The UK's labour market performance is highlighted by low unemployment rates compared to OECD countries. The government attributes this success to its economic management and highlights the positive changes in the NHS, reducing waiting lists and improving service efficiency. However, it criticises the previous Conservative party for neglecting education, health services, town centres, and youth apprenticeships which led to higher welfare bills. The current government is implementing reforms aimed at helping people into work, such as offering hiring bonuses, investing £3.8 billion in job training programmes, introducing measures like 'right to try' law that encourages employment without fear of benefit reassessment, and providing localised support through funding for mayors’ initiatives.

Asked Helen Whately why challenges in the welfare system were not fixed when the Conservatives were in government.

Reiterated Peter Swallow's question and highlighted that the current issues with the welfare system are a result of policies implemented by previous Conservative governments.

The hon. Member Valerie Vaz criticises the Representation of the People Bill for not addressing issues such as compulsory voting or banning cryptocurrency donations to political parties. She welcomes the cyber-security defence measures and the energy independence bill, advocating for investment in renewables and protection against volatile oil prices. She also highlights the need for a closer relationship with the EU for small businesses and emphasises the importance of maintaining the NHS's free at-the-point-of-delivery service. Concerning education, she opposes the planned construction of an unnecessary free school despite national falls in primary school numbers.

Darling expressed concerns about the King's Speech being timid and not driving change for communities. He highlighted youth unemployment, noting that people under 25 are three times more likely to be unemployed. He mentioned organisations supporting young people in Torquay and Paignton but criticised the lack of a replacement for the shared prosperity fund. Darling also discussed the negative impact of the national insurance hike on employment opportunities, particularly in the hospitality sector, citing examples such as Splashdown water park and Wild Planet Trust's Paignton zoo. He called for addressing root causes rather than merely patching issues, and criticised delays in Access to Work decisions and cuts to NHS services despite increased national insurance rates.

Welcomes the focus on job creation, support and opportunities for young people. Criticises the previous government's record on apprenticeships. Highlights local initiatives in Peterborough like JobSmart provision, youth employment hub, and green technology centre. Supports expansion of youth guarantee and jobs guarantee schemes.

Expresses concerns about rising costs and reduced business confidence impacting job creation in coastal constituencies. Cites examples from local businesses expressing difficulty with employment, borrowing costs, compliance burdens, and energy prices. Emphasises the importance of first jobs for young people's career progression.

Britain must protect its strategic industries like steel from unfair foreign competition by renationalising them. This will safeguard jobs and ensure national security. Post-Brexit, businesses in Erewash face significant challenges due to increased bureaucracy and delays at the border, impacting their ability to export goods efficiently. The European partnership Bill aims to streamline trade with Europe, making it easier for exporters. Cluny Lace in Ilkeston is struggling with post-Brexit complexities, such as exporting high-quality lace products which require specific dyeing processes only available in France. Energy independence through clean and affordable domestic production is crucial to reduce energy costs and ensure a stable economy.

Agrees with the need to protect British industries such as steel and oil and gas refining from declining due to the carbon tax, suggesting it should be reconsidered.

Supports the European partnership Bill for its importance in aiding small businesses involved in vital supply chains within sectors like automotive manufacturing and other key parts of the economy.

Questions whether double tariffs faced by small businesses when importing from third countries and then into Europe can only be resolved by rejoining the customs union.

Hobhouse emphasises the need for policies that support innovation and growth in the green economy. She criticises plans under the new home energy model which could make innovative zero-emissions systems commercially unviable, affecting businesses like Luthmore in Bath. Hobhouse supports community energy projects as a means to strengthen energy security and local economic benefits but highlights barriers such as lack of funding and regulatory burdens that prevent direct sale of electricity to local customers.

Welcomes the Government’s commitments to economic security, work, welfare and energy independence but argues for a new social covenant. Criticises unfettered market capitalism as unsustainable. Proposes reforms such as employer investment in employee skills, more stakeholder models in businesses, support for community-led projects and realistic energy options.

Critiques the Labour Government's lack of courage to confront welfare costs and rising unemployment. Argues for a safety net that supports those who genuinely need it but criticises abuse of benefits. Supports sweeping reforms including restricting PIP to genuine health conditions, restricting support to British citizens only, introducing household benefit caps, ensuring people are always better off in work than out of work. Criticises Labour's policies as barriers to economic growth.

MacNae emphasises the need for economic security to reach every part of the UK, especially small towns like Rossendale and Darwen. He calls for a move away from city-centric approaches towards more inclusive policies that support small businesses, procurement strategies favouring British products, and industrial strategies understanding local challenges. He highlights infrastructure projects like Northern Powerhouse Rail as examples where smaller communities are left behind despite being close to major cities. MacNae advocates for the embedding of 'buy British' into government procurement and a comprehensive industrial strategy addressing business costs, energy access, and risk-tolerant finance. He also calls for more investment in town centres through initiatives like Pride in Place but stresses the need for alignment with improvements in transport, skills, and infrastructure.

