In a historic moment that hasn’t been witnessed in over seven decades, King Charles III delivers historic King’s speech addressing the United Kingdom in the House of Lords, delivering the first King’s Speech since 1952. The monarch outlined an ambitious legislative agenda crafted by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, with the aim of transforming the nation for the better.
Accompanied by Queen Camilla, King Charles III arrived at the Palace of Westminster for the State Opening of Parliament, marking a significant moment in British history. The previous parliamentary session commenced in May 2022, during Boris Johnson’s tenure as Prime Minister, with Queen Elizabeth II reigning.
A list of the laws that Prime Minister Sunak has scheduled for the next parliamentary session in the House of Lords, during his speech, King Charles III emphasized the need for his government to make “difficult but necessary long-term decisions to change this country for the better,” acknowledging the profound challenges posed by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the conflict in Ukraine.
One of the key areas of focus highlighted in the King’s Speech was education reform. King Charles III announced plans to “strengthen education for the long term,” introducing the Advanced British Standard that would integrate technical and academic routes into a single qualification. This initiative aims to equip young people with the knowledge and skills necessary for future success.
My ministers will work with the Bank of England to responsibly manage borrowing and expenditure in order to bring inflation back to goal. These choices will improve household budgets, lower debt in the public sector, and protect the nation’s financial stability.”
Housing reform was also a prominent feature of the legislative agenda. The monarch stated, “My ministers will bring forward a bill to reform the housing market by making it cheaper and easier for leaseholders to purchase their freehold and tackling the exploitation of millions of homeowners through punitive service charges.” As part of these reforms, the standard lease extension term will be extended to 990 years, ground rent will be reduced to £0, and the two-year ownership requirement for leaseholders to access benefits will be abolished.
King Charles III’s commitment to addressing pressing issues and charting a course toward a brighter future for the United Kingdom marks a historic turning point. The King’s Speech serves as a testament to the monarchy’s enduring role in the nation’s governance and its dedication to the welfare of its citizens. As the parliamentary session unfolds, the UK awaits the implementation of these ambitious reforms with great anticipation.