We're putting Britain on a better path: Rishi lays out his battle lines

RISHI SUNAK today claimed that the Government had “turned the corner” to put Britain on a “better path” as he laid out the battle lines for the next general election

- Nicholas Cecil and Jitendra Joshi

The Prime Minister unveiled his legislative plan for the next year in a King’s Speech including bills aimed at putting clear blue water between the Tories and Labour.

Tougher law and order measures were at the heart of the 21-bills blueprint, alongside measures to boost and modernise the economy, ease the housing crisis and improve public health.

Claiming progress on his five key pledges to halve inflation, grow the economy, cut debt, stop the small boats crossing the Channel and reduce NHS waiting lists, Mr Sunak said: “We have turned the corner over the last year and put the country on a better path.”

Labour, though, has accused the Prime Minister of being out of touch with the reality faced by millions of people in Britain, with the cost-of-living crisis and NHS waiting lists above 7.7 million, and polls showing the Tories trailing by 15 to 20 points.

A ring of steel was thrown around Westminster for the King’s Speech amid fears of protests by Just Stop Oil, anti-monarchists or other groups.

It was the first time a king has opened Parliament since Charles’s grandfather George VI in 1950. The King, 74, wore the Imperial State Crown, containing 2,868 diamonds, 17 sapphires, 11 emeralds, five rubies and 269 pearls, his lengthy crimson Robe of State and Admiral of the Fleet dress uniform.