You’ve heard the king’s speech – but I think a better one might run like this | David Blunkett

If I were in government I’d propose a very different response to the challenges we face – starting with protecting people from the cost of living David Blunkett was Labour home secretary from 2001 to 2004 While I welcome many measures in the king’s speech, an alternative might look something like this. My lords, and members of the Commons: my government is committed to winning back the support of the British people and demonstrating that they are “on the side” of those who are working – or who have worked – hard to make ends meet. My government will therefore bring forward legislation, as a matter of priority, to take powers to protect the British people from the impact of global conflict and the consequent increases in the cost of living; to reduce rising inflation and maintain living standards. To this end, my government will appoint a secretary of state for consumer protection who will be given powers to intervene, where appropriate on a temporary basis, to freeze energy bills for 12 months from 1 July, and to introduce a windfall levy on excess profits from oil and gas arising out of the closure of the strait of Hormuz in order to meet the cost of this interventio