Location: Palace of Westminster
In a historic address to both Houses of Parliament, His Majesty The King delivered the first King’s Speech in over seven decades, outlining a vision for a better United Kingdom. With a focus on addressing the challenges posed by the ongoing impact of COVID-19 and the war in Ukraine, the King’s government seeks to make long-term decisions to transform the country and secure a brighter future.
Economic Growth and Financial Security
The central theme of the King’s Speech is a commitment to increase economic growth while safeguarding the health and security of the British people for generations to come. To achieve this, measures will be taken to combat inflation, ease the cost of living for families, and stimulate job creation and investment in businesses.
Energy Security and Sustainability
Recognizing the importance of energy security, the government will introduce legislation to reduce the United Kingdom’s reliance on volatile international energy markets and hostile foreign regimes. The bill will support the licensing of new oil and gas fields, facilitating the country’s transition to a net-zero emissions future by 2050.
Moreover, the government aims to attract record levels of investment in renewable energy sources, continuing the country’s track record of decarbonization and environmental stewardship.
Infrastructure Investment and Education Reform
The King’s government will invest in Network North to enhance transportation between cities and towns in the North and Midlands, prioritizing the improvement of everyday journeys for citizens. Additionally, a focus on strengthening education for the long term will result in the introduction of the Advanced British Standard, combining technical and academic routes into a single qualification. Efforts will also be made to enhance the quality of apprenticeships while reducing the number of students pursuing poor-quality university degrees.
Promoting Economic Competitiveness and Trade
Leveraging the opportunities presented by the United Kingdom’s departure from the European Union, the government will introduce a bill to promote trade and investment with the world’s fastest-growing economies. Negotiations for trade agreements with dynamic economies will continue to stimulate job growth and prosperity.
Technological Advancements and Welfare Reform
The government will introduce new legal frameworks to support the development of emerging industries like self-driving vehicles and establish competition rules for digital markets. These measures will foster innovation in fields such as machine learning and technology, supporting the creative industries and safeguarding public interest journalism. Proposals for welfare reform will be published to encourage more individuals to enter the workforce.
Social Fabric and Healthcare Transformation
The government will work to strengthen the social fabric of the United Kingdom, ensuring that the healthcare system can meet the needs of citizens. A plan will be implemented to reduce waiting lists and transform the long-term workforce of the National Health Service, with a focus on training doctors and nurses.
Public Safety and Security
To keep communities safe, the government will introduce legislation to ensure tougher sentences for serious offenders and to prevent new or complex crimes, including digital-enabled crime and child sexual abuse. Enhanced security measures will be implemented to protect public premises from the threat of terrorism.
Immigration and International Engagement
The government is committed to addressing illegal migration and strengthening national security. It will build on the Illegal Migration Act and international agreements to combat illegal Channel crossings. Additionally, the government will continue to champion global security and invest in the Armed Forces while supporting veterans. It will work with international partners to address global security challenges.
Climate Change and International Leadership
The United Kingdom will maintain its leadership in addressing climate change and biodiversity loss, supporting developing countries in their energy transition and ensuring compliance with environmental commitments. The government will lead international discussions on the safe development of Artificial Intelligence.
Global Engagement and Diplomacy
The government is set to host key international events, including the Global Investment Summit, the European Political Community, and the Energy Conference, where global conversations on pressing challenges will take place. A State Visit by the President of the Republic of Korea is expected later in the month.
In closing, the King’s government aims to make decisions in the long-term interest of future generations, addressing inflation, low growth, and the need for fiscal responsibility. It places the security of communities and the nation as a priority. With these decisions, the government seeks to transform the United Kingdom and build a better future. Estimates for public services and other measures will be presented, setting the stage for the ambitious agenda outlined in the King’s Speech.
