This week saw the King’s Speech. Described by some as the poshest fancy dress party in the world, it is the state occasion when the government puts forward its legislative agenda. The first King’s Speech for over 70 years, it will most likely be the last for this Parliament, a general election certain to be called next year.
Containing 21 new pieces of legislation, the Prime Minister said the programme will help change our country for the long term. Headline items include tougher sentencing laws, a ban on the sale of cigarettes, and new measures to increase production of oil and gas in the North Sea. Also covered are bills that will help pave the way for the next generation of mobility – driverless cars. We are seeking to reform the leasehold property system – something that has blighted the lives of those who find ground rents on new built properties increases beyond any reasonable expectations. We are even looking at a new system of governance on football. Of course, the details of all these bills is extensive, and as each bill comes forward, it will receive significant scrutiny and publicity. But some will see the programme as contradictory. For example, if we are looking to move forward with net zero measure around transport, why are we allowing more oil and gas exploration, not less.
The future of this country, and, indeed, the world, is one where we need to seize technology that helps our society and planet, but do it at a pace that works for our citizens. Around 80% of our energy consumption is delivered from fossil fuels. That will not go down in absolute or relative terms. We continue to use more and more energy, and we expect to use it cheaply.
The recent energy market turmoil driven as a result of the invasion of energy exporter the Ukraine, has highlighted the need for secure energy supply chains. So, whilst oil and gas is traded at global spot prices (in the main), the transportation of it is important. Given we are not using less oil and gas, we may as well get it locally rather than increase its carbon footprint by shipping it around the planet.
This is but one of our upcoming bills. I look forward to examining all this in detail and making sure it serves us all by readying us for the future.