LONDON, UK – On Wednesday, King Charles III will present Labour’s first programme for government in a decade and a half as the United Kingdom parliament formally reopens following the July 4 election. This marks a significant moment for Prime Minister Keir Starmer and his party, who have taken control after 14 years of Conservative rule.
Prime Minister Starmer, who led Labour to a decisive victory, emphasized his focus on rejuvenating the economy. “Now is the time to take the brakes off Britain,” Starmer stated. “I am determined to create wealth for people up and down the country. It is the only way our country can progress.”
Despite its name, the King’s Speech is written by the government and outlines the legislative agenda for the next 12 months. During the ceremony, King Charles, adorned in the diamond-studded Imperial State Crown and a crimson robe, will deliver the speech from a golden throne in the House of Lords.
The speech is expected to include more than 35 bills. Key measures will focus on enforcing public spending rules and preventing future utility bill price hikes, addressing issues that contributed to the recent cost-of-living crisis. The legislative agenda will also include previously announced initiatives, such as a fund to attract investment into the UK and a publicly owned body to boost clean energy by 2030.
Labour is anticipated to announce the restoration of mandatory housebuilding targets, plans to renationalize Britain’s rail services, and the formation of a new border security command. Additionally, the speech will likely feature a bill to enhance workers’ rights, including a ban on zero-hour contracts and stronger protections for renters.
“This is a hungry party,” former Labour minister Tony McNulty told AFP. “They are chomping at the bit to show that they can return to being what they see as the natural party of government.”
Ceremonial Traditions and Proceedings
The day’s events began at 9:30 am (0830 GMT) with a traditional search of the Palace of Westminster’s basement for explosives, a ritual dating back to the failed Gunpowder Plot of 1605. Footage showed King Charles leaving Buckingham Palace, escorted by mounted cavalry, en route to the Houses of Parliament.
In accordance with tradition, an MP was ceremonially held “hostage” at the palace to ensure the king’s safe return. A parliamentary official, known as Black Rod, will have the door of the House of Commons slammed in their face, symbolizing the chamber’s independence from the monarchy. MPs will then follow Black Rod to the House of Lords, where King Charles will deliver the speech to assembled lords, ladies in red and ermine robes, and invited Commons members shortly after 11:30 am.
As head of state, King Charles is expected to remain neutral and expressionless during the address, regardless of his personal views. “There’s probably much in this King’s Speech that he will favour rather than the other one he had to read out,” commented McNulty, a British politics lecturer at Queen Mary University of London. “But he’ll play it with a straight face. That’s the job.”