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.