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PRESS RELEASE : King’s Speech to build a Stronger, Fairer Northern Ireland and Deliver the Troubles Bill [May 2026]

The press release issued by the Northern Ireland Office on 13 May 2026.

Statement from the Secretary of State regarding the King’s Speech in Parliament.

Today’s King’s Speech sets out the Government’s commitment to building a stronger and fairer United Kingdom with Northern Ireland at its heart. The Government’s legislative programme includes measures that will strengthen the foundations of our economy, public services and security, and help to alleviate the cost-of-living crisis facing families.

It also underlines the Government’s commitment to delivering the Northern Ireland Troubles Bill.

Northern Ireland’s place in the UK Internal Market will be strengthened through legislation to implement new agreements with the EU that will cut paperwork, reduce costs for businesses, and significantly ease the movement of food and drink goods between Great Britain and Northern Ireland, as well as with the EU.

UK‑wide action on energy, through the Energy Independence Bill, will give government more power to tackle the affordability crisis, speed up the delivery of clean energy technologies and ensure greater resilience in the face of global shocks. And Northern Ireland will benefit from this Government’s investments in public services, defence and security.

A new Immigration Bill will allow the Government to speed up the removal and deportation of foreign criminals and reduce the pull factors that drive illegal migration.

Secretary of State, Hilary Benn MP, said:

“Today’s King’s Speech sets out an ambitious legislative plan to support a stable and prosperous Northern Ireland.

“The Government’s focus is on economic growth and prosperity, removing barriers facing businesses and working to create more jobs, investment and innovation here in Northern Ireland, while protecting the UK internal market.

“We will continue our partnership with the Northern Ireland Executive to support institutional stability, deliver better public services, and invest in Northern Ireland’s economic future.

“And we will strengthen energy security for Northern Ireland, supporting grid resilience, protecting consumers from price shocks and enabling investment in cleaner power.”

On the Northern Ireland Troubles Bill, Mr Benn said:

“The UK Government is committed to delivering the Troubles Bill to address the legacy of that terrible period of our history.

“It is the only viable way to generate confidence across communities, enable information sharing by the Irish authorities, and put in place safeguards for our former service personnel.

“This final chance to get legacy right has fallen to us, in this Parliament, and we will deliver it.”

The legislative programme set out in the King’s Speech includes Bills that will extend and apply to Northern Ireland, either in full or in part.

The UK Government will work collaboratively with the Northern Ireland Executive to secure the legislative consent of the Assembly where appropriate.

May 13, 2026
PRESS RELEASE : West Midlands lettings agent, Harjinder Singh, sentenced for exploiting two Covid support schemes [May 2026]
The press release issued by the Insolvency Service on 13 May 2026.

Director made false declarations on two separate government-backed loan applications.
- Harjinder Singh legitimately secured a £20,000 Bounce Back Loan in May 2020 before fraudulently obtaining a second £30,000 loan the following month
- He failed to declare the fraudulent second loan when applying for a £95,000 Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan later that year
- Singh was handed a suspended sentence and director disqualification after Insolvency Service investigations into his fraudulent actions
A West Midlands property developer and lettings agent has been sentenced after fraudulently obtaining two separate Covid support loans designed to help businesses through the pandemic.

Harjinder Singh had already claimed a legitimate £20,000 Bounce Back Loan for HP Property (International) Ltd in May 2020 when he went back for more the following month.

The 44-year-old lied to a second bank, falsely declaring it was his first application, and secured a £30,000 Bounce Back Loan he was not entitled to.

He then failed to declare the £30,000 loan when he applied for a £95,000 Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan later that year.

Singh, of Stonnall Road, Aldridge, was sentenced to 22 months in prison, suspended for two years, when he appeared at Birmingham Crown Court on Tuesday 12 May.

He was also disqualified as a company director for seven years, ordered to complete 200 hours of unpaid work, and 20 days of rehabilitation activities.

David Snasdell, Chief Investigator at the Insolvency Service, said:

Harjinder Singh exploited Covid support schemes that were created in good faith to help businesses survive one of the most difficult periods in recent memory.

