UK's Labour vows planning reform and clean energy transition as King's Speech reveals key policies

• In a speech delivered by King Charles III on behalf of the administration, the U.K.'s new Labour government outlined legislative proposals including the nationalization of rail operators and reform of planning rules to accelerate housebuilding.
• A pledge of economic growth was yet again front and center in the speech, described in the opening lines as a "fundamental mission" which would help the country move on from the cost of living crisis.

LONDON — The U.K.'s new Labour government on Wednesday outlined a raft of proposed legislation, including the nationalization of rail operators and the creation of a publicly-owned clean power company.

In a speech delivered by King Charles III on behalf of the administration, the government said it is "committed to a clean energy transition that will lower bills for consumers over time," adding that it would establish Great British Energy, headquartered in Scotland, to help accelerate investment in renewable energy such as offshore wind.

The speech listed a broad range of proposals, many of which have already been announced. Labour said it would reform planning rules to accelerate infrastructure projects and housebuilding, strengthen the powers of the U.K.'s water regulator, give the police greater authority to tackle anti-social behavior and remove an existing tax exemption on private school fees in order to fund new teachers.

A pledge of economic growth was yet again front and center in the speech, described in the opening lines as a "fundamental mission" which would help the country move on from the cost of living crisis.

Charles said the government would "seek to establish the appropriate legislation to place requirements on those working to develop the most powerful artificial