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In 2023, Sir Keir Starmer said that a “take back control bill” would be a centre piece of a Labour government’s first King’s Speech. Mr Starmer said Labour would spread out control from Westminster and devolve new powers to communities. In its 2024 general election manifesto, the Labour Party made commitments to devolve new powers to local areas in England over employment support, transport, education and housing and to reset UK-devolved government relationships. The Labour Party has also committed to repealing and replacing the Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023.

The Library’s briefings for the King’s Speech draw on the Labour Party’s manifesto and other material in the public domain. They have been written in advance of the 2024 King’s Speech to help members of the House of Lords prepare for the debate on the speech. They do not constitute official information about the government’s intentions or provide a complete list of bills to be announced.

Documents to download

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