West Country calls for 'fairer Tamar Crossings charges, greener homes and better funding of services' in King's Speech
The King will be setting out the priorities for the new Labour government today
Last updated 13th Aug 2024
Plans for better transport, more jobs and more house building are expected to be in the King's Speech today as part of the State Opening of Parliament.
The speech, delivered by the monarch but written by the government, sets out the agenda for the year, outlining proposed policies and legislation.
In the first State Opening of Parliament under the new government, the King’s Speech is expected to unveil over 35 bills and draft bills.
We've been hearing from a selection of councils, campaigners and MPs across the West Country to see what they hope to hear today.
The leader of Somerset Council is hoping the King's speech will prioritise local government.
Councillor Bill Revans ses “the funding model" is broken after the council declared it was a facing 'a financial emergency'.
He said: "We have worked incredibly hard to reduce our spending and have never shied away from taking decisions ourselves, no matter how difficult.
“We want to invest in services for our communities and protect vital schemes like Council Tax Reduction which supports our most vulnerable residents. But it is clear we cannot do this without Government action. We will not take these decisions lightly. We have a duty to stand up for our residents.
“The funding model for local government is broken and this is a national problem which needs a national solution.”
The Lib Dem MP for Glastonbury and Somerton Sarah Dyke say Labour has a lot to do - and she wants to see progress, adding: "“I have heard so many heartbreaking stories from local people about the state of the NHS. People tell me it has become almost impossible to see an NHS dentist or GP when you need to, whilst cancer care targets are constantly being missed.
“Years of neglect under the Conservative Party have left our local health and care services in a state of chaos. That is not good enough and our community deserves better.
“I hope the new government does the right thing and puts the NHS and care at the top of their priority list. We cannot wait any longer to restore local health services.”
Kate Benham, who chairs the ‘ACTion On Climate' Teignbridge group said she'd like to hear a pledge to make homes more green and energy efficient today, adding: "Implement the Future Homes policy which means that all houses should have some kind of credibility in being more energy efficient. Not only is that good for the planet, it will actually help people save on bills."
Across Devon and Cornwall, campaigners say they'll continue to pressure The Government over the rising costs of the Tamar Crossings - which isn't expected to feature in today's King's Speech .
Some businesses are spending £1,000 a month to use it - and the tolls are set to get more expensive by November
Scott Slavin is the Vice Chair of the Tamar Toll Action Group who says in parts of Kent drivers can pay £20 a year to use the Dartford Crossing - and it's much fairer.
He said: "There is no solution which solves this without Government assistance and support. Ultimately the crossings have to be funded, they have to be maintained, they have to be kept safe. We're looking for the Government to step up and provide the support that the two regions need. They do so already for two other major tolls crossings in England.
"It works out (yearly costs) about £3.5 million across South East Cornwall. That's a huge sum of money out of the budgets of small towns and villages. PL12 the Saltash postcode district alone is funding nearly £2 million of that - it's actually paying more than Plymouth Moorview and Plymouth Sutton and Devonport combined."
Which laws will be introduced in the King's Speech?
The package of bills will focus on better transport, more jobs and 'turbocharging' the building of houses and infrastructure – which Labour say will help make every part of the country better off.
Trains back under public ownership
New legislation will be introduced to create a simplified rail system by bringing rail services into public ownership once their contracts expire or if operators fail to deliver on their commitments.
The government will also introduce legislation to establish a new public body, Great British Railways (GBR) which will be focused on improving services and simplifying fares.
The King’s Speech is also expected to feature a Better Buses Bill to deliver the Government’s manifesto commitment to reform the bus system by delivering new powers for local leaders to franchise local bus services.
More houses and infrastructure
Labour says a new Bill will speed up and streamline the planning process to build more homes and accelerate the delivery of major infrastructure projects.
Devolution in England
The King’s Speech is also expected to unveil the English Devolution Bill. One of Labour's manifesto commitments was to transfer power to local communities and establish local growth plans.
It's also expected a law to make spiking a specific offence will be included in the King's Speech.
“Now is the time to take the brakes off Britain"
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said:
“Now is the time to take the brakes off Britain. 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 focussed on supporting that aspiration.
“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.”
What happens during the State Opening of Parliament?
Members of the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment will escort the King, usually travelling in the Irish State Coach, to the Palace of Westminster on Wednesday morning before he dons the Imperial State Crown and ceremonial robes.
The King will then make his way to the House of Lords chamber and will be seated on the throne at approximately 11.30am.
Once MPs have been summoned to attend the Lords, the King will deliver the speech which outlines the new Labour Government’s legislative priorities for the parliamentary session.
Some of the quirks in the State Opening of Parliament
The State Opening of Parliament is a very traditional ceremony, tracing back to the 16th century and is full of strange rituals...
During the opening, one of the MPs has to be taken 'hostage' in Buckingham Palace to ensure the safe return of the King.
Once the King is on his throne in the House of Lords, he will signal for the MPs to be brought through.
Black Rod goes to fetch them, but the door to the Commons is closed in their face when they arrive, which symbolises the Commons' independence from the monarchy.
Black Rod bangs on the door three times before the MPs follow them back to the Lords to hear the speech.