The King has delivered his King's Speech in Parliament and the House of Lords, setting out the Labour Party government's agenda for the year ahead. The speech, written by the government, included 18 new laws and bills announced amid Labour turmoil, with Health Secretary Wes Streeting reportedly considering a leadership challenge against Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.
Key Announcements
Economic and Infrastructure Measures
The King emphasised the need for economic security, announcing legislation to improve trade relations, strengthen ties with the European Union, tackle late payments to small businesses, and reduce regulatory burdens. Airport expansion will be unlocked through new legislation, alongside road-building projects including the Lower Thames Crossing and Northern Powerhouse Rail. A bill to nationalise British Steel was confirmed.
Public Services and Social Reforms
Legislation will reform the police, NHS, criminal justice system, and immigration and asylum system. The government will also clean up the water industry, establish Great British Railways, and invest in apprenticeships to tackle youth unemployment. A schools bill will raise standards and reform special educational needs provision.
Digital ID and Hillsborough Law
A controversial Digital ID bill will be introduced, alongside the long-delayed Hillsborough Law imposing a duty of candour on public servants. Peerages may be removed under certain circumstances, and civil service accountability will be strengthened.
Housing and Safety
Legislation will speed up remediation of unsafe cladding, ban abusive conversion practices, increase long-term investment in social housing, reform the leasehold system, and cap ground rents. A National Security Bill will respond to the Southport attack, targeting foreign state threats and extreme violence.
Energy and Environment
An Energy Independence Bill will scale up renewable energy and introduce new nuclear regulation. The government reaffirmed its commitment to tackling climate change and reducing global poverty.
Defence and Foreign Policy
The King reiterated the UK's unbreakable commitment to NATO, with a sustained increase in defence spending. The government will continue supporting Ukraine and seek to improve European security relations, while promoting peace in the Middle East and a two-state solution.
