Reports suggest the Health Secretary, Wes Streeting, may launch a leadership campaign within the next 24 hours. If so, others will follow. But with the Royal Standard raised high above the Palace of Westminster, MPs sharing niceties as they trundle from the Commons to the Lords and the door being firmly shut in Black Rod’s face, the King’s Speech reminds Westminster that, regardless of political turbulence, the government must continue to govern.
For organisations engaging with Westminster, moments like this create both uncertainty and opportunity. Political leadership may change, but legislative decisions affecting businesses of all types continue.
A total of 37 bills are expected during this parliamentary session. Closer EU alignment, cutting red tape for financial services, securing energy independence and modernising the NHS are just some of the bills which have been announced today.
But this article does not attempt to summarise each of the bills in turn, but rather seeks to offer a few helpful pointers for those organisations looking to engage in the government’s legislative agenda – whether you have a bill to respond to, or not.
Understanding the political context
Bringing forward policies and legislation to support ‘working people’ through a more ‘active state’ reflects themes increasingly emphasised by potential leadership contenders. Those seeking to shape the laws which are passed should frame their proposals in ways that clearly align with these priorities.
But organisations should avoid fixating engagement too closely to individual ministers or political personalities. Hedge your bets. Proposals framed around outcomes like economic growth, service delivery or national resilience are more likely to remain relevant if leadership changes.
And if a leadership contest does ensue, businesses should be bold in trying to shape the various policy ideas that emerge. Close engagement with the campaigns, press and even opposition parties should all play a part in influencing the debate.
What’s in, what’s not
If your issue is reflected in a bill, organisations should focus on identifying where detail remains undecided, or even contested. Legislative frameworks may appear settled, but questions around funding models, regulatory design and implementation often remain open longer than expected.
Meanwhile, if the bill you were hoping for did not make the final list announced today, then don’t despair, Instead, you can find some comfort in one of the most consequential lines at the end of the King’s Speech, which is also among perhaps the least noticed:
‘Other measures will be laid before you.’
This familiar wording provides constitutional flexibility, allowing the Prime Minister – or any successor – to introduce additional legislation without another State Opening of Parliament. Therefore, absence from the Speech should not be necessarily interpreted as policy failure. Legislative programmes evolve continuously and opportunities often emerge once parliamentary scrutiny begins in earnest. Keep knocking on that door.
Why you need to engage now
The period directly after the King’s Speech is often the most valuable because policy details are still very much being worked on.
During debates on the speech, backbench MPs shape early political narratives while select committees begin identifying areas for inquiry. Special advisers work with departments to establish political messaging and implementation priorities. Parliamentarians and officials are actively seeking evidence, examples and credible proposals.
Within weeks, we could see departments begin publishing draft legislation, consultations and impact assessments. Engagement at this stage can shape how problems are defined, which in turn influences eventual legislative outcomes.
Consultations remain important, but we all know many of the key decisions are settled beforehand. Early engagement, grounded in evidence and practical experience, therefore carries particular weight.
How we can help
In normal times, the King’s Speech marks the moment when Westminster moves from political narrative to legislative delivery. While attention may remain focused on leadership speculation, departments continue the detailed work of governing.
Organisations best positioned to influence outcomes act early, engage constructively and frame their contribution around helping the government deliver its objectives. Political crises shape the context, but legislative progress rarely pauses completely, particularly when voices across the political spectrum – including within the Labour Party itself – are calling for a more radical policy approach.
College Green Group supports organisations in navigating Westminster during periods of political and legislative change. We help clients understand the political context, engage effectively with decision-makers and shape outcomes as policy develops.
If you would like to explore further how College Green can help, please get in touch.
George Beard, Head of Public Affairs
