Debate on the Address

Lindsay Hoyle Lab

Chorley

Announced the proposed pattern of debate for the remaining days: today—debate on the Address; tomorrow—getting Britain working again; Monday 18 May—backing business to create economic growth; Tuesday 19 May—energy security; Wednesday 20 May—defence readiness. He also called Naz Shah to move the address and Chris Vince to second it.

Naseem Shah Lab

Bradford West

Honoured to move the Loyal Address for a second time, recognised her background in poverty and her current role as Prime Minister's Trade Envoy. Acknowledged cross-party collaboration on assisted dying Bill and praised Home Secretary despite former Chancellor's fascination.

Hon. Members

Hear, hear.

Christopher Vince Lab

Harlow

It is an absolute honour to second this Humble Address, echoing the importance of communities coming together and thanking House staff. Reflecting on Harlow's history and future, he notes his constituency's unique opportunity in delivering this speech. He mentions Harlow’s local election results as an example of ambition for improvement and investment. Discusses British values through a London marathon experience highlighting unity and community support. Emphasises Harlow’s strong community roots, showcasing initiatives like Rainbow Services, Streets2Homes, Michael Roberts Foundation, and the town's pioneering spirit exemplified by figures such as Dr George Hockham. Welcomes the Government’s commitment to education reforms in the King's Speech, including SEND system improvements and national curriculum review for broader learning. Advocates for young carers support and highlights cost of living pressures affecting families like Jamie. Acknowledges Harlow’s diverse community encompassing villages with rich histories and local businesses. Concludes by reflecting on his journey as an MP and urging perseverance.

Kemi Badenoch Con

Saffron Walden

The Conservative MP criticised Labour's inability to deliver on their manifesto promises due to a lack of understanding about governance. She highlighted the issues of an ageing population, falling birth rate, spiraling welfare costs, and threats from AI to the job market. She also discussed housing shortages, noting that Labour was unable to meet its 1.5 million new homes target. The MP emphasised the Prime Minister's poor judgment leading to numerous policy reversals and criticised his lack of vision for the country.

Keir Starmer Lab

Holborn and St Pancras

Welcomed the King’s Speech, addressing antisemitic attacks in Golders Green, emphasising the need to fight hatred and defend British values. Praised Labour's measures to lift children out of poverty and highlighted the work of Naz Shah and Chris Vince. Critiqued the Conservative response to crises over the years and committed to radical reform and economic security.

Dave Doogan

Asked the Prime Minister to explain why energy prices are higher in Scotland despite having an energy surplus and generating more electricity than it uses, highlighting that being stuck in the GB energy market means paying for the scarcity of energy in England.

Lincoln Jopp

Asked when the Prime Minister will sign the defence investment plan which was due last autumn.

David Davis Con

Haltemprice and Howden

Critiqued the Government for undermining soldiers by allowing them to be prosecuted under the Northern Ireland Troubles Bill, stating that some of our best units are losing soldiers as a result.

Mark Francois Con

Rayleigh and Wickford

Inquired whether Northern Irish veterans who had to take split-second decisions in upholding the rule of law should be treated the same way as police officers in Golders Green, given that the Supreme Court Dillon judgment ruled that the Conservatives’ Northern Ireland Troubles Act 2023 was not incompatible with the Human Rights Act.

Edward Davey Lib Dem

Kingston and Surbiton

Davey thanked His Majesty for his Gracious Speech, critiqued President Trump’s actions, expressed concerns over antisemitism in Britain, criticised the Prime Minister's economic policies, called for stronger defence spending, advocated for better healthcare through social care reform, and stressed the need for electoral reform to protect democracy from populist extremists.

Gareth Thomas Lab

Harrow West

Welcomes the Prime Minister’s remarks on antisemitism and commends the bravery of police officers. Acknowledges the importance of standing together against hatred for people of all faiths and none, praising Naz Shah's speech. Highlights the need to put more money in people's pockets and drive up living standards amid global tensions. Supports reforms such as changes to the leasehold system, NHS improvements, and tackling late payments by large firms to small businesses. Advocates for better access to Europe’s single market and finance for small businesses, welcoming the European partnership Bill. Emphasises the need for a closer relationship with Europe, focusing on trade, defence, and security deals. Discusses banking issues, suggesting mutual banks could boost economic growth and reduce costs for small businesses. Supports continued UK support for Ukraine, condemns illegal conflict with Iran, and calls for engagement in Gaza's humanitarian crisis. Advocates for action against goods from illegal settlements and sanctions on violent settlers. Calls for renewed commitment to the United Nations amid its failings.

