King Charles III will today deliver the King's Speech at the State Opening of Parliament, setting out the government's legislative priorities as Prime Minister Keir Starmer battles for his political survival. The speech, which includes over 35 bills, aims to strengthen public services and reverse national decline, according to No10.
Political Context
Starmer faces mounting pressure after disastrous local election results across England, Wales, and Scotland, with dozens of Labour MPs calling for his resignation. Safeguarding minister Jess Phillips resigned on Tuesday, accusing Starmer of blocking measures to protect children online. The PM hopes the pomp and ceremony of the State Opening will provide respite and a chance to refocus the agenda.
Key Bills in the King's Speech
1. Immigration Reform
New legislation will restore order and control to the asylum system, limiting the right to appeal rejected claims. Specifically, it will restrict the application of Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights, which protects the right to family life and is often used to prevent deportations.
2. British FBI
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood's policing reforms, announced in January, will be enshrined in law. The number of police forces will be reduced, and a new National Police Service (NPS) will tackle organised crime and terrorism, freeing local forces to focus on community issues.
3. Leasehold Reform
The Leasehold and Commonhold Reform Bill will increase rights for extending leases and buying freeholds in England and Wales, with a £250 cap on ground rent.
4. Nationalisation of British Steel
British Steel will be nationalised to secure thousands of jobs. The government took control of the Scunthorpe plant last year, but economic control remained in Chinese hands, preventing modernisation.
5. Cutting NHS Bureaucracy
Legislation will abolish NHS England, streamlining the health service. Responsibility for health spending will shift to ministers and local health boards, and a single electronic patient record will reduce bureaucracy.
6. New EU Bill
A bill will allow EU laws to be swiftly transferred onto UK statute books, including employment rights protections. This aligns with Starmer's vow to align the UK more closely with Europe.
7. Building Safety
The Building Safety Remediation Bill will mandate fixing unsafe cladding, support leaseholders with costs, and speed up remediation to prevent a repeat of the Grenfell Tower tragedy.
8. Water Firm Regulation
Ofwat will be replaced by a new single regulator responsible for tackling pollution and capping household bills in England.
9. Tourism Tax
A controversial overnight levy, set by mayors, will be invested in local areas with high visitor numbers. The tax applies to hotels and bed and breakfasts.
10. Hillsborough Law
The long-promised duty of candour for public bodies will be included, requiring them to tell the truth. Starmer will scrap plans to exempt security services, ending a dispute with Hillsborough families.
11. Energy Independence
The Energy Independence Bill will end UK reliance on fossil fuels, giving ministers powers to tackle rising energy prices and accelerate clean energy technologies and grid infrastructure.
Starmer stated: "The British people expect the Government to get on with the job of changing our country for the better. Cutting the cost of living, bringing down hospital waiting lists and keeping our country safe."
