His Majesty King Charles III delivered his first King’s Speech since becoming monarch at the State Opening of Parliament today. This marked a historic day as MPs, peers and other dignitaries gathered in the House of Lords to listen the business for the forthcoming parliamentary year.
Among the legislation outlined in his speech, Tracey was delighted to see that action will be taken to protect livestock with the Animal Welfare Live Exports Bill. Tracey has always been a strong advocate for improving animal welfare and many of her constituents in Chatham and Aylesford have written to her on this issue since the scrapping of the Kept Animals Bill, so it goes without saying that after much lobbying, The Animal Welfare (Livestock Exports) Bill will ban the export of cattle, sheep, goats, pigs and horses for slaughter and fattening from Great Britain. However, Tracey will be following up the whereabouts of the ban on trophy hunt imports, which appears to be missing.
Tracey welcomes the Government's commitment to achieving our net zero targets, as well recognising our responsibility to lead the global effort to tackle climate change – including committing over £1.6 billion for the Green Climate Fund – the biggest single international climate pledge the UK has ever made. While we have a lot to be proud of in our fight against climate change, we must continue to support developing countries with their energy transitions and environmental targets.
Tracey was also glad that the safeguarding of local football clubs will remain a top priority. Building on the Fan-Led Review of Football Governance she published back in November 2021, the Football Governance Bill will ensure local football clubs are protected by a new independent football regulator. This will protect clubs’ heritage, help to prevent breakaway competition like the European Super League, and make sure that fans have a greater voice in their own club.
Other forthcoming legislation such as the Sentencing Bill will ensure that we make sure the prison estate is used to lock up dangerous criminals for longer, without further criminalising redeemable offenders by trapping them in a merry-go-round of reoffending. This Bill will also ensure that the most dangerous prisoners, committing the most heinous crimes are behind bars for longer.
Furthermore, many constituents have also written to Tracey with concerns over the housing market. The Leasehold and Freehold Reform Bill delivers the Government’s manifesto commitments on leasehold reform which will put emphasis on fairness within the housing market. The Bill will improve home ownership for millions of leaseholders by making it cheaper and easier for more leaseholders to extend their lease, buy their freehold, and take over management of their building. There is also legislation coming forward to improve aspects of the rental market, a key part of the long-term plan for housing.
There are 21 Bills in total, which are outlined in the picture, and Tracey welcomes that residents will be in touch with their views about them as they progress through Parliament.
