King Charles III delivered his third King's Speech as monarch today, marking the 2026 state opening of parliament. The speech signals the start of a new parliamentary session and outlines the government's legislative agenda for the year ahead. It comes as Sir Keir Starmer faces the biggest challenge to his premiership, with nearly 100 of his own MPs calling for him to step down after disastrous local election results.
Seated on a throne in the House of Lords, King Charles said: "An increasingly dangerous and volatile world threatens the United Kingdom, with the conflict in the Middle East only the most recent example. Every element of the nation's energy, defence and economic security will be tested. My government will respond to this world with strength and aim to create a country that is fair for all."
A total of 35 bills were announced, spanning national security, defence, housing, business, and more. Key policies included a European Partnership Bill to strengthen ties with the EU, a Removal of Peerages Bill to strip titles from disgraced peers, and transport bills for aviation, highways, and Northern Powerhouse Rail. Housing bills focused on social housing renewal and leasehold reform, while welfare reforms were mentioned via reviews led by Alan Milburn and Sir Stephen Timms.
Other notable bills include the Steel Industry (Nationalisation) Bill, Clean Water Bill, Digital Access to Services Bill (introducing digital ID), Police Reform Bill, NHS Modernisation Bill, and Immigration and Asylum Bill. The full list covers 35 pieces of legislation aimed at addressing domestic and international challenges.
Key Bills Announced
European Partnership Bill
This bill aims to align UK law with EU standards in areas like food standards, carbon emissions trading, and electricity trading. It confirms Labour's intent to rebuild ties with Europe, despite criticism from pro-Brexit factions.
Removal of Peerages Bill
Following the Hereditary Peers Act passed in April, this bill introduces powers to remove peers from the House of Lords, prompted by revelations about Lord Mandelson's relationship with Jeffrey Epstein.
Transport Infrastructure Bills
The Civil Aviation Bill supports airport expansion, the Highways (Financing) Bill aids the Lower Thames Crossing, and the Northern Powerhouse Rail Bill improves East-West transport in northern England.
Housing Bills
The Social Housing Renewal Bill aims to increase long-term investment in social housing, while the Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill caps ground rents at £250 per year and bans new leasehold flats.
Welfare Reform
The government mentioned responding to the Milburn Review on young people not in employment or training, and the Timms Review on PIP disability benefits, indicating potential future welfare changes.
Full List of 35 Bills
- Steel Industry (Nationalisation) Bill
- High Speed Rail (Crewe – Manchester) Bill
- European Partnership Bill
- Small Business Protections (Late Payments) Bill
- Clean Water Bill
- Competition Reform Bill
- Regulating for Growth Bill
- Enhancing Financial Services Bill
- Highways (Financing) Bill
- Overnight Visitor Levy Bill
- Social Housing Renewal Bill
- Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill
- Education for All Bill
- Representation of the People Bill
- Remediation Bill
- Draft Conversion Practices Bill
- Draft Ticket Tout Bill
- Sporting Events Bill
- Police Reform Bill
- NHS Modernisation Bill
- Railways and Passenger Benefits Bill
- Digital Access to Services Bill
- Public Office (Accountability) Bill
- Removal of Peerages Bill
- Courts Modernisation Bill
- Northern Ireland Troubles Bill
- Draft Taxi and Private Hire Vehicle Bill
- Civil Aviation Bill
- Sovereign Grant Bill
- Energy Independence Bill
- Nuclear Regulation Bill
- Electricity Generator Levy Bill
- Tackling State Threats Bill
- Armed Forces Bill
- National Security Bill
- Immigration and Asylum Bill
- Cyber Security and Resilience Bill
