarbonisation timetable will push up households' energy bills, external.

The second comes from some energy analysts who simply don't think electricity decarbonisation as soon as 2030 is practically achievable

4. Strengthening mayoral powers

Keir Starmer has given more powers to Sadiq Khan and Andy Burnham 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.

Labour plans to take back control by strengthening mayoral powers, empowering communities and standardising the framework.

The King told MPs and peers: “My Government believes that greater devolution of decision making is at the heart of a modern dynamic economy and is a key driver of economic growth and my Ministers will introduce an English Devolution Bill.

“Legislation will be introduced to give new powers to metro mayors and combined authorities. This will support local growth plans that bring economic benefit to communities.”

Ahead of the King’s Speech, Starmer added: “Democratic decisions are best made by people with skin in the game, so my government will push power out of Westminster and empower local leaders to deliver for their communities.

“Local growth plans will make sure that every community can seize the opportunities ahead of us and every person can benefit from higher growth.”

Devolution remains a divided issue as the reputation of England’s mayors varies drastically.

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5. Migration

Labour has also halted a crackdown on foreign workers, which was not mentioned in the King's speech today.

The party has delayed the introduction of two major legal changes to require bosses to limit foreign labour until a second session of Parliament next year.

However, the government has said work to boost skills training would continue.

The two pieces of proposed legislation are expected to be introduced in the autumn of 2025.

Insiders have said that the government wanted to get the legislation right under pressure on parliamentary time.

However, the Home Office will introduce a Border Security Bill aimed at tackling people smuggling gangs and combating illegal migration.

Starmer did announce Labour's plan to 'strenghen' the borders.