The King's Speech: Running out of ideas?

In every race, the firing of the start gun signals the beginning. Similarly, King Charles' and Rishi Sunak's first King's speech, marked the commencement of a year-long build-up to the next general election, expected next Autumn.

This speech, notable for its length yet scant on policies, suggests a possible dearth of fresh ideas within Sunak's administration. The government's policy priorities, as revealed in the speech, indicate a strategic focus on areas believed to bolster Conservative electoral chances against Labour. The 21 bills introduced fall into three main categories: economic, social, and climate initiatives.

These areas reflect where the government perceives its strongest opportunities to revive its electoral fortunes. Economically, following the Prime Minister’s AI Safety Summit, bills like the Automated Vehicles Bill and the continuation of the Digital Markets Bill aim to leverage technology for economic growth. Social policy sees a hard-line stance on crime, with proposals for stricter sentencing for severe crimes and the introduction of the Economic Activities of Public Bodies (Overseas Matters) Bill, likely to stir Labour's internal debates on Israel/Palestine. Most controversially, the Offshore Petroleum Licensing Bill, criticised by environmentalists, signals a continuation of the intention to draw a clear division between the Conservatives and Labour on climate issues.

Equally telling are the bills omitted. The absence of AI regulation, the anticipated Pensions Bill, the Mental Health Bill, and A-level reforms, demonstrates a prioritisation of populist policies. This selection strategy underscores the government's singular focus: to create distinct divides between the Conservatives and Labour for short-term electoral gain. Whether this approach will be successful is uncertain, but the inconsistency in the government's messaging suggests a desperate search for a solution to their current challenges. This approach starkly contrasts with Sunak’s previous emphasis on 'long term decisions for a brighter future,' which now seems more akin to 'short term decisions for an increasingly unlikely tomorrow.'

Attention now turns to the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement on November 22nd, amid growing calls for substantive announcements. However, expectations of significant policy shifts, such as tax cuts, remain low. This, coupled with the latest ONS?figures?indicating a stagnant British economy, paints a bleak picture. It's increasingly evident that the UK economy requires robust intervention and revitalisation, but it remains to be seen if it will come.