For the first time in 70 years the State Opening of Parliament had a King's Speech. It was a privilege to be there listen to His Majesty deliver his first King’s Speech. Written by the Government, the speech was delivered by The King from the Sovereign’s Throne in the House of Lords.
I am proud of the legislative achievements of the 2022-2023 Parliamentary session, including the passing of the Levelling Up and Regeneration Act, Energy Act and Online Safety Act. The Prime Minister will continue to deliver the change this country needs with the new legislative agenda set out in the speech.
First and foremost, the King's Speech made clear that the Government is committed to the five pledges made by the Prime Minister when he took office. We will continue to bring down inflation, grow our economy, and ensure that debt is falling as a share of GDP by the end of this Parliament. We're also committed to bringing down NHS waiting lists, while implementing our long-term NHS Workforce Plan, which will deliver more doctors and nurses. Finally, this Government has also reiterated its commitment to stopping illegal small boat crossings.
It also touched on 21 bills, including seven bills carried over from the previous session of Parliament. The Government is planning to reform the regulation of public service broadcasting, meet our manifesto commitment to banning the export of live animals, establish a new framework for self-driving vehicles, and reform policing and justice, particularly around digitally-enabled crime. I am pleased about the bringing forward of the new Sentencing Bill, which will adjust criminal sentences to reflect the fact that our justice system must deliver just, proportionate sentences, and I am pleased to support the decision to issue new oil and gas licenses in the North Sea, as a pragmatic step which will help to shore-up our long-term energy security while we manage the energy transition.
It is right that we work towards improving the well-being, safety and security of everyone in this country.