Andrew Mitchell Con

Sutton Coldfield

Emphasised the need for local governance reform in Birmingham, urging the Government to give more power to local commissioners. Stressed the importance of increasing defence spending and cooperation with European NATO allies, particularly Ukraine, Australia and Canada. Criticised the previous Labour government's cutbacks on development funding as a mistake. Discussed welfare reform principles: do not take money from poor people, freeze benefits (excluding disability), narrow gateways into benefits.

Chris Webb Blackpool South

Congratulations my hon. Friends for their speeches and highlights the impact of legislation on Blackpool constituents, emphasising the need to address issues like food insecurity, debt, poor housing, mental health crisis, energy security, healthcare inequality, SEND children's education, tourism support, taxi licensing reform, and calls for a fairer future where working people and coastal towns matter as much as anywhere else.

Geoffrey Clifton-Brown The Cotswolds

Criticises the fragility of the UK economy with low growth forecasts, high national debt, reliance on international markets, and exposure to external shocks. He discusses the need for fundamental measures to cut expenditure, the welfare system reform Bill, avoidable political instability's impact, issues in youth unemployment and business-hostile environment leading to higher unemployment figures.

Rachael Maskell Lab

York Central

I congratulate His Majesty on delivering the Gracious Speech and call for a bold response to intersecting crises. Investing in international development aid will bring stability and increase our ability to secure greater diplomacy. I agree that peace is the best form of defence, but also argue that we need to legislate against profiteering from natural resources and pollution. The clean water Bill must pull this service back into public hands and accountability. We should rethink the housing model to ensure good-quality housing as a right. Labour aims to address grotesque inequalities, rewrite the system to bring us together, maintain rights for those with indefinite leave to remain, and reform special educational needs and disabilities systems. Radical devolution of power is needed to help people see themselves as having agency and purpose. We should recognise diversity in our communities and oppose toxic divisions. I urge investment in decarbonisation projects such as BioYorkshire and improved relations with the EU. The climate crisis demands urgent action, and we need a second employment rights Bill to improve workers' wellbeing.

Christine Jardine Lib Dem

Edinburgh West

Jardine critiques the King's Speech, noting that it did not deliver on promises made in 2017 regarding securing a good deal for leaving the EU. She highlights higher inflation and unemployment, the UK slipping to sixth-largest economy globally, and the impact of Brexit on refugees seeking asylum. Jardine welcomes closer ties with Europe but calls for clarity on rejoining the customs union and single market. Concerning domestic issues, she advocates for clearer actions against antisemitism and Islamophobia. She emphasises the need for bold action in women's rights and economic recovery measures to address constituents' concerns over housing affordability, energy bills, and youth unemployment. Jardine criticises the lack of transparency and bitty nature of the Government’s plans, calling for a new direction that addresses national security threats and provides hope for those struggling economically.

David Burton-Sampson Lab

Southend West

Welcomed the measures in the King’s Speech, highlighted achievements such as handing back power to local leaders and supporting regeneration. Mentioned significant improvements including new family hubs, breakfast clubs, nursery provision, college investment, youth hub, removal of child benefit cap, public ownership of train lines, community diagnostic centres, and funding for special educational needs. Advocated for the enhancing financial services Bill, expressed support for banning conversion therapy practices, praised water reform legislation, addressed antisemitism concerns, supported Ukraine and increased defence spending, welcomed European partnerships and Erasmus scheme return.

Dave Doogan SNP

Liverpool West Derby

The UK government's inability to address economic issues is highlighted, with youth unemployment reaching catastrophic levels. The speech emphasises the negative impact of increased taxes on businesses such as pubs and restaurants. Also mentions the delay in the defence investment plan.

