From tourist tax to digital ID: correspondents on the key bills

Key developments are emerging from the global stage. From tourist tax to digital ID: correspondents on the key bills in the King's Speech19 minutes ago Share Save Add as preferred on GoogleGetty ImagesKing Charles III has set out the government's law-making plans in a speech to Parliament. Despite furious speculation about his leadership, Sir Keir Starmer has said he will "get on with governing" and the speech outlines his agenda for the next parliamentary session. Here, correspondents analyse some of the potential new bills Sir Keir's government wants to pass.

Invest £45bn in northern rail servicesTheo LeggettInternational Business CorrespondentThe Northern Powerhouse rail bill promises £45bn will be invested in major improvements to rail services between key cities in the north of England. It will be carried out in three stages. Firstly there will be electrification and other improvements on routes between Leeds and Bradford, as well as Sheffield and York.

The Details

Then, there will be a new high-speed route between Liverpool and Manchester via Warrington and Manchester Airport. Thirdly, the government is promising better cross-Pennine links, over and above the improvements that are already under way. The scheme involves adapting the existing High Speed Rail (Crewe-Manchester) bill, which was originally born in 2024 – following the cancellation of the northern sections of HS2.

It's no surprise to see this on the agenda. Major rail improvements in the north of England have been promised for years – with the promise of huge economic benefits once they're in place. Little has actually been done.

The plans are not as ambitious as they once were. But the chancellor has insisted this time they will actually go ahead. No movement towards oil and gas explorationSimon JackBusiness editorEnergy policy has been a contentious issue with opposition politicians, businesses and even Labour-friendly unions calling for the government to be more open to new oil and gas exploration in the North Sea.

What Experts Say

References to the Energy Independence Bill in the King's Speech show no sign of movement in that direction, with renewed promises to meet manifesto commitments to ban new oil and gas exploration licenses and accelerate adoption of renewables. One feature of UK energy prices is that the price of gas often dictates the price of electricity, as gas-fired power stations are often the bit of energy that helps supply meet demand. Plans to weaken that link are in the bill, along with measures to speed up the building of energy infrastructure to get new renewables connected to the grid more quickly by fast-tracking planning.

The arrival of new substations, sea cables on shore and hundreds of miles of new pylons may create local disputes. Introduce digital ID Zoe KleinmanTechnology editorDigital ID limps on - it was once heralded a "silver bullet" in the battle against illegal immigration, and now as "one way" for employers to check the credentials of new hires.

The development has drawn wide international attention, with diplomatic circles watching closely.