Energy security and water reform moved to the centre of Labour’s agenda today as the King’s Speech unveiled a raft of new legislation.
The Speech is designed to reshape Britain’s infrastructure economy and cut dependence on volatile fossil fuel markets. It comes after the chaos of the past week with Prime Minister Starmer clinging onto his job amid a party revolt.
At the heart of the programme is a new Energy Independence Bill which ministers say will accelerate homegrown renewables, speed up grid and infrastructure delivery and strengthen Britain’s long-term energy security, following the latest Middle East crisis.
The government said “increased production of clean British energy” would stop hostile states attacking the UK’s economic security through global energy markets.
The legislation comes alongside plans for a Nuclear Regulation Bill aimed at speeding up new nuclear projects and an Electricity Generator Levy Bill which will increase the windfall tax on generators from 45% to 55%.
It will do so while pushing older renewable assets on to fixed-price contracts. Ministers argue the move will help break the historic link between gas and electricity prices which has left consumers exposed to wholesale gas spikes for years.
Water was also thrust into the spotlight.
The government confirmed plans for a Clean Water Bill which will overhaul regulation of the sector amid growing anger over sewage pollution river quality and the performance of water companies.
The legislation is expected to strengthen environmental oversight and pave the way for wider reforms of the industry and its regulators.
The speech also included major infrastructure pledges covering airport expansion Northern Powerhouse Rail cyber security and the nationalisation of British Steel.
The King’s Speech contained 37 proposed bills in total as Sir Keir Starmer attempts to reset his government after weeks of political pressure and poor local election results.
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