King's Speech Live: Planning reform and growth at heart of King's Speech

SNP leader Stephen Flynn said:

“Keir Starmer has failed his first test in government. This timid legislative programme is a missed opportunity that failed to deliver the change that people in Scotland were promised.

“People in Scotland voted for clear and substantial change at Westminster, and the Labour Government was handed a huge mandate to deliver it, so it’s bitterly disappointing that they have thrown that opportunity away.

He accused Labour of having no plan for tackling child poverty, the cost of living, ending austerity or increasing NHS funding.

King Charles has delivered his first Labour King's Speech and has revealed the party's agenda for the next 12 months.

There has been a particular emphasis on improving transport, driving growth, creating jobs and accelerating the building of houses and infrastructure.

However, some have criticised the lack of bills related to health and the NHS.

Read more here: Plans to get Britain building, nationalise railways and tax private schools confirmed in Starmer's first King's Speech

After Black Rod returned to the Lords Chamber with Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle and MPs, the Lord High Chancellor, Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood, bowed to the King and presented him with the King’s Speech.

She did not walk backwards down the steps from the throne, as is traditional, but turned around and walked forwards down the steps.

The King and Queen return to the Robing Room.

He says: 

“Later this week, my Government will host the European Political Community meeting at Blenheim Palace. 

"The Queen and I look forward to our Visit to Samoa alongside the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in October, and our Visit to Australia.” 

He also expresses explicit support for Ukraine joining NATO. 

The government will continue to give its full support to Ukraine and its people, and it will endeavour to play a leading role in providing Ukraine with a clear path to NATO membership. 

He also says the government will look to “improve the United Kingdom's trade and investment relationship with the European Union. 

The King also says the government will “play its part in trying to secure long-term peace and security in the Middle East.”  

He says: “It is committed to a two state solution with a safe and secure Israel alongside a viable and sovereign Palestinian state.” 

We are ending with the government's defence and foreign policy plans. 

The king reaffirms the government’s commitment to the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation, pledging to maintain the nuclear deterrent. He also mentions the Strategic Defence Review, previously announced by Labour, as the first step to increasing the United Kingdom’s defence capabilities. 

He says: 

“My Government will ensure a strong defence based on the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation's common values of individual liberty, democracy, human rights and the rule of law. Its commitment to NATO will remain unshakeable. It will maintain a strong Armed Forces, including the nuclear deterrent. To ensure that the United Kingdom's defence capabilities are matched to the changing nature of global strategic threats, my Government will conduct a Strategic Defence Review.” 

The government announces plans to modernise the constitution by “removing the right of hereditary peers to sit and vote in the Lords.” 

A House of Commons modernisation committee will “be tasked with driving up standards, improving work practices and reforming procedures.” 

An age limit for serving in the House of Lords is noticeably absent.

A little more about governing now. 

The King announces a new Council of the Nations and Regions to create opportunites for the “Prime Minister, heads of devolved governments and mayors of combined authorities to collaborate with each other.” 

He adds that the government will support devolved government in Northern Ireland by beginning a process to ‘repeal and replace’the Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023. 

The King introduces legislation the government hopes will “rebuild trust and foster respect.” 

The Hillsbourough Law will “introduce a duty of candour for public servants.” 

He also announces plans to establish a “statutory Armed Forces Commissioner to act as a strong independent champion for our gallant Armed Forces and their families.” 

He also announces that a bill on race equality will be published in draft to enshrine the full right to equal pay in law. 

The National Health Service takes centre stage as the Government promises legislation on mental health, conversion therapy, smoking, and junk food. 

He says: “A Bill will be introduced to progressively increase the age at which people can buy cigarettes and impose limits on the sale and marketing of vapes.” 

“My Ministers will also legislate to restrict advertising of junk food to children along with the sale of high caffeine energy drinks to children. 

“A draft Bill will be brought forward to ban conversion practices.”