Commons leader Lucy Powell has announced that MPs will reconvene Parliament to discuss ‘historic’ bills, with a post-summer agenda packed with key Labour manifesto policies.
On Tuesday, The Passenger Railway Services (Public Ownership) Bill will be back in the Commons for the final time. The plan seeks to bring passenger rail operators under public control when current national contracts end.
The Budget Responsibility Bill will follow which is a framework for financial stability by giving the Office for Budget Responsibility more powers to make judgements on any major taxation or spending announcements. This policy came to light after Liz Truss’ mini-budget.
The Renters (Reform) Bill will also be discussed to deliver on the government’s commitment to “bring in a better deal for renters”, including abolishing section 21 ‘no fault’ evictions and reforming landlord possession grounds.
A second reading of the Great British Energy Bill is scheduled for Thursday. This legislation intends to secure Labour’s long-term energy future and establish a state-owned energy company.
A government spokesperson said: “Great British Energy will be headquartered in Scotland and paid for by a windfall tax on oil and gas giants. It will invest in clean power projects across the United Kingdom, such as wind farms, which are the cheapest forms of electricity generation to build and operate.
“This will help make our country energy independent, tackle climate change and save families money. And investing in clean domestic power will create jobs and build supply chains in every corner of the UK.”
Meanwhile, the House of Lords will hold a second reading of the Crown Estate Bill, which proposes expanding government borrowing and investment powers. The government anticipates that this legislation will enhance collaboration between Great British Energy and the Crown Estate, which manages royal property, to accelerate offshore wind development, advance new energy technologies, and support domestic supply chains.
The Crown Estate manages a considerable amount of the UK seabeds, extending up to 12 miles from the coastline, and leases portions of it for wind farm projects.
Announcing the legislative agenda, Commons Leader Lucy Powell said: “This new Labour government is full of energy, full of ideas and full of drive to deliver our mandate for change. That’s why we’ve announced a packed legislative agenda focused on the people’s priorities.
“After 14 years of the Conservatives, we’ve had to act quickly and act drastically to stop the rot at the heart of our country’s finances, our public services and our politics.
“Now as we return from the shortest summer recess in history, Labour is ready to roll up our sleeves and pass the laws we urgently need to fix the foundations as we build a better Britain.”
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