King’s Speech: UK’s new Labour government to ‘take the brakes off’ the economy
- In a ceremony full of pomp, King Charles set out the government agenda, which included plans to revive the economy
Britain’s King Charles set out Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s legislative agenda on Wednesday, promising a government of service focused on reviving the economy and tackling issues from an acute housing shortage to a cost of living crisis.
In a ceremony full of pageantry, before an audience of robed lords and lawmakers, Charles read out the laws the government is prioritising after Starmer’s centre-left Labour Party won a large majority at this month’s election.
The package of more than 35 bills will focus on growing the economy, reforming planning laws to make it easier to build homes and speeding up the delivery of major infrastructure projects, improving transport and creating jobs.
The king’s speech, written by the government, also tried to set a new tone to British politics, promoting service rather than self interest, something that Labour says took root over 14 years of often chaotic Conservative Party rule.
“My government will govern in service to the country,” said Charles, wearing a crimson and white dressing gown and the Imperial State crown.
“My government’s legislative programme will be mission-led and based on the principles of security, fairness and opportunity for all.”
