The Kings Speech - What is it? What were the bills?

The State Opening of Parliament is a ceremonial event marking the commencement of a new parliamentary session in the United Kingdom.

Key Elements of the State Opening of Parliament and the Monarch's Speech

The State Opening of Parliament is steeped in tradition and pageantry, involving various historical rituals and symbols. It typically includes a grand procession from Buckingham Palace to the Palace of Westminster, with the monarch traveling in the State Coach and escorted by the Household Cavalry.

The reigning monarch (currently King Charles III) delivers the speech from the throne in the House of Lords. The speech is written by the incumbent government and outlines its agenda for the coming parliamentary session, including proposed policies and legislation.

Before the speech, the monarch's representative, known as Black Rod, is sent to summon the House of Commons. In a symbolic gesture, the doors of the Commons are slammed shut in Black Rod's face, highlighting the independence of the Commons from the monarchy. Black Rod then knocks three times to gain entry.

The speech outlines the government's priorities and legislative plans for the new session. It typically addresses key areas such as the economy, public services, national security, and foreign policy. Although delivered by the monarch, the speech reflects the political agenda of the ruling party or coalition.

Following the speech, both houses of Parliament debate its contents. This is known as the "Debate on the Address." The debate allows members of Parliament to discuss and critique the government's proposed agenda.

What happened in this Kings Speech?

There were 40 bills that were introduced in the Kings Speech. Two of these were carried over from the previous government; the “holocaust memorial bill” and the “high speed rail bill”. Others were started by the previous government but will need to start the legislation process again, or were brand new bills.

Economic stability and growth: Budget Responsibility Bill / National Wealth Fund Bill / Pension Schemes Bill / Planning and Infrastructure Bill / Employment Rights Bill / English Devolution Bill / Passenger Railway Services (Public Ownership) Bill / Better Buses Bill / Railways Bill / Bank Resolution (Recapitalisation) Bill / Arbitration Bill / Product Safety and Metrology Bill / Digital Information and Smart Data Bill / High Speed Rail (Crewe to Manchester) Bill / Draft Audit Reform and Corporate Governance Bill

Great British Energy and becoming a Clean Energy Superpower: Great British Energy Bill / The Crown Estate Bill / Sustainable Aviation Fuel (Revenue Support Mechanism) Bill / Water (Special Measures) Bill

Secure borders, cracking down on anti-social behaviour and taking back our streets: Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill / Crime and Policing Bill / Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill / Victims, Courts and Public Protection Bill

Breaking down the barriers to opportunity: Children’s Wellbeing Bill / Skills England Bill / Renters’ Rights Bill / Football Governance Bill / Draft Leasehold and Commonhold Reform Bill / Draft Equality (Race and Disability) Bill / Draft Conversion Practices Bill

Health: Tobacco and Vapes Bill / Mental Health Bill

National security and serving the country: Hillsborough Law / Armed Forces / Commissioner Bill / Northern Ireland Legacy Legislation / House of Lords (Hereditary Peers) Bill / Cyber Security and Resilience Bill / Commonwealth Parliamentary Association and International Committee of the Red Cross (Status) Bill / Lords Spiritual (Women) Act 2015 (Extension) Bill / Holocaust Memorial Bill