Reaction: the King’s Speech

Reacting to the King’s Speech, Rachel Solomon Williams, Executive Director of the Aldersgate Group, said: “Businesses will welcome the clear focus in this speech on driving economic growth through policy stability, high-quality infrastructure, and investment in new green industries and technologies. We now need to see a detailed delivery plan that can underpin this mission and create a policy landscape that drives business investment in the net zero transition and nature restoration. The establishment of an industrial strategy council is an important step forward in this regard, and one that we welcome. Ensuring that this retains decarbonisation at its heart will be vital if the UK is to compete on an increasingly competitive global stage for green investment. Nature must also be a priority policy area; it did not form a major part of this speech despite the urgent need for clear measures to address the UK’s status as one of the world’s most nature-depleted nations. This is vital for both our continued prosperity and successfully adapting to the eventual impacts of climate change.

Rachel added: “We are pleased to see a call to get Britain building and a continued focus on the UK’s infrastructure. A clear vision for a reformed planning system will be vital to deliver this, unlocking development whilst maintaining a consideration for the natural world and communities’ right to input. There is a consensus that can be achieved here, which will be vital to achieve the aim of creating meaningful partnerships with both businesses and people. Success on this issue will be a key enabling factor as the Government looks to deliver a decarbonised energy system by 2030. By getting this right, using initiatives like GB Energy to crowd-in private investment in the UK’s green economy, and focusing on skills, there is a major opportunity boost growth and create jobs across the country.