Oldham MPs slam Conservative Government following King's Speech

Two Oldham Labour MPs have hit out at the Conservative Government in the wake of King Charles making his first King’s Speech since he officially took the crown this year.

King Charles spoke yesterday (Tuesday), outlining 21 laws that set out the government’s priorities for the year ahead, the first of such for Rishi Sunak’s government.

However, some of the contents of the speech were criticised by Debbie Abrahams and Jim McMahon, indicating their feelings that the Government is 'out of ideas' and that 'nothing works anymore'.

Oldham East and Saddleworth MP Ms Abrahams said: "After 13 tortuous years, the policy programme in this King’s speech reaffirms once more that this Conservative Government is out of ideas, and out of time. 

"While there was an opportunity for the Government to use this King’s Speech to apply the learning from the pandemic and to develop a compassionate, fair and just policy programme, where the country as a whole benefits, they have chosen yet more evidence-free gimmicks.  

"It is now up to backbenchers and the Labour Party to provide the legislative action our country deserves.

"For example, following my recent community meeting in Shaw I intend to introduce new legislation to strengthen the power of local planning authorities in stopping unnecessary HMOs. 

"I also intend to resubmit my Elected Representatives Code of Conduct Bill which aims to clean up politics ”

Mr McMahon MP, Labour and Co-operative MP for Oldham West and Royton, said: “This was an opportunity for the Government to set-out a plan to reverse the damage of 13 years of Tory failure.

"Instead, what we have is business as usual from a Tory government that has run out of ideas and is bereft of ambition for the people of Oldham. 

“Under the Tories, nothing works anymore. NHS waiting lists are at record highs, schools and hospitals are crumbling, the trains don’t run properly, violent criminals are getting off scot-free and water companies are dumping raw sewage into our waters. 

“To add insult to injury, working people are paying more for less, in higher taxes, stagnating wages, rocketing energy bills and sky-high food prices.

“Only Labour has a plan to give Britain its future back by rolling our sleeves up through a mission-led government, putting the NHS back on its feet, smashing the class ceiling, and spreading opportunity everywhere.

"A Labour government will bring down bills and secure our energy independence, take back control of our streets, provide job security, and make work pay.” 

The King's Speech provides the government with an opportunity to outline its priorities for the months ahead.

Formally called the Speech from the Throne, it is a key part of the State Opening of Parliament ceremony, which marks the start of the parliamentary year.

The next session of Parliament is likely to be the last before the general election, which must take place by January 2025.

The speech is written by the government.

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