He made deliberate false declarations across two separate applications to keep money he had no right to.

The Insolvency Service remains committed to ensuring that Covid fraudsters face the consequences of their actions.

HP Property (International) Ltd was set up in January 2016 and traded as a residential property developer and letting agent.

In an interview with the Insolvency Service, Singh acknowledged the application for a £30,000 Bounce Back Loan broke the rules of the scheme, admitting he had not read the terms and conditions and saying “we just clicked it”.

Singh’s application for a Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan – a separate government-backed scheme to help small and medium-sized businesses safeguard against lost revenues and disrupted cashflow during the pandemic – was made in October 2020.

Under the scheme’s rules, any outstanding Bounce Back Loan had to be repaid using the new funding, meaning Singh was legally required to disclose it.

He disclosed the first £20,000 Bounce Back Loan which was duly repaid as the scheme required, but failed to declare the fraudulent £30,000, allowing him to keep the money.

HP Property (International) Ltd went into compulsory liquidation in November 2021 after the lender of the business interruption loan went to court to recover the money it was owed.

The Insolvency Service is seeking to recover the fraudulently obtained funds under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002.

Further information
- Harjinder Singh is of Stonnall Road, Aldridge, West Midlands. His date of birth is 4 January 1982
- HP Property (International) Ltd (company number 09943518)
May 13, 2026
King Charles III – 2026 King’s Speech to Parliament

The speech made by King Charles III in the House of Lords on 13 May 2026.

My Lords and Members of the House of Commons. An increasingly dangerous and volatile world threatens the United Kingdom, with the conflict in the Middle East only the most recent example. Every element of the nation’s energy, defence and economic security will be tested.

My Government will respond to this world with strength and aim to create a country that is fair for all. My Ministers will take decisions that protect the energy, defence and economic security of the United Kingdom for the long-term. They will defend the British values of decency, tolerance and respect for difference under our common flag, and they will harness the potential of the pride felt across this country for its communities. My Government will take urgent action to tackle antisemitism and ensure all communities feel safe.

My Government believes that the United Kingdom’s economic security depends on raising living standards in every part of the United Kingdom. My Ministers will support measures that maintain stability and control the cost of living. They will use public investment to shape markets and attract further private investment. They will deploy the power of an active State in partnership with business and enable reforms that support higher growth and a fair deal for working people.

My Government believes that improved trading relations are vital for the United Kingdom’s economic security, for significantly raising economic growth, and for lowering prices for working people. My Ministers will introduce legislation to take advantage of new trading opportunities, including a Bill to strengthen ties with the European Union [European Partnership Bill]. My Government will also support the economic security of British businesses. Legislation will be introduced to tackle late payments [Small Business Protections (Late Payments) Bill] and to reduce the burden of unnecessary regulation through innovation [Regulating for Growth Bill].

The United Kingdom’s economic security depends upon world class infrastructure. Legislation will be introduced to unlock the benefits of airport expansion [Civil Aviation Bill]; enable roads to be built at pace including the Lower Thames Crossing [Highways (Financing) Bill]; and deliver a fair deal for the North of England through Northern Powerhouse Rail [Northern Powerhouse Rail Bill]. My Ministers will continue to take all action necessary to safeguard the domestic production of steel [Steel Industry (Nationalisation) Bill].

My Government will also improve the United Kingdom’s security by continuing to invest in the renewal of public services. My Ministers will push forward with significant reforms to the police [Police Reform Bill], the National Health Service [NHS Modernisation Bill], and to the criminal justice system [Courts Modernisation Bill] to help them deliver services the British people expect. Legislation will be introduced to increase confidence in the security of the immigration and asylum systems [Immigration and Asylum Bill]. My Government will improve critical infrastructure with legislation to clean-up the water industry [Clean Water Bill] and establish Great British Railways [Railways and Passenger Benefits Bill].

