The King's Speech, traditionally a moment for governmental clarity and a reset, is set to proceed amidst profound political uncertainty, a stark contrast to its original intent as a boost for Sir Keir Starmer following recent electoral setbacks. With the Prime Minister's position in jeopardy and a growing number of Labour MPs calling for his exit, the speech, which outlines the government's plans for new legislation and aims to set a clear policy direction, takes on heightened significance.
Following a parliamentary session that delivered key manifesto pledges such as the Renters' Rights Act, Employment Rights Act, and the Planning and Infrastructure Act, this address will now outline longer-term governmental objectives. Below is a summary of potential new legislation for the 2026-27 session, drawn from ministerial statements, government publications, and media reports.
Draft Bills Expected to Feature
Two draft bills published during the last session are likely to be included. The draft Equality (Race and Disability) Bill includes a manifesto commitment to introduce mandatory reporting on ethnicity and disability pay gaps for large employers. The Government's response to the consultation reported in March that 87% of respondents supported mandatory reporting in this context. The draft Leasehold and Commonhold Reform Bill represents the Government's planned approach to a manifesto pledge to "bring the feudal leasehold system to an end", including a ban on leasehold for new flats and a cap on annual ground rents.
Unfinished Business from the 2024 King's Speech
The Government had planned to introduce the National Wealth Fund Bill during the last parliamentary session to "simplify the UK's fragmented landscape of support for businesses and investors". Rachel Reeves later announced that the existing UK infrastructure bank would become the wealth fund with an extended remit and funding, and legislation would be introduced "as soon as parliamentary time allows". A draft Audit Reform and Corporate Governance Bill, which was described as including a new regulator with a broader remit, has been abandoned. A draft Conversion Practices Bill, which would ban practices that aim to change someone's sexual orientation or gender identity, has not been published, though the Government says it remains committed to doing so "as soon as possible".
Economy-Focused Legislation
Sir Keir Starmer announced new legislation giving the Government power to nationalise British Steel, subject to a public interest test concerning national security, critical national infrastructure, and the economy. The Government has already taken control of British Steel operations and is in discussions with its current Chinese owner. A new Bill is expected to address late payments between businesses, which cost the economy nearly £11 billion a year and cause the closure of 14,000 businesses annually. A Bill focused on financial services technicalities is also anticipated. Rachel Reeves has detailed measures to reform the company merger process, regulations for drones, and reforms for artificial intelligence, alongside simpler corporate reporting rules for over 100,000 businesses. The "Leeds reforms" promise the biggest package of changes to financial sector regulation in a decade, including reforming bank ring-fencing and reducing burdensome regulation.
Asylum and Human Rights Legislation
The Government has stated its broad intention to make it more difficult for people in the UK without permission to obtain rights of residency. A Home Office policy statement in November proposed requiring legislation, including restricting the use of Article 8 of the European Convention of Human Rights, which guarantees the right to respect for private and family life and is relied upon by some migrants who do not qualify for a visa or asylum. New laws could deny appeal rights to more people and establish an independent appeal body to hear claims currently considered by judges.
Education and Health Reforms
High-profile proposed reforms to the system of support for special educational needs and disabilities would require legislative change, but are not expected until September 2029, focusing on greater inclusion. A new health Bill is expected after the March announcement that NHS England will be abolished, with most of its functions absorbed into the Department of Health and Social Care. The Government may use legislation to provide a statutory framework for reforms in the 10-year plan, including changes in governance of local integrated care boards and NHS trusts.
Home Affairs and Justice
A white paper published in January proposed significant changes to policing that would require legislation, including reducing the number of police forces, consolidating organisations like the National Crime Agency into a National Police Service, and abolishing elected police and crime commissioners. The Government's strategy for tackling violence against women and girls set out commitments to review current legislation alongside new measures. Last year, the Government accepted all recommendations from Baroness Casey's national audit on group-based child sexual exploitation, but a recommendation for mandatory police data collection on nationality and ethnicity of suspects is yet to be implemented.
Energy and Water
Ed Miliband is expected to press ahead with the Energy Independence Act promised in the manifesto, addressing rising bills and security of supply. The Government has announced an increase in the windfall tax on electricity firms and is expected to legislate to make it easier to install electric vehicle chargers. Legislation is set to replace water regulator Ofwat with a single body responsible for pollution and caps on household water bills.
Other Policy Areas
A Bill intended to accelerate remediation of cladding on properties is expected. The Government is likely to complete the Representation of the People Bill to reduce the voting age to 16 at general elections. During the first joint summit between the UK Government and the EU since Brexit in May 2025, commitments were made to strengthen cooperation, including an agreement "to prevent unnecessary border checks and help tackle the cost of food", requiring primary legislation. In the wake of the Lord Mandelson scandal, the Government promised legislation enabling the removal of peerage titles from "disgraced peers", as there is currently no provision for such removal.
