Votes for 16- and 17-year-olds
This was in the Labour manifesto and remains a commitment, but it failed to make the cut for a first round of bills that Keir Starmer and his team wanted to be mainly focused on the economy and growth.
Another reason for delay is the idea that expanding the voting system is most important ahead of a general election, and all being well there will not be one of those for a while. There has nonetheless been speculation that it could be dropped altogether.
Crackdown on overseas workers
Another bill, one touted by the home secretary, Yvette Cooper, would require employers to limit the use of overseas workers and promote UK staff, in part through more focus on skills training.
While the king’s speech does have a “skills England bill”, the change connected to overseas staff has been delayed for now.
AI bill
Among the measures predicted before the speech was one intended to boost legal safeguards connected to the most advanced AI systems, which would mimic EU efforts to legislate on the issue rather than seeking voluntary codes. However, it has not appeared.
Mandatory retirement for older peers
There was one Lords-related bill in the speech, finally removing the last hereditary peers from the chamber. There was, however, no mention of another way to cut numbers in the house – making all those aged 80 and above step down.
This could be because the move may not need legislation. But it could be a result of a pushback from some older peers and their supporters who point out that a number of 80-plus Lords members contribute significantly, and that a better metric than age could be activity.
Leasehold reform
This did make the cut for the speech, promising an end to leasehold for new flats and measures to stop prohibitive ground rent charges.
However, it will be introduced as what is known as a draft bill. These are subject to consultation before being formally introduced, which can help iron out complexities – but campaigners on leasehold may worry it could mean some measures being watered down.
