The 'packed legislative agenda' MPs can expect on return to parliament

Bills on renters’ reform and water company regulation are set to be among a “packed legislative agenda” for parliament when MPs return from their summer recess, says Commons leader Lucy Powell.

The House of Commons sits again on Monday and two “historic” bills are expected to be laid before politicians in the first week.

One will focus on bringing rail operators into public ownership, while the other will establish a “fiscal lock to deliver economic stability”.

In the coming weeks, the new Labour government is expected to focus on “levelling up” workers’ rights, “strengthening” tenants’ rights, and cracking down on water firms that “fail to deliver for their customers and the environment”.

It also plans to tackle the “root causes” of the energy crisis and tighten the rules around MPs’ second jobs.

On Thursday, the Great British Energy Bill will also receive a second reading following the summer break.

It aims to ensure long-term energy security, alongside the establishment of the UK’s state-owned energy company.

The Modernisation Committee – which aims to drive up standards, address the culture of politics, and improve working practices in the House of Commons – is expected to be up and running in the autumn.

Energy shake-up

In the House of Lords, The Crown Estate Bill, which sets out greater powers for the government to borrow and invest, will have a second reading.

The government hopes this bill will support the partnership between Great British Energy and the monarchy’s property firm to accelerate the deployment of offshore wind, new technologies and support UK supply chains.

The Crown Estate owns the vast majority of Britain’s seabed, stretching up to 12 nautical miles from the mainland, and leases parts of it to wind farm operators.

‘Labour ready to roll up sleeves’

Ms Powell said: “This new Labour government is full of energy, full of ideas and full of drive to deliver our mandate for change. That’s why we’ve announced a packed legislative agenda focused on the people’s priorities.

“After 14 years of the Conservatives, we’ve had to act quickly and act drastically to stop the rot at the heart of our country’s finances, our public services and our politics.

“Now as we return from the shortest summer recess in history, Labour is ready to roll up our sleeves and pass the laws we urgently need to fix the foundations as we build a better Britain.”