UK Government Sets Out Agenda for Next Year
By JILL LAWLESS
Conservative Government Promises to Cut Crime, Improve Healthcare, and Revive Economy
LONDON (AP) — Britain’s Conservative government set out its agenda for the next year on Tuesday with sweeping promises to cut crime, improve health care, and revive the U.K.’s pandemic-scarred economy — but no new help for millions of Britons struggling to pay their bills as the cost of living soars.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson Acknowledges Economic Turmoil
Prime Minister Boris Johnson acknowledged that the coronavirus pandemic and the war in Ukraine had caused economic turmoil, but said “no government can realistically shield everyone from the impact.”
Government Sets Out Legislative Plans
The government set out its legislative plans during a ceremony steeped in tradition, but without Queen Elizabeth II, who was absent for the first time in six decades.
Prince Charles Stands In for Queen Elizabeth II
The 96-year-old monarch pulled out of reading the Queen’s Speech at the opening of Parliament because of what Buckingham Palace calls “episodic mobility issues.” Her son and heir, Prince Charles, stood in, rattling through a short speech laying out 38 bills the government plans to pass.
Speech Promises Economic Growth and Healthcare Improvements
The speech, which is written by the government, promised Johnson’s administration would “grow and strengthen the economy and help ease the cost of living for families.” There were plans to invest in railways, create a U.K. infrastructure bank, and “level up” economic opportunity to poorer regions, as well as bills on education and health care funding.
Business Groups and Unions Disappointed
Many business groups and unions were disappointed. The Confederation of British Industry was “encouraged” by the speech’s ambition, but the British Chambers of Commerce said that “unless the government takes immediate action on the economy (the measures) will come too late to help many firms.”
Law-and-Order Measures and Human Rights Concerns
Some of the planned laws appeared aimed at pleasing the government’s right-leaning voter base, including promises to seize “Brexit freedoms” by cutting red tape for businesses and overhauling financial services and data regulation now that Britain has left the European Union.
Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine and National Security
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which has upended the European security order, was reflected in plans to beef up spying laws, introduce a U.S.-style “foreign influence registration scheme,” and toughen money-laundering laws — though the mild-sounding measures are unlikely to eradicate London’s reputation as a hub for ill-gotten gains.
Parliamentary Opening Ceremony
The parliamentary opening ceremony is a spectacular pageant steeped in the two sides of Britain’s constitutional monarchy: royal pomp and political power. Traditionally the monarch travels from Buckingham Palace to Parliament in a horse-drawn carriage and reads the speech to lawmakers from a golden throne, wearing a crown studded with 3,000 diamonds.
Conclusion
The UK government’s agenda for the next year promises to address various issues, including crime, healthcare, and the economy. However, some business groups and unions are disappointed with the lack of immediate measures to relieve households struggling with soaring prices for domestic energy and food. The government’s plans also raise concerns about law-and-order measures and human rights.
FAQs
Q: What are the main promises made by the UK government for the next year?
A: The government has promised to cut crime, improve health care, and revive the pandemic-scarred economy.
Q: Why did Queen Elizabeth II miss the ceremonial State Opening of Parliament?
A: The queen pulled out due to “episodic mobility issues.”
Q: Who stood in for Queen Elizabeth II?
A: Prince Charles, the queen’s son and heir, stood in and read the Queen’s Speech.
Q: What are the concerns about the government’s plans?
A: Some business groups and unions are disappointed with the lack of immediate measures to relieve households struggling with soaring prices for domestic energy and food, and there are concerns about law-and-order measures and human rights.