As expected, there were few surprises in the King's Speech . No rabbits were pulled triumphantly from hats. Instead, Labour wants to project an image of drama-free competence, while focusing on stability and growth.
Sir Keir Starmer’s priorities for the months ahead included 39 draft Bills, of which 24 apply in whole or in part to Scotland . Some details remain to be teased out. Advertisement Advertisement Sign up to our Politics newsletter Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more.
Notably, the Great British Energy Bill will create GB Energy, a publicly-owned energy generation company that will own, manage and operate clean power projects across the country. This will be based in Scotland, but no location has yet been finalised. Most believe Aberdeen would be its natural home, given its importance to the energy sector.
In truth, it’s difficult to see it being headquartered anywhere else. Briefing notes say GB Energy would be capitalised with £8.3 billion in new money in this session of Parliament.
Meanwhile, there is also a commitment for a National Wealth Fund to invest in the green industries of the future. Dr Liz Cameron, chief executive of the Scottish Chambers of Commerce, said there needed to be “greater clarity” around the transition away from oil and gas. This is a frustration.