Potential lack of funding for plan to prevent violence against women deeply concerning', says victims' commissioner UK politics live

"Keir Starmer is planning for a new king's speech after the crunch May elections as a reset moment for the government amid speculation over the prime minister's future. Senior sources in parliament said planning was under way to end the parliamentary session the week after local elections in England, making it a significantly longer session than normal, and nearly two years since Labour first set out its legislative agenda."

"Labour is facing a potentially devastating set of results in England, Wales and Scotland, with the possible loss of hundreds of council seats to Reform and the Greens in England as well as defeat for the first time in Wales, where Plaid Cymru and Reform are leading in the polls. In Scotland, the Scottish National party are polling on course to maintain power despite pre-election hopes that Labour's Anas Sarwar could become first minister."

"The last king's speech was in July 2024, weeks after Labour won the general election, but a combination of parliamentary rebellions, international and economic turmoil and defeats in the House of Lords has meant the government needs more time to complete the legislation. The relatively late end to the session will raise some hopes among supporters of assisted dying that it may be possible to complete the bill, which will fall if it does not pass by the end of the session."

Keir Starmer plans a new king's speech after the May local elections to act as a reset for the government amid speculation about his future. Planning aims to end the parliamentary session the week after the English local elections, extending the session nearly two years since Labour set out its legislative agenda. Labour faces potentially heavy losses across England, Wales and Scotland, with Reform and the Greens gaining in England and Plaid Cymru and Reform leading in Wales. The SNP appears likely to hold power in Scotland. Delays and parliamentary rebellions have postponed legislation; supporters of assisted dying hope a late session may allow the bill to pass. Further House of Lords reforms are expected, including a mandatory retirement age of 80. The government is publishing its violence against women and girls strategy.

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