The State Opening of Parliament took place on Wednesday 17 July. During this event, the King delivered a speech written by the Government, outlining the policy programme for the Parliamentary year.
Labour is already acting at pace to deliver its tech missions. The King’s Speech provided further clarity on how the party intends to deliver on this to make the UK a key technology player.
Brevia has outlined some of the key tech announcements from the King’s Speech below:
National Wealth Fund Bill [1]
The National Wealth Fund Bill aims to accelerate economic growth and transition to a greener economy by establishing the National Wealth Fund (NWF), which will be capitalised with an additional £7.3 billion. The NWF intends to make transformative investments across the UK, attracting significant private-sector investment. The Bill will align the UK Infrastructure Bank and the British Business Bank under the NWF, which aims to position it at the centre of the government’s strategy to foster economic growth and wealth creation in all communities. The Fund is expected to support job creation and economic prosperity while ensuring a return on investment for taxpayers. It aims to simplify and unify the UK’s fragmented support landscape for businesses, providing a streamlined, cohesive offer to investors and businesses.
Product Safety and Metrology Bill [2]
The Product Safety and Metrology Bill is designed to maintain the UK’s leading position in product regulation, ensuring consumer protection and supporting businesses. This Bill provides new powers to address modern safety challenges and emerging technological advancements, such as the risks associated with AI, e-bikes, and lithium-ion batteries. It also clarifies the responsibilities of online marketplaces and other suppliers, ensuring that consumers can trust the safety of the products they purchase. The Bill aims to allow the UK to independently update its product regulations, diverging from EU rules when beneficial. It also enhances the legal framework for weights and measures, supporting technological innovation while ensuring accuracy and fairness in the marketplace.
Digital Information and Smart Data Bill [3]
The Digital Information and Smart Data Bill seeks to harness the power of data to drive economic growth and improve public services. It establishes new frameworks for innovative data use, including Digital Verification Services and a National Underground Asset Register. The Bill aims to improve digital public services, support scientific research, and strengthen data protection. It will modernise the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) and introduce stronger regulatory powers to ensure the safe development of new technologies. Additionally, the Bill introduces a Data Preservation Process to support investigations into child deaths, demonstrating a commitment to both technological advancement and public safety.
Skills England Bill [4]
The Skills England Bill focuses on creating a skilled workforce by establishing Skills England, a new body that will work closely with businesses, educational institutions, unions, and regional authorities. This Bill aims to streamline and enhance the UK’s skills system, ensuring alignment with national and local economic needs. It will transfer functions from the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IfATE) to Skills England, providing a coordinated approach to identifying and meeting skills demands. The Bill also outlines the administration of the Growth and Skills Levy, to ensure that training programmes meet current and future skills requirements, to support economic growth and productivity.
Cyber Security and Resilience Bill [5]
The Cyber Security and Resilience Bill addresses the growing threat of cyber attacks on the UK’s critical infrastructure and essential digital services. The Bill aims to strengthen the nation’s cyber defences by updating existing regulations, expanding the scope of protected digital services, and enhancing the capabilities of regulators. It includes provisions for better incident reporting and data collection, enabling the government to better understand and respond to cyber threats. By modernising the regulatory framework, the Bill seeks to ensure that the UK remains resilient against cyber threats, safeguarding both public services and the economy from potential disruptions.
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[1] GOV.UK, ‘The Kings Speech 2024’, July 2024, Link
[2] GOV.UK, ‘The Kings Speech 2024’, July 2024, Link
[3] GOV.UK, ‘The Kings Speech 2024’, July 2024, Link