Chambers discusses mental health as a significant barrier to employment. He highlights an initiative by Winchester Citizens Advice at Melbury Lodge Mental Health Unit that provides life admin support to in-patients, resulting in shorter hospital stays and reduced readmission rates. The project saves the NHS £14.08 for every £1 spent and is highly cost-effective with immediate savings. Chambers urges the Government to roll out this initiative across all mental health units and meets with relevant Ministers to discuss its potential impact on helping thousands of people return to work.

The Government's measures in the King’s Speech are welcome but not bold enough to tackle wealth inequality and deliver for communities. The Labour party needs to govern in the interests of workers, address neglect in the north-east, improve housing, security, and jobs, and build trust locally and nationally through ambitious policies. Osborne highlights some positive aspects of the speech, such as the Leasehold and Commonhold Reform Bill, Hillsborough law, water industry reforms, and Northern Powerhouse Rail funding. However, she calls for more comprehensive action on issues like wealth redistribution, public ownership of water, an end to water company bonuses, genuine consultation on special educational needs (SEND) reforms, and a trans-inclusive ban on conversion practices with a clear timeline.

Highlights political instability caused by the current Government, contrasts it with stability in Scotland following the SNP's victory in the Scottish parliamentary election. Discusses unemployment rates and welfare policies in Scotland. Questions the focus on the Prime Minister’s employment over issues like health care, labour shortages, and NHS data misuse.

Focuses on opportunities for young people in Cornwall, including green jobs in renewable energy, apprenticeships, and hospitality. Discusses the impact of lockdowns and SEND system failures on young people’s education and employment prospects. Supports Government policies like the Jobs Guarantee and foundation apprenticeships to help young people into work.

Expressed concerns about the Government's proposed solutions in the King’s Speech, highlighting challenges faced by small businesses and the construction industry. Emphasised the importance of practical measures to support young people entering the workforce and the need for collaboration between schools, businesses, and local government to inspire careers in sectors like construction. Raised issues regarding health care at Broomfield Hospital, urging immediate action from the Health Secretary. Advocated for a ban on conversion therapy and urged the Government to prioritise practical solutions addressing economic security and inequality.

Welcomed the ambitious agenda set out in the King’s Speech, emphasising that it places working people at its heart. Supported a stronger relationship with Europe for economic and defensive reasons. Highlighted the Government's commitment to tackling unnecessary regulation and supporting apprenticeships, noting the opening of a youth employment hub in his constituency. Emphasised the importance of addressing special educational needs (SEND) issues and welcomed funding for a new SEND school. Discussed the need for an occupational therapy service in Bracknell Forest Council and expressed hope for an ambitious workforce plan. Welcomed plans to extend voting rights to 16 and 17-year-olds, advocating for cross-departmental approach in delivering this policy. Advocated for further protections against disposals of social housing stock and emphasised the importance of banning conversion practices.

Voters across the country are disappointed with the Government's performance since the general election two years ago. In South Devon, new build homes sell for £950,000 and do not meet the needs of young people or families. The UK faces division from the Brexit referendum and needs ambition in rebuilding trading links with Europe. Businesses struggle due to post-Brexit red tape and economic growth has stagnated. The hospitality industry is suffering job losses and high national insurance rates are impacting small businesses. There is a lack of rural bus services, banking service guarantees, nature protection measures, and investment in renewable energy on farmland. She supports breaking the link between gas and electricity prices, but calls for stronger community benefits from new renewable infrastructure. The King’s Speech lacks ambition and fails to address the challenges faced by rural areas.

Proudly reflects on supporting 50 pieces of legislation and highlights the Labour Government's achievements, including worker rights reforms, ending two-child benefit cap, mental health act modernisation, NHS improvements, new intensive recovery programme for hospitals in east Kent. Welcomes measures to unblock growth barriers, protect households from cost pressures, rebuild public services, continue relationship with EU on defence, trade, and economy, international rail connectivity and the future of Ashford International station. Supports the Lower Thames crossing project, urges long-term solution for Operation Brock use, and looks forward to the Representation of the People Bill extending franchise to 16 and 17-year-olds.

The hon. Member highlighted the importance of artificial intelligence in the world of work and called for proactive thinking about future opportunities. The Government's programme recognises Britain’s strength when working closely with European partners, as businesses across Bolton and the north-west benefit from stable trade relationships. The European partnership Bill aims to clear away burdens imposed by previous Conservative governments who damaged trade flows and hindered growth. The Labour Government's EU reset is pragmatic and in Britain’s national interest.

The hon. Member expressed concern about the impact of automation and artificial intelligence on jobs for young people aged 18 to 24, particularly those coming out of university with significant debt.