My Government believes that the United Kingdom should be a country fair for all and a place where every child is included in the nation’s highest aspirations. My Ministers believe that every child deserves the chance to succeed to the best of his or her ability and not be held back due to poverty, special educational needs, or a lack of respect for vocational education. My Ministers will continue to invest in apprenticeships and measures that tackle youth unemployment. They will respond to the Milburn Review and the Timms Review and continue to reform the welfare system to support both young and disabled people to flourish in work as the basis for long-term economic security. A Bill will be brought forward to raise standards in schools and introduce generational reforms of the special educational needs system [Education for All Bill]. My Ministers will also proceed with the introduction of Digital ID that will modernise how citizens interact with public services [Digital Access to Services Bill].

Alongside strong public services and a strong economy, the highest standards of trust in public office are essential for the social contract and the United Kingdom’s collective security. My Government will introduce the Hillsborough Law to bring forward a duty of candour for public servants [Public Office (Accountability) Bill]. My Ministers will also introduce legislation to enable peerages to be removed [Removal of Peerages Bill]. My Government will bring forward proposals that strengthen the delivery, accountability, innovation and productivity of the Civil Service. These proposals will also seek to safeguard its impartiality and core values, to enhance trust and confidence in the institutions of government.

My Government will bring forward a Bill to speed up remediation for people living in homes with unsafe cladding [Remediation Bill] and a draft Bill to ban abusive conversion practices [Draft Conversion Practices Bill].

In this volatile world, my Government will continue to pursue foreign policy based on a calm assessment of the national interest. It will continue its unflinching support for the brave people of Ukraine, who fight on the frontline of freedom. My Ministers will seek to improve relations with European partners as a vital step in strengthening European security. It will continue to promote long term peace in the Middle East and the Two-State solution in Israel and Palestine.

My Government will also uphold the United Kingdom’s unbreakable commitment to NATO and our NATO allies, including through a sustained increase in defence spending.

My Government will seek to reinforce the long-term energy, defence and economic security of the United Kingdom as an essential component of strength on the world stage. This will include housing, which can be a source of insecurity for many people. My Ministers will bring forward legislation to increase long-term investment in social housing [Social Housing Renewal Bill] and to reform the leasehold system, including the capping of ground rents [Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill].

My Government will introduce legislation to tackle the growing threat from foreign state entities and their proxies [Tackling State Threats Bill]. They will respond to the horrific attack in Southport with measures to protect the British people from extreme violence, and honour the victims, the injured and their families [National Security Bill]. My Ministers will also introduce legislation to improve the country’s defences against cyber-security threats [Cyber Security and Resilience Bill].

My Government will support our gallant Armed Forces and their families who make considerable personal sacrifices for the collective security and freedom of everyone in the United Kingdom. My Ministers will recognise this service with an Armed Forces Bill that improves the service justice system and establishes the Armed Forces covenant in statute [Armed Forces Bill].

My Ministers believe that energy independence must be a long-term goal of national security and that the nation’s energy security requires long-term investment and reform, as demonstrated by recent events in the Middle East. Increased production of clean British energy will help to ensure that enemies of the United Kingdom cannot attack the economic security of the British people. My Ministers will therefore introduce an Energy Independence Bill to scale-up homegrown renewable energy and protect living standards for the long-term [Energy Independence Bill].

My Ministers will also take forward recommendations of the Nuclear Regulatory Review and encourage a new era of British nuclear energy generation [Nuclear Regulation Bill].

My Government will remain a leading advocate for tackling climate change and achieving a world free from poverty. The United Kingdom will also take action to reduce humanitarian need and conflict around the world.

My Ministers will champion the rights of women and girls to live in a world free from violence. This will include promoting women’s full economic and political participation within their societies, with agency over the decisions that impact their lives.

Next year, the United Kingdom will take on the G20 Presidency and host the G20 Summit to drive global growth and reinforce global stability, which is essential for the prosperity of working people across the country.

My Government is committed to the strength and integrity of the Union of the United Kingdom and will continue to work closely with the devolved governments to deliver for citizens across the whole of the nation.

Members of the House of Commons

Estimates for the public services will be laid before you.

