The primary challengers to the ruling party in the United Kingdom, the Labour Party, have set themselves a crucial objective if they clinch victory in the upcoming general election. They plan to revive a host of unfulfilled legislative promises made by Rishi Sunak. This ambitious plan is a consequence of the Prime Minister’s choice to hold an election on the 4th of July, leading to the dismissal of numerous bills.
Labour sees potential in several previous bills, including Sunak’s rejected proposals, thanks to the groundwork already completed for them. They’ve divulged intentions to revitalise four crucial bills, among them legislation envisaged by Sunak to progressively eradicate smoking and enact another law to cease no-fault evictions, which would bolster tenants’ protection.
Keir Starmer, Labour’s leader, supports the formation of an English football regulator with the intent to enhance the financial durability of the sport. This regulator could potentially distribute funds from the top tier of English football, the Premier League, to smaller clubs in desperate need of financial aid.
Another promise from Mr Starmer is the adoption of the so-called “Martyn’s law”. This law necessitates locations and local governing bodies across the UK to have response plans and provide necessary training for potential terrorist threats. This law was suggested by Figen Murray following the death of her son, Martyn Hett, in a terrorist attack at Manchester Arena in 2017.
The surprise announcement of the early elections by Mr Sunak, has placed several bills, with bi-partisan support, in a precarious situation, running out of time to become law. Sunak had even referenced his bill to prohibit the sale of tobacco to anyone born later than 1st January 2009 as a significant part of his political legacy when he revealed the election.
Nonetheless, if there is alignment with their core mission, a spokesperson for Mr Starmer assured that Labour would look at ways to achieve the implementations that the more turbulent Tories could not. Mr Starmer had said during a debate back in November that they are always willing to align with Mr Sunak’s legislation where there is consensus, to serve national interests.
Nonetheless, a couple of days afterwards, the proposed legislation did not feature in the “wash-up” process, hurriedly fast-tracked through parliament. Mr Starmer’s enthusiasm for phasing out smoking has been matched by Mr Sunak, according to his close associates. After securing an election win, the Labour party would outline its legislative agenda in a King’s Speech. Although it would be fairly straightforward to resurrect Mr Sunak’s bill, as it has already been drafted, it would need to be reintroduced in parliament and undergo all legislative phases anew. Labour ministers may wish to incorporate their own concepts, but they are likely to anticipate bipartisan backing. – Copyright The Financial Times Limited 2024.