Rishi Sunak's Key Priorities: Tackling Crime in King's Speech

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has emphasized law and order in the King's Speech as he outlines his priorities ahead of the next general election. The government's plans for the year include tougher sentences for serious criminals and measures to ensure offenders appear in court. However, the Labour party argues that the government is merely repackaging old ideas and notes the absence of certain previous Conservative pledges. This King's Speech is the first in over 70 years, following the death of the Queen, and the first for King Charles as monarch. As the Conservatives trail behind Labour in the polls, Sunak aims to showcase key policies and draw distinctions from the opposition to win over voters. The speech, although written by the government, is delivered by the monarch in a neutral tone to avoid any perception of political bias. The government's plans also include a phased ban on smoking, leasehold system reform, and annual licensing for oil and gas projects in the North Sea. However, some supporters of a ban on conversion therapy and import of hunting trophies are disappointed those measures were not included. Public safety and improving justice for victims were significant focuses of the speech, introducing measures such as life imprisonment for murderers with sexual or sadistic motives and tougher sentences for grooming gang members and those who murder their partners at the end of a relationship. Additionally, the Criminal Justice Bill aims to clarify the use of "reasonable force" to ensure offenders appear in court and allows police to enter a property without a warrant to seize stolen goods with reasonable proof. The speech was also used by Sunak to present himself as a break from his predecessors, despite the long period of Conservative government. However, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer criticized the speech, calling it a plan for more of the same without addressing public services or cost-of-living concerns. The government also attempted to set political traps for Labour, such as forcing ministers to conduct annual oil and gas licensing rounds and the omission of measures to address homelessness. The speech will likely face challenges in Parliament due to limited time before the next general election.