KING Charles is due to give his first King’s Speech as part of the State Opening of Parliament.
It will mark his first King’s Speech since he became the monarch, although he did give the Queen’s Speech on behalf of his mother in May 2022.
The speech will be held on November 7 2023 and will open what is likely to be the last session of Parliament before the next Westminster election.
Here’s everything you need to know.
What is the King’s speech?
The King’s Speech provides the UK Government with the opportunity to highlight its priorities for the coming months.
Formally known as the “speech from the throne,” it is a key part of the State Opening of Parliament ceremony.
The speech is written by the Government but delivered by the monarch (below). Its length can depend on the proposed number of laws and announcements although it generally lasts around 10 minutes.
It brings together both the members of the House of Commons and the House of Lords.
When is the speech?
According to the UK Parliament’s website, the speech will begin around 11.25am and it is likely to be available to watch via all major broadcasters.
Business is then suspended until 2.30pm, after which the debate on the King’s Speech is opened.
The debate on the King’s Speech normally lasts for around six sitting days.
What might the speech include?
There’s been plenty speculation as to what the speech might include. According to new data from polling company Opinium, 60% of people in the UK think the PM should push ahead with trying to hit green targets by 2030.
The polling comes after we told how the UK Government is set to ramp up oil and gas extraction with new plans to hold annual licencing rounds in what’s been described as a “final raid” on Scotland’s fossil fuels.
In terms of new announcements, Sunak’s conference announcement about raising the legal age for buying cigarettes in England is likely to be raised.
Reports have also suggested the major focus will be on crime with the introduction of bills to introduce tougher sentences for serious crimes, such as rape.
What have opposition parties said?
Reports have suggested the King’s Speech may include new powers for police and councils to clear tents put up by homeless people if they are deemed to be a “nuisance”.
The SNP have told the Prime Minister to focus on the cost of living and “not taking tents away from homeless people”.
Commenting ahead of the speech, Alba MP Neale Hanvey (above) restated the party’s view that Scotland should become an independent republic with an elected head of state.
“Alba firmly stands for Scotland and our priority is to ensure the people of Scotland have the freedom to make this choice soon, as an independent country,” he said.
