Statement – King’s Speech

In response to the King’s Speech, Community Union General Secretary Roy Rickhuss CBE said:

“The Labour Government has set out a strong agenda for the coming session of Parliament, with proposals that will deliver benefits for our members across the UK. The promise to take all necessary action to safeguard domestic steel production is the decisive approach that is needed for British Steel and our members. Coupling this commitment with greater investment in the railways, airports and defence offers real opportunities to bolster UK steel manufacturing and the communities it serves.

“Community’s network of self-employed workers will benefit from the implementation of reforms to late payments, ensuring our members are paid for the work that they do.  Our wider membership will benefit from additional measures to cut the cost-of-living and rebuild public services.

“The UK Labour Government has listened to the concerns of our members around housing and the future of our veterans. Renewing social housing stock and reforms to unfair systems of home ownership are issues Community and its members have campaigned for. We have also been vocal about doing more to recognise the contribution of our armed forces community and the commitment to put the Armed Forces Covenant in statute is welcome news too.

“This King’s Speech shows that unlike many political parties that merely claim to stand up for working people, Labour is the party that delivers for workers across the UK. “