Bolton’s MPs have given their reaction after King Charles’ speech at the State Opening of Parliament.
The speech ran to 1,421 words – making it longer than any monarch’s speech at a State Opening delivered in the previous Conservative-led governments over the past two decades.
A total of 40 bills were announced in the speech, making it the highest number of bills since 2005 – with pledges including phased in nationalisation of railway franchises, a ban on zero-hours contracts, and anti-terror legislation – termed Martyn’s Law in memory of Manchester Arena bombing victim Maryn Hett – focussed on improving security at public venues.
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Kirith Entwistle says she is 'thrilled to see a new deal for workers
Bolton North East MP Kirith Entwistle said: “This Kings Speech, the first monarch to deliver one under a Labour government since 2009, is indicative of the change and ambition of this Labour government.
"I am particularly thrilled to see the new deal for workers included, railways being put back under public ownership, having already struggled on my 1st day on the new job with cancellations, and the announcement of an Armed Forces Commissioner.
"I think it also presents a big opportunity for us as three Labour MPs in Bolton to deliver real change, and I am very excited about that.”
Phil Brickell says plan will ‘get Bolton West moving again’
Bolton West MP Phil Brickell – who unseated incumbent Chris Green at the General Election – said: “The King’s Speech will help deliver the change families and businesses across Bolton West have been crying out for.
“It’s a plan that will bring more jobs, better transport, new homes and investment in the infrastructure we need – ultimately, it’s an agenda to take the brakes off and get Bolton West moving again.
“After 14 wasted years under the Conservatives, we finally have a real plan of wealth creation in Bolton West and across the country.
“We have a Labour government in the service of working people, and this King’s Speech is a first step in a decade of national renewal.”
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Yasmin Qureshi: ‘Publicly owned railways will be relief to Bolton commuters’
Bolton South and Walkden MP Yasmin Qureshi said: “Today’s King’s speech has economic growth at the heart of everything we want to achieve in government and turns the page on years of Tory failure.
“New planning laws that will enable us to build more homes and infrastructure. Bringing railways into public ownership will be a relief to commuters in Bolton South and Walkden who have struggled for years with train delays and overcrowding.
“There’s even a new deal for workers which will put an end to exploitative practices that have gone on for too long.
“Personally, I am really pleased to see a Hillsborough law being included, which is a huge moment for affected families.
“Equally, for those caught up in other tragedies and disasters like my leading campaign for Primodos affected families.
“This is a transformative legislative agenda that is just the beginning of the change a Labour government will deliver for our communities across the country.”
Bolton North East MP Kirith Entwistle was contacted for comment.
If you have a story, I cover the whole borough of Bolton. Please get in touch at jack.fifield@newsquest.co.uk.
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