British monarch King Charles III is set to deliver Labour’s first programme for government in over 14 years on Wednesday, as the UK parliament reopens following the July 4 election.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer is set to place economic growth at the forefront of his legislative agenda as Labour returns to power after a long hiatus.
“The legislation set out at the King’s Speech will build on the momentum of our first days in office and make a difference to the lives of working people,” said Starmer, following Labour’s landslide victory over the Conservatives.
Despite the regal setting, the address is crafted by the government rather than the monarch, outlining the laws to be proposed over the next 12 months.
King Charles, adorned with the diamond-studded Imperial State Crown and a long crimson robe, will present these proposals from a golden throne in the House of Lords.
The speech is anticipated to introduce over 35 bills, focusing on enforcing public spending rules and preventing future utility bill price hikes, a key issue in the UK’s recent cost-of-living crisis.
Other major legislative efforts will include a fund to attract investment into the UK and the establishment of a publicly owned entity aimed at boosting clean energy production by 2030.
Labour is also expected to announce the reinstatement of mandatory house-building targets, plans to rationalise the rail services, and the launch of a new border security command.
Additionally, a bill to enhance workers’ rights, including a ban on zero-hour contracts and increased protections for renters, will be part of Labour’s comprehensive legislative package.
Former Labour minister Tony McNulty expressed the party’s eagerness, stating, “This is a hungry party. They are chomping at the bit to show that they can get back to being what they see as the natural party of government.”
The day will begin with a ceremonial search for explosives in the Palace of Westminster’s basement, a tradition dating back to the failed Gunpowder Plot of 1605.
The sovereign will then travel from Buckingham Palace to the Houses of Parliament by carriage, escorted by mounted cavalry.
In keeping with tradition, an MP will be held “hostage” at the palace to ensure the king’s safe return.
The proceedings will see a parliamentary official, known as Black Rod, having the door of the House of Commons ceremonially slammed in their face, symbolising parliament’s independence from the monarchy.
MPs will then proceed to the House of Lords, where King Charles will deliver the speech to an audience of lords and ladies, along with invited members of the Commons.
During the last address in November, King Charles, known for his environmental advocacy, maintained a neutral expression as the then Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s government announced new oil and gas licenses.
Reflecting on the upcoming speech, McNulty noted, “There’s probably much in this King’s Speech that he will favour rather than the other one he had to read out. But he’ll play it with a straight face. That’s the job.”
