Yesterday, Wednesday 17 July, the new Labour government presented its legislative agenda for the forthcoming Parliamentary session during The King’s Speech. The King’s Speech marks the opening of parliament, in which The King outlines the Bills that the incumbent government wants to process through Parliament. In the 2024 King’s Speech, around 35 Bills were announced, including a very much welcomed Skills England Bill. Also announced were Bills including investment in renewable energy and constitutional reforms.
During the Speech, the King said, ‘securing economic growth will be a fundamental mission’.
Commenting on the State Opening of Parliament today, Edmund King, AA president, said; “We welcome the Better Buses Bill as this could help ease congestion on roads across the country. We believe the Bill could improve connectivity in urban areas, especially if successful Park & Ride schemes, such as those in Oxford and Cambridge, can be used as a blueprint of best practice.
“With the motor industry evolving at a rapid rate with the rise of electric vehicles, connected and autonomous vehicles, it is vital that the future workforce is upskilled. The creation of Skills England can help encourage apprentices to the automotive sector and help unlock their potential.
“We look forward to working with the Government to tackle the priorities of drivers* such as fixing potholes, delivering fuel price transparency and improving road safety.”
Paul Hollick, managing director of Lightfoot, said: “Accelerated investment in a clean energy future through the creation of Great British Energy is welcome, but we need to see more detailed plans and a commitment to decarbonise the UK vehicle fleet in a sustainable way.”
Greg Ford, head of corporate at RED Training, said: “The Better Buses Bill and the establishment of Great British Railways promises to ease congestion, but there was little mention of tackling Britain’s crumbling road infrastructure, nor was there any sign of moves to cut road traffic accidents, which remain stubbornly high.”
Antoine Picron, senior policy manager for UKI at ChargePoint said: “We’re pleased to see the new Government’s bold vision for the energy industry, aligning with its ambitious target to reduce carbon emissions by 45% by 2030.
“This clean energy commitment represents a coordinated approach, given that it coincides with the 2030 ban on new petrol and diesel vehicle sales stated in the Labour manifesto. As the government establishes its priorities, it’s crucial that sustainable driving receives equal attention and support.
“As we transition to a more environmentally conscious way-of-life, the UK has significant potential to accelerate consumer adoption of EVs and address the growing demand for charging infrastructure. We believe transitioning to an EV is one of the single biggest behavioural changes drivers can make to reduce carbon emissions and ensure the UK achieves its net zero ambitions, as well as support the shift to cleaner transportation.”
Stuart James, CEO of the Independent Garage Association, said: “We welcome the government’s focus on economic stability and its recognition of the important role that small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) such as Independent Garages play in the UK economy.”
“The creation of Skills England and the reforms to the apprenticeship levy are particularly important for our sector. We are eager to continue our discussions with the new government, hoping to advance positive changes and support for our industry.”
“The Employment Rights Bill’s plans to ban exploitative practices and enhance employment rights are significant. The Independent Garage Association is ready to work with the government to ensure these measures effectively support both employers and employees in our sector. Together, we can create a thriving environment where independent garages continue to grow and contribute to the wealth and stability of communities across the UK.”
Michael Topham, Biffa CEO, said: “Although the King’s Speech did not contain specific legislation about waste, recycling or the circular economy, there are key policies already in play such as the Plastic Tax, Simpler Recycling, Extended Producer Responsibility and the Deposit Return Scheme that the industry is working with the Government to implement.
“What we need now is a period of certainty to enable the waste sector to deliver the investment it needs.
“Overall, we were pleased to see a focus on delivering green infrastructure and secure energy, and we look forward to seeing further detail on what this may mean for energy from waste, sustainable aviation fuels, electrification of fleets, and other alternative fuels.”
In response to the King’s Speech held on 17 July, Gordon Balmer, Executive Director of the Petrol Retailers Association (PRA) and the Car Wash Association (CWA), expressed strong support for several key legislative measures introduced.
“The inclusion of the Crime and Policing Bill in the King’s Speech addresses the surge in shoplifting incidents, which have reached the highest levels in two decades. This, coupled with a further increase in fuel theft, presents a very real financial challenge for our members. The proposed legislation to toughen laws and criminalise assaults on shopworkers is a crucial step forward.” said Balmer.
“Regarding the Water (Special Measures) Bill, making the bosses of water companies personally liable for lawbreaking could finally trigger the enforcement needed to stop pollution from improper disposal of foul water. Approximately 6,000 non-compliant hand car washes are currently operating, outnumbering legally operated sites and blatantly disregarding environmental laws. Holding water company bosses accountable is a necessary step towards ensuring proper environmental practices.”
“The Employment Rights Bill’s provisions to enhance workers’ rights are essential. They address the serious issue of modern-day slavery that persists in some non-compliant hand car washes. These hand car washes often conceal other illegal activities, such as money laundering and tax evasion.”
Balmer concluded: “These legislative initiatives represent significant progress in protecting our workers and the environment. The PRA and CWA are committed to liaising with the government to ensure these measures are effectively implemented and enforced.”
Sue Robinson, Chief Executive of the National Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA), said: “While The King’s Speech contains positive elements, it is crucial for the Government to address key issues within the automotive retail sector, such as restimulating the private electric vehicle market. Additionally, it is important that NFDA and the broader industry are consulted on any major policy changes related to the ZEV mandate and business rates.
“One of the key ‘asks’ outlined in NFDA’s 2024 General Election manifesto was to overhaul the ‘flawed’ Apprenticeship Levy so we are pleased to see the announcement of the Skills England Bill. This Bill aims to reform the Apprenticeship Levy, fulfilling a Labour manifesto pledge.
“While it is encouraging to see the new government act swiftly on this manifesto pledge, we urge them to work closely with NFDA and the wider sector to develop a Levy that meets the needs of businesses. The intensifying skills shortage continues to detrimentally impact the automotive retail sector.
