King’s Speech

I was in the House of Lords for the State Opening of Parliament, watching & listening closely. The ceremony is steeped in centuries of tradition and can feel distant, but its focus is firmly on the future. It brings together the Commons, the Lords and the Crown so the Government can outline the legislation it plans to introduce.

There is a lot we aim to do. We are stepping up work to fix our broken water and sewage system, which matters greatly here in Cornwall, as well as raising school standards and better supporting working families. Economic growth remains central to our plans, including attracting investment, improving trade deals and protecting key industries like steel, which is being brought back into public ownership.

The King’s Speech was also a moment to take stock. In the past year, 50 Acts of Parliament have been delivered. These include new employment rights, stronger protections for renters, steps towards public ownership of our railways, and falling NHS waiting lists benefiting hospitals like Treliske.

Labour governments can make such a difference to people’s lives, and I have waited a long time to be part of a government that can do that. Progress is being made, but there is more to do in this Parliament. We will keep fixing what is broken, rebuilding what has been neglected, and delivering the change people need.