King’s Speech Summary: Five Key Policies Announced at State Opening

Esteemed Lords and Members of the House of Commons.

‘My government will rule in the service of the country.

My government’s legislative programme will be based on the mission and principles of security, justice and opportunity for all.

‘Stability will be a cornerstone of my government’s economic policy, and every decision will be consistent with its fiscal principles. It will legislate to ensure that all significant tax and spending changes are subject to independent review by the Office for Budget Responsibility. Bills will be introduced to strengthen auditing and corporate governance, alongside pension investments.

‘Delivering growth will be a core mission. My Government will pursue a new partnership with both businesses and working people and help the country recover from recent cost of living challenges by prioritising wealth creation for all communities. My Ministers will establish an Industrial Strategy Board. My Government aims to raise living standards across all nations and regions of the UK.

‘My ministers will keep Britain building, including through planning reform, as they seek to accelerate the delivery of high-quality infrastructure and housing. They will also pursue sustainable growth, encouraging investment in industry, skills and new technologies.

“My government is committed to making work pay and will legislate a New Deal for Working People to outlaw exploitative practices and strengthen workers’ rights. It will seek to establish appropriate regulations to impose requirements on those working to develop the most powerful AI models.

‘My Government believes that greater devolution of decision-making underpins a modern, dynamic economy and is a key driver of economic growth, and my Ministers will introduce an English Devolution Bill. It will introduce legislation that will give new powers to metro mayors and combined authorities. This will support local growth plans that deliver economic benefits to communities.

‘A bill will be introduced to give local leaders control of local bus services. My ministers will bring forward legislation to improve the railways by reforming the rail franchise, creating Great British Railways and bringing train operators into public ownership.

Together, these policies will strengthen the UK’s position as a leading industrialised nation and enable the country to take advantage of new opportunities that can stimulate economic growth and wealth creation.

‘My government recognises the urgency of the global climate challenge and the new job opportunities that can arise from leading the development of the technologies of the future. It is committed to a clean energy transition that will, over time, lower energy bills for consumers.

‘A Bill will be introduced to create Great British Energy, a publicly owned clean energy company based in Scotland, which will help accelerate investment in renewable energy sources such as offshore wind. A Bill will be introduced to help the country achieve energy independence and unlock investment in energy infrastructure. A Bill will be introduced to support sustainable aviation fuel production. My Government recognises the need to improve water quality and a Bill will be introduced to strengthen the powers of the Water Regulator.

‘My government will work to strengthen the border and make our streets safer. A bill will be introduced to modernise the asylum and immigration system, establishing a new Border Security Command and providing enhanced counter-terrorism powers to tackle organised immigration crime. It will introduce legislation to strengthen community policing, give police more powers to tackle anti-social behaviour and strengthen support for victims.

‘Measures will be introduced to improve the safety and security of public places and help protect the British public from terrorism. My Government will set out plans to halve violence against women and girls.

“My Ministers will work to raise educational standards and break down barriers to opportunity. Action will be taken to get people back to work after the impact of the pandemic. A Bill will be introduced to raise standards in education and promote children’s wellbeing. Measures will be put forward to remove the VAT exemption for private school fees, enabling funding for 6,500 new teachers. My Government will set up Skills England, with a new partnership with employers at its heart, and my Ministers will reform the Apprenticeship Tax.

‘Legislation will be introduced to give greater rights and protection to people who rent their homes, including ending no-fault evictions and reforming the grounds of possession. Draft legislation will be published on reforming tenancies and shared ownership.

A bill will be introduced to establish an independent football oversight body to ensure the sport is more sustainable and to protect fans.

‘My Government will improve the National Health Service as a service for all, providing care based on need, regardless of ability to pay. It will seek to reduce waiting times, focus on prevention and improve mental health care for young people. It will ensure that mental health is given the same attention and focus as physical health. My Ministers will legislate to modernise the Mental Health Act to make it fit for the 21st century.

‘A bill will be introduced that will gradually raise the age at which people can buy cigarettes and impose restrictions on the sale and marketing of vape pens. My ministers will also pass legislation to restrict the advertising of junk food to children, as well as the sale of highly caffeinated energy drinks to children. A bill will be introduced to ban conversion practices.

‘My government will take steps to help rebuild trust and nurture respect. Legislation will be brought forward to introduce a duty of candor for public servants. A bill will be brought forward to create a statutory Commissioner of the Armed Forces to act as a strong independent defender of our brave armed forces and their families.

‘The Racial Equality Bill will be published in draft form to guarantee the full right to equal pay.

“My Government will strengthen its work with the devolved governments in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland to deliver the best possible outcomes for people across the UK. My Ministers will establish a new Council of Nations and Regions to renew the opportunities for the Prime Minister, devolved leaders and combined authority mayors to work together.

“My Government will continue to support the political institutions and devolved government in Northern Ireland. In consultation with all parties, measures will be put forward to begin the process of repealing and replacing the Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023.

‘Measures will be introduced to modernise the constitution, including reform of the House of Lords, which aims to remove the right of hereditary peers to sit and vote in the House of Lords. My ministers will strengthen the integrity of elections and encourage wide participation in the democratic process.

The Government will propose establishing a Modernisation Select Committee in the House of Commons to raise standards, improve working practices and reform procedures.

“My Government will deliver a strong defence based on the shared values of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) of individual liberty, democracy, human rights and the rule of law. Its commitment to NATO will remain unwavering. It will maintain a strong armed force, including a nuclear deterrent. To ensure the UK’s defence capabilities are adapted to the changing nature of global strategic threats, my Government will conduct a Strategic Defence Review.

“My government will continue to provide full support to Ukraine and its people and will strive to play a leading role in providing Ukraine with a clear path to NATO membership.

“My government will seek to reset relationships with our European partners and work to improve the UK’s trade and investment relationship with the European Union. My ministers will pursue a new security pact to strengthen cooperation on the mutual threats that the UK and EU face.

“My government will play its part in trying to secure long-term peace and security in the Middle East. It is committed to a two-state solution with a safe and secure Israel alongside a viable and sovereign Palestinian state.

“Towards the end of the week my Government will host a meeting of the European Political Community at Blenheim Palace.

The Queen and I look forward to our visit to Samoa in October, as well as to the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting and our visit to Australia.

“Members of the House of Commons, the estimates of spending on public services will be laid before you.

‘My Lords and Honourable Members of the House of Commons, other remedies will be put before you.

“I pray that the blessing of almighty God rests upon your counsels.”