The New Labour Government Outlines UK Plans in King’s Speech
King Charles, alongside Queen Camilla, addressed both Houses and detailed Sir Keir Starmer’s plans for the new Parliament in his second State Opening as monarch.
The new Labour government has outlined its legislative agenda in the first King’s Speech of the new Parliament.
King Charles III, accompanied by Queen Camilla, addressed both Houses on Wednesday for the second time as the UK’s monarch.
The address marked the first under a Labour government in 14 years after Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer assumed power earlier this month.
King Charles’s first announcement was that significant tax and spending changes would undergo an independent assessment by the Office for Budget Responsibility, a direct response to the mini-budget implemented by former Prime Minister Liz Truss.
The speech emphasized the government’s commitment to securing economic growth through collaboration with business and working people, with a focus on prioritizing wealth creation to overcome recent cost of living challenges.
The king also mentioned plans to establish an Industrial Strategy Council to boost living standards across all regions in the United Kingdom.
Regarding planning reform, ministers will work towards accelerating the delivery of infrastructure and housing through planning reforms, promoting sustainable growth, and encouraging investment in industry, skills, and new technologies.
The speech further revealed plans to introduce legislation granting more rights to renters, initiating a new employment rights bill, placing requirements on companies developing powerful artificial intelligence models, and implementing an English Devolution Bill.
Legislation to strengthen the border, establish a Border Security Command, modernize the asylum system, enhance community policing, and introduce an array of policies in education, health, and foreign policy were also outlined in the address.
The speech concluded with a commitment to NATO, supporting various international initiatives, and strengthening domestic policies, making it one of the most legislation-heavy State Openings in recent history.
PA Media contributed to this report.
