The first session of this Parliament has lasted almost two years – long, but not unique after a General Election. As we approach a King’s Speech to begin a second session it’s a good opportunity to take stock of what we’ve done.
Bills have overhauled the planning system to get houses and infrastructure built. Powers have been taken to take our railways into public ownership and buses into local control.
The Water (Special Measures) Bill starts the task of cleaning up our rivers and we’ve reclaimed our rightful place in the world on doing our bit for biodiversity. We passed a Mental Health Act to improve health care services; we are reforming apprenticeships and we’ve given renters new rights. The Employment Rights Bill gives new protections at work, fit for a modern economy.
We’ve removed hereditary peers from the Lords and made private schools pay their fair share of tax. The Football Governance Act protects our national game, and Great British Energy starts to put right the damage done to our energy supplies. And bills to protect children’s wellbeing and tackle crime and disorder are underway. In total we’ll have passed more than 50 bills.
But Government is about more than legislation. People’s lives are being improved by raising the living wage, boosting pensions, cutting waiting lists, and bearing down on inflation and interest rates. More breakfast clubs, nurseries, dental hubs and banking hubs. Pride in Place puts millions of pounds and crucially the power for local people to improve their area.
A lot done but also more to do.