King’s Speech – latest: ‘Politics of self-interest’ era is over says PM as Labour unveils plans for government

Conservative MP Graham Stuart has pressed Sir Keir Starmer on his commitment to tackle rural issues.

The MP for Beverley and Holderness, asked the prime minister: “I am grateful to the Prime Minister for giving way and he talks about priorities.

“But of course, people in rural communities around the country see the vast majority which the right honourable gentleman has assembled, and they’re afraid.

“They see a manifesto in which just 87 words are used about farming. They see they see a King’s Speech with no mention of rural communities or rural priorities. Will the Prime Minister please take this opportunity to reassure people in rural and farming communities that his Labour Government will take notice of them?”

Sir Keir replied: “Let me take this opportunity to reassure those in rural communities. I grew up in a rural community myself, and I think that if you look at the places that are now represented, you can see the reassurance that has been given that will also be given again.”

Sir Ed Davey has joined Rishi Sunak and Sir Keir Starmer in condemning the attempt to kill former US president Donald Trump.

He then commemorates Jo Cox, the Labour MP killed by a terrorist and pays tribute to Peter Dowd and Florence Eshalomi for the speeches at the start of the debate.

Praising the newly elected government, he said: “They now have an enormous undertaking and we wish them well.”

He then joked about his multiple stunts during the election campaign, saying: “I read somewhere that the prime minister apparently surfed to power on a wave of Conservative failure, but can I say to him, gently with a pang of envy, water sports are my thing.”

Many within the technology and AI industries had expected that the King’s Speech would bring the introduction of new regulation and governance over artificial intelligence. But it included only passing references to the technology – focused on ensuring that it did not conflict with workers’ rights – and no new legislation specifically focused on it.

As such, it remains largely unclear how much and in what ways the government intends to regulate AI.

But it did announce a host of other new tech-focused changes, including pledges to strengthen the UK’s cybersecurity and resilience, as well as take greater advantage of data to boost economic growth, through new Bills announced in the King’s Speech.

Our technology editor Andrew Griffin has the full story:

Sir Keir Starmer has told the House of Commons “this is a new era” of politics and promised to serve everyone.

The prime minister said: “I have said that we would serve everyone, whether they voted for us or not, and I meant it,” the Prime Minister said.

“So let me say directly to the benches opposite, if you are invested in the success of your community, we will work with you.

“This is a new era. We are turning a page, returning politics to service, because that is what the people of this country want to see from their politicians, and service is a stronger bond than political self-interest.”

Sir Keir Starmer has pledged that his government will deliver “no more gimmicks” during the King’s Speech debate at the Commons.

He said: “Mr Speaker, we will have time, over the weeks, months and years, to debate the measures in this King’s Speech and the choices of this Government.

“But I defy anyone on those benches or elsewhere to look at the ambition and purpose or intent and not to perceive a return to the serious business of Government.

“No more wedge issues, no more gimmicks, no more party political strategies masquerading as policy.”

A Labour MP and Stephen Flynn, the SNP’s leader at Westminster, have quizzed Sir Keir Starmer on child poverty after the King’s Speech.

Sarah Owen, the MP for Luton North, said: “I thank the Prime Minister for giving way during his excellent speech outlining the hope and renewal within this King’s Speech, much needed in constituencies like mine in Luton North where over 45 per cent of children are growing up in relative poverty.

“What reassurances can the Prime Minister give me and my constituents that he personally takes this issue very seriously and that his government will address it?”

Mr Flynn then asked: “Thank you, Mr Speaker, very grateful to the Prime Minister for giving way on his newly announced task force, which of course Beth Rigby was announcing on Twitter as we were all within this chamber.

“Mr Speaker, can the Prime Minister outline how many children will remain in poverty while that task force undertakes the work, which will ultimately lead to the same conclusion that we are proposing to scrap the two-child benefit cap?”

In response, Sir Keir said he was “grateful” for the their interventions before adding: “no child should be growing up in poverty.”

Sir Keir Starmer has said his new government should learn the lessons of recent scandals engulfing Westminster, including the Infected Blood scandal.

He said it is not enough to “deliver justice to the victims” but to work on “prevention” to make sure this behaviour can never happen again.  

To do so, Sir Keir plans to bring the Hillsborough Law to improve on transparency and accountability.

The prime minister said the King’s Speech has reiterated the cross-party consensus of the previous Parliament regarding reducing smoking and improving football governance.

He also promised to push for a security law to honour the victims of the Manchester Arena attack.

Sir Keir has vowed to honour the promise made to the family of Martyn Hett, and all the families affected by the horrific Manchester Arena attack.

He added: “Because the security of the British people is the fundamental priority of government”

Sir Keir Starmer has said his government will deliver “nothing less than national renewal” and said what people really want is “change”.

He added: “A King’s Speech that takes the brakes off our economy, and shows to the British people that politics can be a force for good.

“A vehicle for improving the lives of millions – no matter who you voted for.”

Sir Keir Starmer has declared “violence has no place in democracy” as he condemned the attempt to kill Donald Trump.

He 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.”