Immigration and Send reforms to feature in King’s Speech as Starmer battles on amid calls to resign
As Sir Keir Starmer remains under pressure over his future as Labor leader, the government will aim to “rekindle hope” in the King’s speech on Wednesday.
As the government sets its legislative priorities for the next parliamentary session, key policies on immigration, green energy and reforms to special educational needs and disabled (referral) schools are expected to feature prominently in the speech.
The speech, which will be read by the King before MPs and colleagues in the House of Lords, will also propose new laws that would make it easier to take action against state-backed groups, including potentially banning Iran’s Revolutionary Guard.
This follows recent attacks on the Jewish community in London.
Immigration-related legislation is expected to restrict the use of Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights, which guarantees private and family life, which is often voiced by migrants who are not entitled to a visa or asylum.
Further measures could deny more people the right to appeal and divert claims away from judges by creating an independent appeals body.
Private property reforms are also expected to feature in the conversation, as the government says it wants to “give people more control over how they live in their own homes”.
The government said the policy package would amount to “an ambitious program to break the status quo”. More than 35 bills are expected to be introduced, including one giving the government the power to renationalise British Steel.
The move was announced by the Prime Minister in his final “reset” speech on Monday after Labor lost more than 1,400 councilors in last week’s local elections.
Sir Keir has since faced pressure to resign or set a timetable to choose a new Prime Minister.
Four ministers resigned from the government on Tuesday after the Labor Party descended into chaos over its leadership.
More than 80 MPs supported his departure, while a letter signed by 100 of his party colleagues called for him to stay.
The Prime Minister said: “British people expect the government to get on with the job of changing our country for the better.
“Reducing the cost of living, reducing hospital waiting lists and keeping our country safe in an increasingly dangerous world.
“Britain stands at a crucial moment: continue with its plan to build a stronger, fairer country, or return to the chaos and instability of the past.
“My government will deliver on its promise of change to the British people.”
