Britain’s next term of Parliament is set to commence on Tuesday, November 7 when Charles III will read his first King’s Speech as monarch.
While he had previously deputised for his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, it is the first time that he will preside over the ceremonial event on his own terms.
The speech will contain the Government’s plans for new laws and legislation for the year ahead as well as its priorities.
It is likely to be the final opening of Parliament before the next general election – although the precise date has yet to be decided.
The speech will also be the first since Rishi Sunak became prime minister last October and will give him the chance to shape his pre-election plans.
When is the King's Speech?
The King’s Speech will be on Tuesday, November 7, from 11.30am.
You can follow the events live here in our blog.
This will represent the State Opening of Parliament.
MPs were on their summer recess from July 25 to September 4 but then went into recess again from September 19 to October 16 for party conferences to take place.
The dates were previously announced by the Leader of the House of Commons, Penny Mordaunt.
Who writes the King’s Speech?
The Government is the author of the speech.
It usually lasts around 10 minutes, while the exact amount of time varies on how many proposed laws and other announcements (such as foreign policy objectives) are included.
In order to avoid coming out as politically supportive, the King gives the speech in an impartial manner.
Do MPs vote on the King’s Speech?
Yes, MPs reconvene in the House of Commons to commence the deliberation of the speech's contents, approximately two hours following its delivery.
The prime minister will "sell" the address to the Commons, outlining his or her vision for the nation, following opening remarks by two Members of Parliament.
Subsequently, the opposition leader has the opportunity to address the group before any other members are permitted to speak.
Known as "the Humble Address", the debate lasts for roughly five days. Then, there is a vote to conclude the discussion.
It is rare for a government to lose it. As a matter of fact, the last time a government lost a vote was under Conservative PM Stanley Baldwin in January 1924.
George V was the reigning monarch at the time, and Baldwin delivered a King's Speech despite having lost the majority in the general election held the month before. After being forced to resign, Labour established a temporary administration in his stead.
What does the King's Speech contain?
Parliament’s website says: “The State Opening marks the beginning of the parliamentary session. Its main purpose is for the Monarch to formally open Parliament and, in the King’s Speech, outline the Government's proposed policies and legislation for the coming parliamentary session.”
The 2022 speech was noteworthy for its levelling-up agenda. It is not known as yet what the 2023 speech will contain but the recent Tory party conference could provide clues.
This included homes and planning reforms although the event was mired by the decision to cancel the northern leg of HS2 – something which will not be in the King’s Speech.
Ms Mordaunt said in July that the Government had introduced 16 bills; 10 had received royal assent and more would follow shortly.
When was the last King’s Speech?
This is the first speech from the throne in the House of Lords that King Charles III will deliver as King. In May 2022, he delivered the Queen’s Speech. He and Prince William were counsellors of State, acting on Her late Majesty the Queen’s behalf.
So, the most recent King’s Speech was the one prior to Elizabeth II’s reign, which began in 1952.