My Lords and Members of the House of Commons

Other measures will be laid before you.

I pray that the blessing of Almighty God may rest upon your counsels.

May 13, 2026
NEWS STORY : King’s Speech Sets Out New Laws on Immigration, Steel, Energy and Public Services

STORY

The Government has set out a wide-ranging legislative programme in the King’s Speech, with ministers promising new laws on immigration, energy security, national security, public services and the possible public ownership of British Steel. The programme was presented by King Charles at the State Opening of Parliament, but the speech was written by the Government and sets out its plans for the new parliamentary session.

The package includes more than 35 bills and draft laws, with Downing Street saying the measures are intended to “restore order and control” to the immigration system, strengthen public services and reform the state. Sir Keir Starmer said the public expected the Government to “get on with the job” of changing the country, including cutting the cost of living, reducing hospital waiting lists and keeping Britain safe.

Among the most politically significant measures is legislation giving ministers powers to bring British Steel into public ownership if required. The Government has said the move would be subject to a public interest test and is intended to protect strategically important steelmaking capacity, including production at Scunthorpe.

The speech also included immigration legislation designed to toughen the system, including stricter rules on settlement, as well as national security measures aimed at countering state threats, cyber-attacks and extremist content online. Reports ahead of the speech also pointed to reforms affecting asylum, human rights interpretations and the response to hostile activity by countries such as Iran and Russia.

Energy and economic security were another major part of the programme. The Government is expected to introduce an energy independence bill to support clean power and nuclear construction, alongside wider reforms aimed at improving growth, infrastructure and resilience. Ministers are presenting the package as a response to global instability and domestic pressure on living standards.

May 13, 2026
Jo Stevens – 2026 Comments on New First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth

The comments made by Jo Stevens, the Secretary of State for Wales, on 13 May 2026.

I want to congratulate new First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth and all those elected to the Senedd last week.

The Welsh public expect to see both their governments working together to tackle the cost of living, improve public services, create jobs and drive economic growth.

As Secretary of State for Wales I look forward to working constructively with the new Welsh Government to deliver in the interests of the people of Wales.

May 13, 2026
PRESS RELEASE : HMS Spey visits Manila to mark 80 years of UK-PH relations [May 2026]

The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 13 May 2026.

UK Royal Navy offshore patrol vessel HMS Spey recently concluded a three-day port visit to Manila, marking a significant moment in the UK-Philippines relations.

UK Royal Navy offshore patrol vessel HMS Spey recently concluded a three-day port visit to Manila, marking a significant moment in the UK-Philippines relations as the two countries celebrate the 80th anniversary of diplomatic ties.

The visit, which ran from 6 to 9 May, formed part of HMS Spey’s continued deployment in the Indo-Pacific, reflecting the UK’s enduring and permanent maritime presence in the region. During its time in the country, HMS Spey’s Commanding Officer, Commander Daniel Briscoe paid courtesy calls with the Philippine Navy and Philippine Coast Guard. The ship also hosted a reception, bringing together diplomatic and defence guests to mark eight decades of UK-Philippines friendship. The crew also visited communities in Tondo affected by a recent fire, demonstrating the people-to-people ties underpinning our bilateral relationship.

The visit builds on the momentum of recent high-level engagement between the two countries. Last year, the UK Minister for Defence in the House of Lords, Lord Coaker, visited Manila, which saw the announcement that the two Governments would enter into discussions on the creation of a Status of Visiting Forces Agreement (SOVFA). This would enable practical defence cooperation between British and Philippine armed forces.

British Ambassador to the Philippines Sarah Hulton OBE stated:

As the UK and the Philippines mark 80 years of diplomatic relations, HMS Spey’s visit to Manila is a timely reminder of the strength and breadth of our partnership. The UK’s permanent presence in the region demonstrates our long-term commitment to regional security, rules-based international order, and to working with likeminded partners like the Philippines.

She further added:

Through our growing cooperation, we are deepening a relationship that supports stability, economic resilience and respect for international law.