Bell Ribeiro-Addy Lab

Lewisham West and Lewisham Central

The MP criticises the King’s Speech for lacking urgency and transformative measures, despite initial promises. She highlights positive measures like bills on conversion practices and votes at 16 but expresses disappointment over digital ID cards and curtailed asylum seeker rights which were not in the manifesto. The speaker calls for policies to address financial pressures such as rent controls and greater employment rights, including sectoral collective bargaining and insourcing essential services like rail and energy. She also advocates for faster transition to renewable energy and debt cancellations for climate-vulnerable nations. Ribeiro-Addy stresses the importance of strengthening relations with the EU post-Brexit and addressing issues like private sale of human remains and citizenship rights for children born or raised in Britain. Additionally, she proposes a universal basic income as a solution to poverty and cost-of-living crises.

David Davis Con

Haltemprice and Howden

Davis criticises Labour's economic policies that have stifled growth. He raises concerns over rising inflation, energy costs, borrowing rates, and the impact on public finances. He emphasises the need for a welfare system reform to prioritise employment over benefits dependency and advocates for radical healthcare reforms and efficient management in NHS. Davis also calls for improvements in education systems and defence procurement.

Kevin Bonavia Con

Stevenage

The hon. Member emphasised the importance of national security in an increasingly dangerous world, praising the Government's commitment to investing in security through various legislative measures including the Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill, the Armed Forces Bill, a National Security Bill, and others aimed at addressing threats both domestically and internationally. He highlighted the role of local industries such as British Steel and defence contractors like MBDA in contributing to national security. Additionally, he mentioned proactive policing initiatives in Stevenage that have led to significant arrests and seizures of illegal goods. The hon. Member stressed the need for a comprehensive approach to security that integrates industry, science, and community resilience.

Richard Tice Reform

North West Cambridge

Discusses the King's Speech programme of government which represents process and regulation rather than reducing bills or driving growth. Supports nationalisation of British Steel, special educational needs Bill, but opposes ban on oil and gas exploration as it drives up energy costs. Celebrates Reform's electoral success in local elections across England and Wales. Criticises the Prime Minister for ignoring voters' desire for less EU interference.

Iqbal Mohamed Lab

Harrow East

Challenges Richard Tice on his views on regulation, arguing that removing regulations harms consumers, animals, nature and the planet. Asks him to provide alternatives to existing regulations.

Kevin Bonavia Lab

Penistone and Stocksbridge

Questions Richard Tice's assertion of voters wanting more Reform, pointing out that in his area a Reform councillor was defeated and replaced by a Labour councillor. Challenges the claim that Reform is gaining popularity.

Liz Saville-Roberts PC

Dwyfor Meirionnydd

Questions Richard Tice's assertion of Reform success, noting Plaid Cymru's success in Wales due to Reform's bombast and reliance on foreign money.

Emily Darlington

Challenges Richard Tice's claims about Reform's popularity by pointing out that after his visit, the number of expected seats won by Reform decreased significantly. Suggests that people want less of Reform UK once they see them more often.

Anna Dixon Con

Wolverhampton South East

Questions Richard Tice's claim about Reform being the largest party in Bradford, pointing out that three quarters of voters voted for parties other than Reform. Also notes that while Reform gained seats, it is not popular.

John Hayes Con

South Holland and The Deepings

Agrees with Richard Tice's criticism of the political class and liberal-left orthodoxy that has prevailed over successive governments. Emphasises the need for all parties to recognise the disconnect between establishment views and those of ordinary people.

Jonathan Brash Lab

Hartlepool

He expressed his awareness of the political moment and highlighted the unbridled anger in places like Hartlepool, suggesting that the current Prime Minister can no longer provide hope. He called for a programme of radical renewal to improve lives of working people, including abolishing council tax, bringing failed monopolies back into public ownership, cutting taxes on jobs and investment, banning estate management companies, finding funds for NHS dentistry, lowering energy bills, defending justice for WASPI women, delivering a national care service now.

Liz Saville-Roberts PC

Dwyfor Meirionnydd

She discussed the historic result of the Welsh election, where Plaid Cymru won in 11 out of 16 constituencies. She highlighted the need for progressive and stable government reflecting seriousness and ambition expected by Wales. She called for steps to be taken to devolve powers like the Crown Estate, justice, rail, and fair funding that reflects Wales’s needs. She also emphasised the need for control over natural resources and an end to the high imprisonment rate in Wales.

