Not many people get a second chance to make a first impression. But the death of the Queen, just two days after she became prime minister, means Liz Truss has the opportunity to effectively relaunch her government this week, just a fortnight after taking on the job.
Within hours of unveiling her “energy price guarantee”, which the government claims will save the average household £1,000 a year by capping the typical bill at £2,500 until 2024, Truss’s plans for her first days in office were thrown into disarray when Buckingham Palace confirmed Queen Elizabeth II had died.
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Just two days after being invited by the late monarch to form a government, Liz Truss had to lead the country in mourning, meaning the normal business of government was put on hold until after the period of national mourning.
The unexpected ceasefire in political hostilities will come to an end with a vengeance following the Queen’s funeral on Monday.
World Leaders Assemble!
Truss’s first foray on the international stage comes on Tuesday when she is due to fly to New York for the United Nations General Assembly.
As the new kid on the block, the PM will be eager to make an impression on the world stage as leaders discuss major issues like climate change and the war in Ukraine.
Truss is also expected to hold talks with Ursula von der Leyen, the European Commission president, to discuss Brexit and the ongoing dispute over the Northern Ireland protocol.
Tricky business
When the government announced its plans to help struggling households cope with soaring energy costs, businesses were assured that an “equivalent” level of support would be available to them.
As yet, companies have been given no details on what that will entail and when it will be available – although Number 10 has warned that may not be next month when the household scheme comes into effect. This uncertainty has prompted an angry reaction from business groups.
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“Any delay in the delivery of energy support could be a final, fatal blow for hundreds of hospitality businesses teetering on the brink of ruin,” said Kate Nicholls, the chief executive of UK Hospitality. “Many simply won’t survive if they have to wait until November for help.”
The government could bring forward more details on the business support package in a statement to MPs on Thursday.
