Government must “go further and faster”, TUC says after King’s Speech

Commenting on the King’s Speech today (Wednesday), TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak said:

“This King’s Speech comes at a time when the country is crying out for change.

“But for far too many people, change still feels like a slogan rather than their lived reality – that’s why the government must go further and faster to make people’s daily lives better.

“The good work the government has done has been overshadowed by too many self-inflicted mistakes and a failure to proudly shout about its achievements – which include the Employment Rights Act, bringing rail and British Steel into public ownership and lifting the two-child benefit cap.

“There now needs to be a laser focus on jobs and living standards. That means the whole government putting working people, their families and communities front and centre of every decision.”  

On bringing British Steel into public ownership, Paul said:

"Nationalising British Steel is in this country’s interest.

“Steel is a foundational industry and has been produced in Britain for generations. It’s right that ministers are stepping in to secure the sector’s future. Now, the government should ensure that all government-funded projects use UK Steel.

“This move will help to safeguard thousands of jobs, protect our critical infrastructure from foreign ownership and ensure we continue to produce steel here in Britain.”

On a closer relationship with the EU, Paul added:  

“The Conservatives’ botched Brexit agreement set workers and business back at home and abroad.

“It’s right that the government continues to be ambitious in its efforts to reset the relationship with the EU – especially with the US being an unpredictable trading partner.

“The government should use this opportunity to deliver sector specific deals to reduce trade barriers and protect jobs and living standards.”