In a momentous address at the opening of the UK’s new government under Prime Minister Keir Starmer, King Charles III outlined a comprehensive legislative agenda centred on security, fairness, opportunity, and economic stability.
The speech set out the legislative agenda put in place by Starmer and his Labour Party as the new government kicks off.
Below are the key highlights from the King’s speech:
Mission-Led Governance
“My government will govern in service to the country,” declared King Charles III, emphasising a legislative programme grounded in security, fairness, and opportunity for all. He highlighted that stability will be the cornerstone of economic policy, with every decision aligned to fiscal rules.
Independent Fiscal Oversight
A significant aspect of the agenda is the introduction of legislation to ensure that all major tax and spending changes undergo independent assessment by the Office for Budget Responsibility.
The King stated, “It will legislate to ensure that all significant tax and spending changes are subject to an independent assessment.”
Economic Growth and Partnership
Securing economic growth is a fundamental mission of the new government. The King announced initiatives to foster a new partnership between business and working people, aimed at overcoming recent cost-of-living challenges.
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He declared, “My government will seek a new partnership with both business and working people, and help the country move on from the recent cost-of-living challenges.”
Infrastructure and Housing
King Charles III underscored the government’s commitment to accelerating the delivery of high-quality infrastructure and housing through planning reforms.
“My ministers will get Britain building, including through planning reform,” he stated, highlighting efforts to drive sustainable growth by encouraging investment in industry, skills, and new technologies.
Employment Rights and AI Regulation
A new deal for working people will be introduced to ban exploitative practices and enhance employment rights. Additionally, the government will legislate to place requirements on those developing the most powerful artificial intelligence models.
“My government is committed to making work pay,” the King affirmed, emphasising protections for workers in the evolving economy.
Devolution and Local Growth
Greater devolution of decision-making is seen as pivotal for economic growth. An English Devolution Bill will be introduced, giving new powers to metro mayors and combined authorities.
“My government believes that greater devolution of decision-making is at the heart of a modern dynamic economy,” the King stated, supporting local growth plans that bring economic benefits to communities.
Transportation and Energy
The government plans to reform rail franchising, establish Great British Railways, and bring train operators into public ownership. In the energy sector, the King announced the establishment of Great British Energy, a publicly owned clean power company, to accelerate investment in renewable energy.
“A bill will be introduced to set up Great British Energy,” he said, emphasising the commitment to a clean energy transition.
Public Safety and Border Security
To enhance public safety, legislation will be introduced to modernise the asylum and immigration system, establish a new border security command, and deliver enhanced counter-terror powers.
“My government will seek to strengthen the border and make streets safer,” the King declared, outlining measures to strengthen community policing and support for victims.
Education and Health
The government aims to raise educational standards, promote children’s well-being, and improve the National Health Service.
“Measures will be brought forward to remove the exemption from value-added tax for private school fees,” the King announced, funding 6,500 new teachers. Additionally, legislation will be introduced to modernise the Mental Health Act and ensure mental health receives equal attention as physical health.
Social Reforms and Equality
Legislation to restrict the advertising of junk food to children, ban conversion practices, and promote race equality will be introduced.
The King highlighted the importance of fostering respect and rebuilding trust, stating, “Legislation will be brought forward to introduce a duty of candour for public servants.”
Defence and International Relations
The UK will maintain a strong defence, including a nuclear deterrent, and conduct a strategic defence review to match capabilities to global threats.
“My government will continue to give its full support to Ukraine,” the King affirmed, emphasising the UK’s commitment to NATO and strengthening cooperation with European partners.
Constitutional and Electoral Reforms
Reforms to modernise the Constitution, including House of Lords reform and strengthening the integrity of elections, were announced.
The King also emphasised the importance of wide participation in the democratic process, stating, “My government will propose a modernisation committee of the House of Commons.”
Commitment to the Commonwealth
King Charles III expressed his and the Queen’s anticipation of visiting Samoa and Australia for Commonwealth engagements. He concluded with a blessing for the legislative bodies, praying, “I pray that the blessing of Almighty God may rest upon your counsels.”
This comprehensive legislative agenda sets a robust framework for addressing the UK’s economic, social, and environmental challenges, aiming to create a fairer, more prosperous, and secure nation for all its citizens.