Commander Daniel Briscoe RN, Commanding Officer of HMS Spey said:

It is a privilege to visit Manila at such a significant moment of UK-Philippines relations. The warmth of our reception from the Philippine Navy and Philippine Coast Guard reflects deepening engagement and shared commitment to maritime cooperation.

The visit also comes at a time of heightened global focus on the importance of open sea lanes. UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper recently highlighted how disruptions to critical maritime routes can have far-reaching consequences on global trade, economic stability and food and energy security. Against this backdrop, the UK continues to work with partners to uphold freedom of navigation, respect the law of the sea and reinforce a rules-based international order that supports open and resilient economies.

HMS Spey and her sister ship HMS Tamar maintain a persistent Royal Navy presence in the Indo-Pacific as part of a long-term deployment that began in 2021.

Working alongside regional partners, the ships support efforts to address security challenges, tackle illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, and assist countries in responding to the impacts of climate change.

May 13, 2026
Keir Starmer – 2026 Comments on the King’s Speech

The comments made by Keir Starmer, the Prime Minister, on 13 May 2026.

The British people expect the Government to get on with the job of changing our country for the better.

Cutting the cost of living, bringing down hospital waiting lists and keeping our country safe in an increasingly dangerous world.

Britain stands at a pivotal moment: to press ahead with a plan to build a stronger, fairer country or turn back to the chaos and instability of the past.

My government will deliver on the promise of change for the British people.

May 13, 2026
PRESS RELEASE : King’s Speech to build a stronger and fairer Britain [May 2026]
The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 13 May 2026.

The King’s Speech – the second under this government – is expected to unveil over 35 bills and draft bills facing up to the big challenges our country faces and put the UK on a stronger, fairer path that unlocks hope for people across Britain.
- King’s Speech will strengthen public services, reform the state and reverse decline
- Ambitious programme to break with the status quo
- New laws reflect big challenges country faces and bolsters UK’s economic, energy and national security
A stronger, fairer country that can weather the storm of global shocks and restore hope will be the focus of the new legislation set out in The King’s Speech today [13 May].

The King’s Speech – the second under this government – is expected to unveil over 35 bills and draft bills facing up to the big challenges our country faces and put the UK on a stronger, fairer path that unlocks hope for people across Britain.

The package of bills is targeted at strengthening the UK’s foundations through measures to bolster economic, energy, national security.

This includes laws to restore order and control to the immigration system, strengthen our public services and reform the state to support a more active government that is on the side of British people.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said:

“The British people expect the Government to get on with the job of changing our country for the better.

“Cutting the cost of living, bringing down hospital waiting lists and keeping our country safe in an increasingly dangerous world.

“Britain stands at a pivotal moment: to press ahead with a plan to build a stronger, fairer country or turn back to the chaos and instability of the past.

“My government will deliver on the promise of change for the British people.”

The government’s first session of Parliament delivered 50 government bills, including the Children and Wellbeing Act, Employment Rights Act, the Great British Energy Act, the Renters’ Rights Act and the Planning and Infrastructure Act.

The legislation passed delivered on core promises made to the British public – making our country safer, stronger and fairer through landmark laws to drive change. That includes help for parents with everyday school costs, stronger rights for victims and survivors, creating the first smoke-free generation to help people live healthier lives, tougher police powers to crack down on antisocial behaviour, and giving communities a say in the decisions that affect them. 

This second session will deliver change to our communities.

Economic, energy and national security

The world today is more volatile and dangerous than at any point in recent history. A war on two fronts – in the Middle East and in Ukraine – threatens living standards. The government’s economic plan has put the UK in a better position to weather these storms. We will rebuild our economy to make us more resilient – and the King’s Speech will drive forward this progress through more protections for small businesses, reforms to regulation to drive growth and innovation, and changes to give businesses the confidence to invest and grow. Delivering on the government’s manifesto commitment to improve the UK’s trade and investment relationship with the EU, new laws will deliver more trade, more opportunity for young people and help to reduce the cost of living.

