On the 13th May, the King's Speech set out the government’s new legislative agenda built around national resilience, public service reform and strengthening the UK's international partnerships, delivered against a backdrop of challenges to Sir Keir Starmer's premiership. For CCUK members, four announcements stand out as warranting close attention over the coming months.
Firstly, the government confirmed it will bring forward legislation to introduce a UK-wide Digital ID scheme. This follows from arecent consultation to introduce a national digital ID to which CCUK responded, supporting the Government’s proposals for a national digital ID in principle, recognising the significant potential to prevent and tackle fraud across the economy and to streamline robust Know Your Customer (KYC) and right to work checks. Detail on design, scope and implementation timing was notably thin in the Speech itself, leaving open significant questions about how the scheme will interact with existing identity verification frameworks. Members can expect the policy detail to land progressively when the Bill is formally introduced.
Secondly, the Speech reiterated the government's commitment to strengthening cyber resilience, and reintroduced the Cyber Security and Resilience Bill. The Bill is currently awaiting dates for its report stage in the House of Commons. The Bill includes provisions to expand the scope of organisations regulated under the UK NIS regime, bringing more of the digital and energy ecosystem into scope. The direct impact on members will depend on the nature of the services they offer. Telecoms more broadly is covered through the Telecoms Security Act. We will be monitoring developments closely and analysing the potential implications for members.
The government also signalled an intent to streamline and reduce the regulatory burden on business in order to foster innovation. While no details were given the practical question for members will be whether it produces any meaningful streamlining of existing regulatory regimes.
CCUK will continue to monitor publication of newly introduced Bills and their accompanying details, and will flag relevant developments to members as they emerge. If you have any questions about the announcements in the speech, feel free to get in touch at team@commscouncil.uk.