Today's King's Speech sets out the Government's commitment to
building a stronger and fairer United Kingdom with Northern
Ireland at its heart. The Government's legislative programme
includes measures that will strengthen the foundations of our
economy, public services and security, and help to alleviate the
cost-of-living crisis facing families.
It also underlines the Government's commitment to delivering the
Northern Ireland Troubles Bill.
Northern Ireland's place in the UK Internal Market will be
strengthened through legislation to implement new agreements with
the EU that will cut paperwork, reduce costs for businesses, and
significantly ease the movement of food and drink goods between
Great Britain and Northern Ireland, as well as with the EU.
UK‑wide action on energy, through the Energy Independence Bill,
will give government more power to tackle the affordability
crisis, speed up the delivery of clean energy technologies and
ensure greater resilience in the face of global shocks. And
Northern Ireland will benefit from this Government's investments
in public services, defence and security.
A new Immigration Bill will allow the Government to speed up the
removal and deportation of foreign criminals and reduce the pull
factors that drive illegal migration.
Secretary of State, MP, said:
“Today's King's Speech sets out an ambitious legislative plan to
support a stable and prosperous Northern Ireland.
“The Government's focus is on economic growth and prosperity,
removing barriers facing businesses and working to create more
jobs, investment and innovation here in Northern Ireland, while
protecting the UK internal market.
“We will continue our partnership with the Northern Ireland
Executive to support institutional stability, deliver better
public services, and invest in Northern Ireland's economic
future.
“And we will strengthen energy security for Northern Ireland,
supporting grid resilience, protecting consumers from price
shocks and enabling investment in cleaner power.”
On the Northern Ireland Troubles Bill, Mr Benn
said:
“The UK Government is committed to delivering the Troubles Bill
to address the legacy of that terrible period of our
history.
“It is the only viable way to generate confidence across
communities, enable information sharing by the Irish authorities,
and put in place safeguards for our former service personnel.
“This final chance to get legacy right has fallen to us, in this
Parliament, and we will deliver it.”
The legislative programme set out in the King's Speech includes
Bills that will extend and apply to Northern Ireland, either in
full or in part.
The UK Government will work collaboratively with the Northern
Ireland Executive to secure the legislative consent of the
Assembly where appropriate.