Alison Taylor Lab

Paisley and Renfrewshire North

Taylor supports the Government's programme for building economic security and growth. She highlights the need to provide job security, abolish zero-hours contracts, increase the minimum wage, and create apprenticeships. The Member expresses concern over young people leaving the UK due to a lack of appreciation for their efforts in other countries such as Canada and Australia. Taylor also emphasises the importance of investment in towns like Paisley, advocating for more initiatives such as city deals, Pride in Place, and UK Town of Culture.

Ben Spencer Con

Penrith and The Border

Spencer criticises the current uncertainty within the Labour party and stresses that small and medium enterprises are under extreme pressure due to business rates, rent increases, wage rises, and utility costs. He provides examples of businesses in his constituency facing difficulties and potentially going bankrupt because of these pressures. Spencer argues that a different King’s Speech from an alternative Conservative leader would scrap business rates for those with rateable values up to £110,000.

Ruth Jones Lab

Newport West

Welcomed the focus of the King's Speech on cost-of-living issues, highlighting measures such as increasing minimum wage and pension boosts. Emphasised the need for renewable energy to tackle fuel poverty in Wales, advocating for faster expansion of renewables and efficiency measures. Criticised Welsh Government policies that would lead to higher household bills due to decarbonisation efforts. Praised the proposed Energy Independence Bill for its potential benefits. Called for urgent reforms in water management through a new water Bill, addressing environmental issues with Welsh Water. Supported government actions to back British Steel, including nationalization and protection from international competition. Criticised Conservatives' Brexit deal impact on Wales's economy and urged animal welfare protections in future trade deals. Addressed late payments problem for small businesses and highlighted the Labour Government’s plan for a £14 billion investment to improve Welsh railways, with new stations planned to support job creation. Supported reforms in welfare system based on compassion and called for peace efforts between Israel and Palestine.

Jerome Mayhew Con

Romford

Critiqued Labour’s failure to deliver economic growth, increased welfare spending, and high energy costs. Suggested that a bureaucracy-busting Bill is needed alongside cheaper energy policies for manufacturing success.

Fleur Anderson Lab

Putney

Praised the Government's efforts in raising the minimum wage, strengthening workers' rights, protecting renters, and abolishing the two-child benefit cap. Highlighted legislative measures such as a clean water Bill, remediation for unsafe cladding, social housing investment, commonhold reform, clean energy scaling up, and Northern Ireland legacy Bill. Criticised Brexit's negative impact on living standards.

Hannah Spencer Green

Gorton

Spencer, a Green party member and newly elected MP, criticises the King’s Speech for not adequately addressing fuel poverty, climate change, inequality, and cost of living crises. She highlights that one in three households in her constituency live in fuel poverty due to leaky homes and calls for a national home insulation scheme funded by renewable energy investment rather than nuclear power. Spencer also advocates for fairer taxation on extreme wealth to fund public services and reduce inequality, including free hot school meals for all children up to the age of 16, affordable public transport through free bus passes for under-22s, control over rents to alleviate rental costs, and improved access to healthcare services.

Emily Darlington Lab

Milton Keynes South

Pays tribute to the King and hon. Friend Naz Shah, criticises claims about new towns like Harlow and Stevenage, emphasises importance of European partnership Bill for small businesses, supports clean water Bill against vested interests, advocates ending leasehold practices in Milton Keynes, proposes social housing renewal Bill with high green standards, endorses tackling state threats Bill to protect Jewish communities, urges protection of democracy through Representation of the People Act amendments, highlights need for regulation of digital manipulation and disinformation, praises 35 Bills in King's Speech as making real difference.

Martin Vickers Con

Cleethorpes

Vickers supports the nationalisation of British Steel, citing economic impact in his constituency and difficulties with Jingye's current management. He notes that while he is not naturally supportive of nationalisation, a domestic steel industry is necessary for manufacturing sustainability. Vickers also expresses concerns about EU procurement rules and over-regulation impacting UK industries. Additionally, he discusses the closure of local refineries and the need for improved local government services, advocating for better resourcing to enhance community engagement.

Anna Dixon Lab

Shipley

I congratulate my hon. Friend the Member for Bradford West on her speech and praise my constituency neighbour, expressing hope for a Labour-led council that can turn a corner after years of budget cuts. I acknowledge the Labour Government's achievements but am devastated by the local election results which saw Reform UK gain significant support despite its divisive politics. The King’s Speech signals a bold agenda, but it is essential to deliver tangible improvements and address issues such as leasehold reform, social housing, NHS accountability, care service standards, water sector reform, and electoral reforms. I call for urgent action on the national care service and public ownership of failing water companies like Thames Water.

