- King’s Speech priorities
- Legislation and criticism
- Public protest and reaction
In the first King’s Speech in decades, stricter sentences for the nation’s most egregious offenders and initiatives to establish a generation free from smoking were emphasised.
Protesters applauded the King as he departed from parliament after outlining Rishi Sunak’s agenda for the forthcoming year.
An attack on grooming and heavier sentences for the nation’s worst criminals dominated the first King’s Speech in decades.
Commencing his address—the first by a monarch in over seven decades—the monarch recalled his “beloved mother, the late Queen,” whose “legacy of service and devotion to this country” he praised.
Monarch’s Priorities
The King stated that the Sentencing Bill would be advanced in an effort to “increase the confidence of victims”. As he read the agenda for the coming year issued by Prime Minister Sunak.
He stated that law enforcement would be given more power to “prevent new and complex crimes” and child sexual exploitation.
Notwithstanding the prioritisation of criminal activity, the recent pro-Palestinian demonstrations that have transpired throughout the United Kingdom and were characterised as “hate marches” by Ms. Braverman were not addressed.
Also disregarded by the King were her contentious proposals to limit the use of tents among the homeless.
Anti-monarchy demonstrators congregated outside of parliament before the speech, carrying placards that read, “Not my king!”
After the King finished his speech in parliament and left for Buckingham Palace, they booed him.
“Join the Webull revolution in the UK and receive your free shares today.”
The King’s Speech, 1,223 words, was the longest since 2005 during a State Opening of Parliament.
The King called the COVID-19 pandemic and Ukraine war “significant long-term challenges for the United Kingdom.
He stated that the objectives of the Sunak administration were the “promotion of economic growth and long-term protection of the health and safety of the British people.
The King reaffirmed the prime minister’s central commitment to reduce inflation, which is presently recorded at 6.7%. He said the government would “assist the Bank of England in that objective” by “judicious spending and borrowing decisions.”
The monarch reaffirmed previously declared goals to establish a “smoke-free generation” by declaring that the government would impose restrictions on the sale of tobacco, prohibiting the sale of cigarettes to minors under the age of 14.
Legislation and Controversies
In the Offshore Petroleum and Licensing Bill, the King, a lifelong environmental activist, also endorsed Mr. Sunak’s proposal to issue new oil and gas licences, which would “assist the nation in transitioning to net zero emissions by 2050 without imposing undue burdens on households.”
In another context, he reiterated the prime minister’s intentions to implement an Advanced British Standard. Which will serve as a “new Baccalaureate-style qualification” replacing A-Levels and T-Levels for students aged 16 to 19. Additionally, he vowed to implement a crackdown on “low-quality” university degrees in support of encouraging a greater number of young people to pursue high-quality apprenticeships.
The government wants to promote the Leasehold and Freehold Bill to simplify and cut lessee freehold costs in housing. Additionally, the bill is expected to address the concern surrounding punitive service charges.
The much-anticipated Renters Reform Bill, which aims to prohibit no-fault evictions, is intended to increase tenant security. However, the policy has been criticised since Levelling Up Secretary Michael Gove stated that he would not implement the policy until the courts were reformed.
Long-Term Vision
In conclusion, the King stated, “My administration will strive to make long-term decisions that are in the best interests of future generations in every way.”
Concerning low growth and inflation, my ministers will prioritise these issues over calls for increased expenditure or borrowing.
Ministers will emphasise national and community security over the liberties of threats.
Through these long-term decisions, my government will construct a brighter future for this nation and effect change.
