The King’s Speech served as a platform for the Government to zero in on pressing issues that impact the electorate, primarily in 2023. One issue that clearly stands out is the cost-of-living crisis, which continues to dwindle morale and drain wallets.

The country is grappling with skyrocketing mortgage rates, a predicament born out of the economic fallout from former PM Liz Truss’s term in power.

On the same note, inflation continues to be the villain of the piece, turning grocery shopping into a Herculean task for families trying to cover their essentials. Despite the Government’s efforts to intervene, the escalating energy prices pose another significant blow to household budgets.

Individuals are grappling, and they were looking towards the King’s Speech as a beacon of hope. However, Rishi Sunak side-stepped the cost-of-living issue, choosing to focus on traditional Tory concerns. Instead of extending aid to the average populace, the statement only served to expand the gap between Labour and Tory.

The main announcement for Scotland, which pertained to a new oil and gas licenses system, was no more than political puffery. This measure will neither cushion the blow on bills nor bode well for the environment, proving that the Tories are all about political maneuvering rather than actionable measures.

A truly impactful King’s Speech would have placed economic revival at the crux of the legislative agenda, assuring the populace that revenue generated from growth would extend aid to those with limited income. Investing in public services and clearing the NHS backlog would have been the priorities.

Sadly, what was displayed was a desperate rightward swing by Sunak in a bid to hold on to office. The electorate grows impatient, eager to usher this administration out and start anew. The need of the hour is a prompt call for a general election.

In the heartland of Glasgow, this situation is felt no less acutely. The recent political events have not gone unnoticed, and the reactions among the population show a desire for change. Glasgow’s keen interest in the economic policies of the country reinforces this call for responsible governance.