Jeremy Corbyn Lab

Islington North

Decried the rise of far-right racism, including Islamophobia and antisemitism. Highlighted the housing crisis, insecure employment, high food prices, student fees, water industry issues, public ownership in rail and freight sectors, defence spending, international peace initiatives, and social injustices affecting young people.

Tom Hayes

Asked if Jeremy Corbyn agreed that it was good for British young people to mix with their European counterparts and welcomed the Government's signing up to Erasmus+.

Anna Dixon

Suggested strengthening regional water authorities, focusing on consumer voice, and exploring alternative public ownership models like mutuals where workers sit alongside consumers.

Noah Law Lab

Welcomes the King’s Speech and supports measures to protect social housing stock, incentivise building of more social homes via the social housing renewable Bill. Calls for targeted fiscal support to ensure a tax system that ends the carers’ tax trap and other tax cliff edges. Supports lowering cost of employment for young people and minimum wage increase benefiting 2.7 million workers. Urges government to further strengthen and reform state, emphasising role of public finance institutions in investing millions in Cornish economy.

Jim Shannon DUP

Strangford

I thanked the hon. Member for Bradford West (Naz Shah) and the hon. Member for Milton Keynes Central (Emily Darlington) for their contributions, praising their courage and talent despite challenges faced. I welcomed the Government’s commitment to addressing antisemitism, defence funding target, and lifting children out of poverty. However, I expressed concern over the King's Speech's priorities for Northern Ireland, including the contentious Troubles Bill and the lack of reference to renegotiation with the EU, urging for recognition of Northern Ireland's distinct position within the UK. Additionally, I welcomed the Government’s commitment to addressing Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

Daniel Zeichner Lab

Cambridge

Praised the Gracious Speech while highlighting areas for improvement, such as modernising food regulation and taxi legislation. He expressed joy over constitutional reforms like lowering the voting age to 16 and welcomed closer ties with the European Union. He also criticised those responsible for Brexit misinformation and emphasised intergenerational fairness, urging political choices in favour of younger generations. Zeichner called for urgent action on public realm issues such as graffiti, fly-tipping, and potholes.

Iqbal Mohamed Ind

Dewsbury

Mohamed emphasised the need for kindness, compassion and respect in parliamentary conduct. He highlighted his constituency's strong support for independent representation over party politics. He welcomed measures to address late business payments and cyber-resilience but criticised restrictions on protest rights and the immigration and asylum Bill as damaging democratic principles. Mohamed also called for an end to weapons exports to countries violating international law, stressing the need for urgent action on AI regulation to prevent existential risks. He concluded by stating his commitment to representing constituents without party loyalty.

Adnan Hussain Ind

Blackburn

Hussain agreed with Mohamed's stance and highlighted that he, like Mohamed, is one of the first independent MPs in his area. He stressed that his policy and Whip are dictated by the people of Blackburn, reflecting a broader sentiment among constituents fed up with traditional party politics.

Matt Western Lab

Warwick and Leamington

Welcomes the King's Speech but criticises the Government for not adequately preparing the UK economy and society. Highlights positive steps such as banning no-fault evictions, increasing minimum wage, reducing child poverty, and improving NHS waiting times. Critiques austerity measures and Brexit for stunting economic growth and causing a decline in real earnings. Emphasises the need to reduce trade friction with Europe, enhance energy resilience, protect small businesses from late payments, and improve special educational needs (SEND) reform. Discusses the importance of cyber-security, defence investment, digital ID, and tourism VAT breaks. Advocates for urgent reforms in NHS, energy systems, water utilities, and addressing cost-of-living issues.

Roz Savage LD

South Cotswolds

Savage emphasised the importance of nature in national security, referencing a government report that warns about biodiversity loss and ecosystem collapse threatening UK security. She highlighted the severe decline in wildlife abundance, river health, and agricultural land use, advocating for stricter water management and community-led renewable energy projects. Savage also urged action on food security and called for restoring funding to sustainable farming initiatives and implementing a 'good food Bill'. She emphasised the importance of international measures to halt deforestation-linked products from UK supply chains.

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