The new government’s King’s Speech – while momentous – held few surprises. The measures were well publicised in the Labour manifesto and during the election campaign. Now, in government, the party is aiming to demonstrate action and decisiveness. Keir Starmer and his team want to show that they are prioritising growth and removing uncertainty.  

The speech conveyed confidence: the government wants to signal that it is a case of “how” not “if” its agenda will be delivered.  Whether it is housebuilding, rail reform, wind farms or nuclear power, the message is clear: these initiatives are underway.

The most obvious challenge – and risk – to the government’s plans is construction capacity. Despite new policies on skills and apprenticeships, more radical answers will be needed to deal with the challenge ahead.