The King’s Speech

Today’s announcements show a clear attempt to recast the Government’s agenda around security and resilience – warning that “every element of the nation’s energy, defence and economic security will be tested”, and that the Government would take decisions to protect these areas “for the long-term”, while also touching on public service reform, living standards, trust in public office, housing, opportunity and fairness.

By linking economic growth, energy independence, defence, borders and public service reform under the same “security” frame, Keir Starmer is trying to shift the conversation from internal Labour instability back onto governing, delivery and long-term national interest.

For now, he appears to have secured a temporary truce. The King’s Speech gives the Government a reason to insist that attention should return to governing, and supporters of the Prime Minister have argued that an immediate leadership contest would further destabilise the country. The practical implication is that the King’s Speech may buy Starmer some time.

This does not remove the immediate risk of further political instability. Yet it should not be mistaken for policy paralysis. The wider political uncertainty makes that engagement more important, not less.

While the Labour leadership question remains unresolved, many of the measures announced today would be expected to continue progressing regardless of who is in Number 10.

Bills will now begin making their way through Parliament, and there will remain clear opportunities to engage with the detail, shape implementation, and influence the debate. The wider political uncertainty makes that engagement more important, not less.

Much of the legislative agenda is likely to continue under either Wes Streeting or Andy Burnham, given Labour was elected on its 2024 manifesto and many of the measures announced today reflect commitments the party would still be expected to deliver. The immediate difference under either would be one of emphasis, tone and political positioning.

Streeting would probably present himself as more overtly business-friendly, with a sharper focus on growth, delivery and market confidence, while Burnham would be expected to speak more directly to Labour’s left and core vote, with some of his supporters hoping for a clearer break from Starmer. However, looking at Burnham’s record in Greater Manchester and in previous Labour governments, he is unlikely to depart wholesale from the core policy programme.

Equally, the Conservatives have sought to exploit the moment by publishing their own Alternative King’s Speech. Their response puts particular emphasis on welfare reform, cutting regulation, backing high streets, cheaper energy, exploiting North Sea oil and gas, leaving the ECHR, tougher borders, policing, defence and school standards. While none of this is likely to shape the immediate parliamentary agenda, it gives a clear sense of where the opposition will seek to pressure the government over the coming weeks.

To assess the implications of the government’s programme, or understand possible scenarios ahead, please get in touch at [email protected].