In politics, it’s easy to make promises.

The real test is whether you deliver them - and the Labour government is delivering on its promises.

Not that that’s always accurately reflected in what you see or read.

Too much of our national conversation is shaped by a media environment that leans heavily towards criticism, and by a social media ‘wild west’ where negativity and misinformation spread far more easily than facts.

But the reality is different.

We said we’d cut NHS waiting lists: they’re at their lowest level in three and a half years.

We said we’d reduce immigration: net migration is down 82 per cent and thousands fewer people are in asylum hotels.

We said we’d grow the economy: despite the impact of the war in Iran, inflation is down and we’re the fastest-growing economy in the G7.

Yet we can’t stop here.

There’s much more to do, fix, and deliver.

That’s where the recent King’s Speech comes in.

It’s the moment when the government sets out the laws it will bring forward and the direction it wants to take the country in.

This year’s speech did exactly that, with 37 new bills covering everything from public services to national security.

Together, they show a Labour government making a clear choice: not to continue with the managed decline of the Conservatives, but to rebuild Britain in a way that works for working people.

For me, that starts with national security.

As Security Minister, I’ll be taking two of these bills through Parliament myself - the National Security Bill and the Tackling State Threats Bill. In a more dangerous and uncertain world, these measures are about keeping our country safe and ensuring we are prepared for the challenges ahead.

The economy is crucial, too.

For years, our industries were left exposed and neglected. Labour’s Steel Industry Bill will bring British Steel into public ownership protecting jobs and ensuring a vital industry is run in the interests of the country, not short-term profits.

We’re also backing small businesses - the backbone of towns like ours. New laws will clamp down on late payments, giving smaller firms the security they need to grow.

Importantly, there’s also major investment in the north.

The Northern Powerhouse Rail Bill will transform east-west connections, unlocking opportunities and growth across regions that have too often been left behind.

Yet growth alone isn’t enough. This King’s Speech is also about tackling the ‘opportunity crisis’ - making sure people can get on in life, not just get by.

That’s why there are major housing reforms. Moving away from the outdated leasehold system, alongside new investment in social housing, will give families more security and control over their homes.

Education is part of that too. New legislation will focus on ensuring every child has the chance to succeed, regardless of their background because opportunity should be based on talent and effort, not postcode.

Public services are another key priority. A new NHS Modernisation Bill will further improve patient care, while police reforms will restore confidence and ensure officers can focus on catching criminals, not paperwork.

What ties all this together is a clear sense of direction - one that invests in our country, rebuilds our public services, and spreads opportunity to every part of Britain.

Because the real measure of politics isn’t what you promise - it’s what you deliver.

That’s exactly what this programme is designed to do.