Harrogate's newly-elected MP responds to King’s Speech with plea for more action on local health services

After the monarch outlined the new Labour Government’s first raft of proposed laws for the new parliament, Lib Dem Tom Gordon said fixing local health services had to be at the heart of Sir Keir Starmer’s agenda in power.

“Laws to start tackling the crisis in our mental health services and stop filthy sewage entering our rivers and seas are welcome,” said Mr Gordon.

"But we need to see more action to tackle the immense challenges facing our communities after years of Conservative chaos, especially on health and care.

"The Conservative Party completely neglected local health services in Harrogate and Knaresborough for years, and laws to start tackling the crisis in our mental health services and to stop sewage entering our rivers and seas are welcome and long overdue.”

In yesterday’s opening of Parliament ceremony, King Charles outlined around 40 bills by the first Labour government for 14 years.

The monarch said the government programme would be "mission-led" and based on the principles of security, fairness and opportunity for all.

In terms of Harrogate and Knaresborough, Tom Gordon MP said more needed to be done.

"The Conservatives completely neglected health services in Harrogate and Knaresborough for years, leaving people struggling to see a GP or NHS dentist and neglecting to ensure that Harrogate hospital was rebuilt or futureproofed,” he said.

“These crises have to be addressed and I will be pressing ministers every step of the way to make sure that the NHS and care are at the heart of their plans and actions.

“It is brilliant that funding for the demolition of Harrogate hospital’s RAAC affected areas, and the building of new facilities, has been secured.

"We now need to see that money being used to ensure that Harrogate and Knaresborough have the facilities they need.”

The King’s Speech at a glance

Public transport

The Passenger Railway Services Bill will see train operators brought into public ownership over the next few years.

Water quality

The Water (Special Measures) Bill will crack down on water companies that don’t deliver for customers or pollute rivers, lakes and seas, ensuring water bosses face personal criminal liability for lawbreaking.

Workers rights

A new Employment Rights Bill banning “exploitative” zero hour contracts”.

Housing

Building on Labour’s commitment to reintroduce mandatory housebuilding targets of 1.5 million new homes over five years, the King’s Speech included the Planning and Infrastructure Bill.

Migrant crossings

The Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill aims to protect national security by deterring Channel crossings and prosecuting the people smugglers responsible.

Policing

A Crime and Policing Bill will give police new powers to tackle antisocial behaviour and make assaulting shopworkers a specific crime.

Finances

The bill will introduce a “fiscal lock” by requiring any major tax or spending changes to be subject to an independent assessment by the Office for Budget Responsibility.

Energy

A new state-owned energy investment and generation company, GB Energy, will be created.

Investment

A new National Wealth Fund has been designed to attract billions in private sector investment to support UK growth.

Constitution

An English Devolution Bill will transfer more powers to elected mayors in combined council areas.