King's Speech sets out Labour govt's health priorities

The hot list of policies for the new Labour government in the UK, laid out in the King's Speech today, focused mainly on economic growth but included several announcements related to health.

Along with a general commitment to improving the NHS as "a service for all," it highlighted a commitment to reduce waiting times – still close to record levels – as well as a focus on prevention and mental health services, particularly for young people.

The speech – delivered by the monarch but written by government ministers – is always keenly anticipated as it gives an indication of the government's most pressing priorities in the coming term, and never more so than when there has been a change of administration.

It's rarely big on detail, but generally points to the policies in a party's manifesto that will be first to be implemented.

A new mental health bill announced in the speech was signposted in advance but welcomed by health leaders, as it has become widely acknowledged that the current Mental Health Act is failing to deliver.

In particular, the current framework has been criticised for how it treats people with learning difficulties and autism, and also for discriminating against ethnic minorities, including black people, who are more likely to be detained than white people.

"My ministers will legislate to modernise the Mental Health Act so it is fit for the twenty-first century," said King Charles, who said this will ensure mental health is given the same attention and focus as physical health.

Also on the agenda is a bill to progressively increase the age at which people can buy cigarettes – a policy that was introduced under the last Conservative government but failed to progress – and will mean that anyone who turns 15 or younger in 2024 will never be able to buy tobacco.

There will also be new limits on the sale and marketing of vapes, legislation to restrict advertising of junk food to children as well as the sale of high-caffeine energy drinks to young people, and a ban on conversion practices involving members of the LGBTQ+ community.

The key health points have been welcomed by the NHS Confederation, which also said it was encouraged by proposals to give more powers to local authorities and metro mayors, noting: "We welcome any opportunity to give local health and care leaders a key role in local growth policy."

The British Medical Association (BMA) meanwhile said it was "good to hear the King committing this Government to backing the NHS and its founding principles," including providing care on the basis of need regardless of the ability to pay.

"The pledge to reduce waiting times…will rely on meaningful engagement with the medical workforce – and crucially, solving the ongoing disputes with both junior doctors and GPs in England, while ensuring that years of real-terms pay cuts are reversed for all doctors," said BMA council chair Prof Philip Banfield.

"Today's King's Speech was all about growth and prosperity, but we must be clear that economic wealth relies on population health," he added.

"There have been some hopeful signs that this government recognises the importance of health in all that it does, but now it needs to back this up through engagement with those on the frontline, support, and ultimately significant investment."