LONDON — Prime Minister Keir Starmer's second King's Speech, outlining the government's legislative agenda for the next 12 to 18 months, has drawn criticism from conservatives who argue that it represents an unwarranted expansion of state control, a weakening of traditional institutions, and an unwelcome move closer to the European Union. The speech, delivered on Wednesday, detailed a program of over 34 bills and three draft bills, which conservatives contend will further burden taxpayers and erode individual liberties.

The proposed legislation includes measures to modernize the National Health Service (NHS), reform the courts, and adjust the UK's relationship with the European Union. A key component is the NHS modernisation bill, which will legislate the abolition of NHS England, a change previously announced by Health Secretary Wes Streeting. Conservatives view this as a potential disruption to a vital public service. An education bill aims to enact previously unveiled reforms to special educational needs (SEN) provision, which raises concerns about potential overreach into parental rights. A courts bill seeks to limit trial by jury, a cornerstone of the British legal system, to alleviate backlogs within the judicial system.

Conservative MPs have expressed concerns that the agenda lacks the fiscal responsibility needed to ensure sustainable economic growth. Critics have described the policy program as “incrementalism,” arguing that it fails to address fundamental issues and relies on minor adjustments rather than bold, market-oriented reforms. One Labour MP stated, “This sums up where we have gone wrong in the first two years in government. We talk about not going back to the status quo and then propose boosting growth by tweaking the wording of regulators’ remits.” This sentiment aligns with the conservative view that government intervention in the economy often leads to unintended consequences and stifles innovation.

The Institute for Public Policy Research, while calling for action on the cost of living, also advocates for rent controls, a policy that conservatives argue distorts the market and ultimately harms landlords and tenants alike. The conservative perspective prioritizes free-market solutions and limited government intervention in the housing sector.

Another point of contention lies in the details of certain bills. The “regulating for growth” bill aims to boost Britain’s global competitiveness by tasking regulators with promoting economic growth. Conservatives argue that this bill does not go far enough in reducing burdensome regulations and freeing businesses to compete on a level playing field. While Downing Street asserts that this will not lead to deregulation or weaken safety, environmental, or consumer protections, conservatives remain skeptical.