We need to get off the fossil fuel rollercoaster with clean, homegrown power we control and electrification of our wider economy. The King’s Speech is expected to unveil the Energy Independence Bill which will give government more power to tackle the affordability crisis and speed up the delivery of clean energy technologies and vital grid infrastructure.

Building on the progress already made to restore order and control to our borders, legislation will be brought forwards to deliver a firm but fair immigration system that restores control and earns public trust.

Bills will also be introduced to meet the evolving threats facing the UK head on, strengthening our defences and keeping pace with modern technologies from cyber-attacks to new powers to counter state threats so we can better disrupt the sharing of extreme content online.

As the Prime Minister set out earlier this week, the King’s Speech will also set out legislation to protect the UK’s steelmaking capacity by giving government options to nationalise British Steel, so that necessary action can be taken if needed while we continue to rebuild the steel sector.

Ending the opportunity crisis

Ending the opportunity crisis requires an active state that can deliver on the government’s commitment to fight for every child. The King’s Speech is expected to include legislation to deliver government’s landmark reforms to transform the school system so that all children get access to an inclusive, high quality mainstream education, and parents don’t have to battle a system just to get their kids the support they deserve.

Removing barriers to opportunity and helping people get on in life is at the heart of the government’s drive to reverse the decline felt across the country. Laws to deliver the manifesto commitment to put an end to the unfair and outdated leasehold system will give people more control over how they live in their own homes and provide stronger rights for homeowners.

Strengthened public services and reformed state

Landmark public service reforms in the NHS, police and special education needs will also strengthen our country. This government is reversing the decline and neglect of our NHS so that it’s built to support people at every stage of their life, as well as preventing them from getting sick in the first place. A new Bill is expected to be brought forward to accelerate the reform needed to strip back bureaucracy, improve patient care and support early intervention. Legislation to protect much needed social housing stock and better protect domestic abuse survivors will also be included, making sure families have safe, secure, affordable homes to live in.

The new legislation comes alongside the government’s action to ease the cost of living crisis for working people, remove barriers to growth, create more highly paid jobs and equip people with the skills and routes to get on in life. That includes rolling out free breakfast clubs and supporting parents with free childcare, freezing rail fares, capping the price of bus journeys, and fixing the broken welfare system by tackling the disincentives that pushed too many people away from work and investing £2.5 billion in a youth employment package that will support almost one million young people and help deliver up to 500,000 opportunities to earn and learn.
May 13, 2026
PRESS RELEASE : New Ministerial Appointments Confirmed [May 2026]
The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 13 May 2026.

The King has been pleased to approve the following appointments:
- Nesil Caliskan MP as Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State in the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
- Natalie Fleet MP as Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State in the Home Office
- Catherine Atkinson MP as Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State in the Ministry of Justice
- Preet Kaur Gill MP as Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State in the Department of Health and Social Care
- Gen Kitchen MP as Comptroller of HM Household (Government Whip)
- Deirdre Costigan MP as Junior Lord of the Treasury (Government Whip)
- Shaun Davies MP as Assistant Whip, House of Commons
Miatta Fahnbulleh MP, Jess Phillips MP, Alex Davies-Jones MP and Dr Zubir Ahmed MP have left the Government.
May 13, 2026
NEWS STORY : UK to Send Drones, Typhoon Jets and HMS Dragon to Strait of Hormuz Mission

STORY

The UK is to contribute drones, Typhoon jets and a Royal Navy warship to a multinational mission intended to secure freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.

Defence Secretary John Healey announced the UK contribution at a virtual summit of defence ministers, with more than 40 nations represented. The Government said the defensive mission would become operational when conditions allow and would be backed by £115 million of new funding for mine-hunting drones and counter-drone systems.

The UK package will include advanced autonomous mine-hunting equipment, military mine-clearance specialists, Typhoon jets ready to conduct air patrols and HMS Dragon, which is deploying to the Middle East. The Royal Navy’s modular ‘Beehive’ system will also be available, using autonomous drone boats to help detect, track and identify potential threats.

May 13, 2026