His Majesty The King has visited Parliament to deliver the King’s Speech and to officially commence a new Parliamentary year. The King addressed both Houses of Parliament from the House of Lords to set out His Government’s legislative agenda for the forthcoming Parliamentary session.
Aphra Brandreth, Member of Parliament for Chester South & Eddisbury’ attended the King’s Speech to hear what the Government’s plans will mean for constituents. 40 Bills have been announced, including 2 Bills carried over from the previous Parliamentary session.
Aphra said, “I join colleagues from across the House in thanking His Majesty for opening Parliament and for delivering the Gracious Speech. The King is the embodiment of public service and I was delighted to see him looking so well as he continues his battle against cancer.
“I have concerns regarding the contents of the King’s Speech. Labour have not presented a credible or meaningful plan to tackle the post-Covid rise in the cost of the welfare state. I am concerned that without action, the cost of providing benefits to those of a working age with a disability or health condition will reach unsustainable levels. The welfare bill must be reduced and we must do more to support people who can get back into work.
“I am also disappointed that there was no mention of rural communities and farming in the King’s Speech. As the Member of Parliament for a largely rural constituency, I am concerned that communities such as ours are being forgotten by the Government. The Labour Party’s manifesto could only manage 87 words on rural communities and farming and I will be doing all I can to ensure the voices of our constituency are clearly heard in Parliament.
“Despite this, I welcome the Government’s commitment to a smoke-free generation and to bringing forward ‘Martyn’s Law’. I look forward to working with the Government to pass this legislation. I am also pleased that Labour will continue the work of the previous Government in its commitment and support to Ukraine.”
Aphra has also met the Speaker of the House of Commons, Sir Lindsay Hoyle, who welcomed her to Parliament.
Aphra said “I would like to congratulate the Speaker upon his re-election to the Chair and I know he will continue to uphold the standards of the House and support Members of Parliament in their work. I am grateful for his kind welcome and I look forward to catching his eye in the House in the near future!”
