Follow all the latest developments in the King's Speech and political fallout with MailOnline's live blogKeir Starmer boasted he is bringing in a 'new era' today after unveiling a King's Speech taking control of rail, energy and the planning system.
Amid the usual pomp and ceremony, the King said ministers will go ahead with controversial class-war plans to impose VAT on private school fees.The ban on current 15-year-olds ever buying cigarettes is being revived, after the previous attempt was lost when Rishi Sunak called the election. Despite his massive majority as Labour begins its first spell in power for 14 years, Sir Keir faces trouble in his own ranks as MPs voiced fury at the failure to axe the two-child cap on receiving benefits.
'I understand well that the Chancellor is keen to paint as bleak a picture as possible, but I would just gently point out that this is not exactly what the facts say. But Sir Keir said: 'This Government has been elected to deliver nothing less than national renewal – to stop the chaos of the past 14 years, turn the page on an era of politics as noisy performance and return it to public service and start the work of rebuilding our country.
He insisted 'the era of politics as performance and self-interest above service is over' - saying delivery was the only way to counter the 'snake oil charm of populism'.'It is only by serving the interests of working people, and delivering real change that transforms lives, that we can begin to restore people's faith that politics can be a force for good.Advertisement 'Rebuilding our country will not happen overnight.
'Democratic decisions are best made by people with skin in the game, so my government will push power out of Westminster and empower local leaders to deliver for their communities.' Labour's manifesto states that communities should still be allowed to 'shape housebuilding in their area', but suggests they will lose their veto over development.
Labour's manifesto pledged to kick-start the economy and generate the highest growth in the G7 by the end of this Parliament. more videos As well as crowds cheering the King and Queen, there was a group of republican protesters