My hon. Friend emphasised the need for libraries like Charminster in his constituency to be reopened to provide younger people access to critical AI and digital skills, reinforcing the idea that community strength is dependent on such spaces.

The UK has recently experienced the fastest GDP per capita growth in four years, with Labour emphasising the importance of work and economic stability. John Slinger highlights the need for a proactive state to support employment and improve public services. He addresses misconceptions about political figures' backgrounds, asserting that all jobs are valuable. Emphasising youth unemployment statistics, he criticises 14 years of Tory rule which increased NEETs (not in education, employment or training) from 673,000 to 921,000. Slinger supports the King's Speech measures aimed at reducing youth unemployment and improving their opportunities. He suggests appointing a youth commissioner or Cabinet Minister for young people and future generations to ensure that decisions take into account their needs and future prospects.

Rushworth discussed the high NEET rate in Britain, highlighting its long-term effects on earnings and confidence. He praised government commitments to industries like steel and defence but also expressed concerns about skills shortages and underfunding of FE colleges.

Welcomed the King's Speech, highlighting the positive impact of recent legislative acts such as the Renters' Rights Act and the Employment Rights Act. Emphasised the importance of addressing issues like jobs, wages, bills, rents, town regeneration, NHS access, and derelict industrial sites for his constituents in Burnley. Criticised the previous Tory government's welfare system and austerity measures, noting that 2.8 million people were classified as unfit for work under their tenure. Praised the current Labour Government’s efforts to support disabled workers with the 'right to try' policy and £3.5 billion investment for them. Highlighted the need to address high youth unemployment and NEET rates through initiatives like the youth guarantee, apprenticeships, and infrastructure investments in towns like Burnley. Discussed the importance of minimum wage increases for local economies, noting a rise in real wages over the past year compared to the last decade under the previous government. Addressed concerns about energy bills and trade with Europe post-Brexit, calling for practical solutions to aid businesses.

Expressed support for Oliver Ryan's comments on community spaces and regeneration in Burnley. Mentioned the closure of Beaufort community centre in his constituency, resulting in job losses and a loss of early years and childcare support. Suggested that the Liberal Democrats should take control of the site to provide necessary services.

Acknowledged the need for higher wages but noted concerns from businesses about the knock-on effects on pay differentials and increased national insurance contributions. Highlighted that these issues create difficulties for businesses trying to support their staff.

The Labour party must deliver a transformative agenda that radically changes the situation for people, including renters' rights and employment rights. The speaker criticises policy U-turns on winter fuel allowance and the two-child limit, and expresses concern over the targeting of refugees and migrants in proposed immigration legislation. She also calls for an end to austerity policies and advocates for more progressive taxation to fund social benefits. Begum supports nationalisation of industries such as steel, railways, water, and gas to address public ownership demands. She reaffirms her commitment to a publicly owned NHS and expresses concerns about private finance initiatives in the health sector. The speaker also highlights the need for affordable housing and rent controls to resolve the housing crisis, while questioning the impact of luxury development projects on local communities.

The Conservative Party criticises the Labour Government for increasing unemployment and reducing job opportunities, especially for young people. They highlight that under the previous government, there was a significant reduction in youth unemployment from 2010 to 2024, but since Labour took office in 2023, unemployment has risen to 5.2% with payroll jobs decreasing by 110,000. The Opposition argues that young people want to work and the current situation is a calamity for them. They also criticise the Employment Rights Act passed recently which they say discourages hiring of young people and weakens their ability to get back into employment. Furthermore, they argue that despite promises made on apprenticeships during Labour's tenure in opposition, the actual numbers have declined and there are restrictions on funding for level 7 qualifications for those over 22 years old.

In response to Saqib Bhatti, Labour MP Bridget Phillipson interjected 'I’m all right', possibly in a humorous or dismissive tone towards the opposition's critique.

Phil Brickell questioned the consistency of Saqib Bhatti’s arguments regarding the SEND Bill consultation and its timing, suggesting that it cannot be both under-run and too rushed at the same time.

Andrew Pakes pointed out a perceived omission in the speaker's critique of previous policies that led to a 40% drop in young people doing apprenticeships during the Conservative Government's term, highlighting the impact on places like Peterborough.

The Minister thanked everyone for their contributions, highlighted the importance of growth and opportunity in every community, and emphasised the Government's focus on special educational needs and disabilities. She mentioned investments in early intervention, accountability measures, and partnerships with families to support children better. The Minister also criticised the opposition for not addressing these issues adequately over years.

Intervened on Georgia Gould's speech questioning whether she was surprised by the lack of commitment to special educational needs in the Conservative party’s alternative King’s Speech, expressing concern about its seriousness regarding this issue.

Brought a point of order to recognise the fantastic work done by Doorkeepers around the House and asked for guidance on how he could put this acknowledgment on the record.

Acknowledged the great work of Doorkeepers, emphasising that they are crucial to her ability to do her job and deserves recognition for their efforts.