The King will be setting out the priorities for the new Labour government today

Plans for better transport, more jobs and more house building are expected to be in the King’s Speech today as part of the State Opening of Parliament.

The speech, delivered by the monarch but written by the government, sets out the agenda for the year, outlining proposed policies and legislation.

In the first State Opening of Parliament under the new government, the King’s Speech is expected to unveil over 35 bills and draft bills.

Which laws will be introduced in the King’s Speech?

The package of bills will focus on better transport, more jobs and ‘turbocharging’ the building of houses and infrastructure – which Labour say will help make every part of the country better off.

Trains back under public ownership

New legislation will be introduced to create a simplified rail system by bringing rail services into public ownership once their contracts expire or if operators fail to deliver on their commitments.

The government will also introduce legislation to establish a new public body, Great British Railways (GBR) which will be focused on improving services and simplifying fares.

The King’s Speech is also expected to feature a Better Buses Bill to deliver the Government’s manifesto commitment to reform the bus system by delivering new powers for local leaders to franchise local bus services.

More houses and infrastructure

Labour says a new Bill will speed up and streamline the planning process to build more homes and accelerate the delivery of major infrastructure projects.

Devolution in England

The King’s Speech is also expected to unveil the English Devolution Bill. One of Labour’s manifesto commitments was to transfer power to local communities and establish local growth plans.

It’s also expected a law to make spiking a specific offence will be included in the King’s Speech.

“Now is the time to take the brakes off Britain”

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said:

“Now is the time to take the brakes off Britain. For too long people have been held back, their paths determined by where they came from – not their talents and hard work.

“I am determined to create wealth for people up and down the country. It is the only way our country can progress, and my government is focussed on supporting that aspiration.

“Today’s new laws will take back control and lay the foundations of real change that this country is crying out for, creating wealth in every community and making people better off – supporting their ambitions, hopes and dreams.”

What happens during the State Opening of Parliament?

Members of the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment will escort the King, usually travelling in the Irish State Coach, to the Palace of Westminster on Wednesday morning before he dons the Imperial State Crown and ceremonial robes.

The King will then make his way to the House of Lords chamber and will be seated on the throne at approximately 11.30am.

Once MPs have been summoned to attend the Lords, the King will deliver the speech which outlines the new Labour Government’s legislative priorities for the parliamentary session.

Some of the quirks in the State Opening of Parliament

The State Opening of Parliament is a very traditional ceremony, tracing back to the 16th century and is full of strange rituals…

During the opening, one of the MPs has to be taken ‘hostage’ in Buckingham Palace to ensure the safe return of the King.

Once the King is on his throne in the House of Lords, he will signal for the MPs to be brought through.

Black Rod goes to fetch them, but the door to the Commons is closed in their face when they arrive, which symbolises the Commons’ independence from the monarchy.

Black Rod bangs on the door three times before the MPs follow them back to the Lords to hear the speech.

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