The most important session of the parliamentary calendar will be held this week. We will watch the ceremony and consider what plans will be announced for the future of this country.
Westminster is filled with pomp and ceremony as Parliament hosts the King’s Speech on Tuesday.
But what will that day involve, how will it unfold, and what plans might it reveal for the future of this country?
Read on to find out everything you need to know.
What is the King’s Speech?
Parliaments (meaning the period between general elections) can last up to five years, but a new parliament is usually formed every year. This gives the government of the day an opportunity to outline its legislative plans for next year.
The beginning of a new session is marked by the grandest ceremony: the opening of the state legislature.
The ceremony sees members of the House of Commons, the House of Lords and the Monarchy gather in their finest regalia for the day ahead. Notice the robe, pants, and of course the crown.
Numerous traditions are performed, including exploring the interior of the building for gunpowder and slamming the door in Blackrod’s face, before the nobility and members of Parliament come to hear the King’s (or Queen’s) speech. gather before the monarch.
Speeches may be read out by the head of state, but they are also written by the government and proudly introduce the legislative agenda to the ears of parliamentarians and the public.
The speech will be left to Charles III, who is the first monarch to do so, but he had conducted a rehearsal in May 2022. when he took his mother’s place Due to her mobility issues.
From 2022: How Prince Charles steps up for the Queen’s Speech
The late Queen Elizabeth gave a total of 67 speeches during her reign, but only missed a few, including when she was pregnant with Princes Andrew and Edward.
After the document is read, MPs return to the House of Commons to debate its contents for about five days, but before that, two back-seat MPs appointed by the Prime Minister begin proceedings by giving a faithful address to the parliament. do. This is often a lighthearted affair. There are a few awkward jokes sprinkled in as well.
What does this speech mean for Rishi Sunak?
This is the first time the Prime Minister has announced his plans in the King’s Speech since he moved into Number 10.
Liz Truss’ short-term Prime Ministership In other words, she missed an opportunity to garner this particular attention as part of her policy agenda.Boris Johnson was the last prime minister to oversee the opening up of the state. 18 months ago.
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Tuesday’s ceremony is likely to be the last royal speech of this parliament, as Mr Sunak must call a general election by the end of January 2025 at the latest.
So after a year of trying to steady the ship after last autumn’s turmoil over Downing Street’s revolving door, this could be his last chance to make his case to both the party and the public. is.
Mr Sunak also needs to bring MPs and MPs on board to ensure support for his leadership ahead of the looming general election, so he is likely to throw in red meat to please certain factions. However, you may be more cautious about your priorities. conservative party.
But the upcoming national poll also leaves questions about how much legislation the Prime Minister and his government can pass in a short period of time – while MPs also go out to campaign to keep their seats. I’m sure you’re thinking of going to.
What will be covered in the speech?
The speech spectacle is designed to introduce a new legislative agenda, but the government can also “carry over” some of the legislation that failed to pass in the previous session.
According to the House of Commons Library, five carry forward motions have been agreed on the bill, giving it a further 12 months to receive Royal Assent.
• Data Protection and Digital Information (No 2) Bill – aims to update UK data protection law post-Brexit.
• Digital Markets, Competition and Consumer Bill – proposes new powers to improve competition between online businesses and provide new protections for consumers.
• Economic Activity of Public Sectors (Overseas Affairs) Bill – A bill that prohibits public institutions such as Congress from boycotting other countries and gives them special status. Israel
• Victims and Prisoners Bill – aims to improve support for victims of crime, along with reforms to the parole system.
• Lessor (renovation) bill – Features proposed regulatory changes targeting the rental housing sector
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Two so-called “hybrid” bills will also continue to be scrutinized in the next Congress. One concerns the future of the northern leg of HS2. Sunak withdraws at party meetingand about the controversial Holocaust memorial in Westminster.
House of Commons researchers also highlighted several bills announced in the last session but not formally introduced, which could see them revived again under Mr. Sunak. It means.
These include the highly touted Ban on conversion therapy – although it is possible that some on the right of the party could influence Number 10 to remove it – as well as further action against modern slavery and the HS2 replacement project announced by the Prime Minister. A transportation bill to introduce the division will also be tabled.
Key moments from the 2022 Queen’s Speech
What kind of new proposals can we expect?
Ministers have already confirmed that legislation will be introduced to phase out leasehold ownership, requiring all new homes in England and Wales to be sold as freehold properties.
Mr Sunak’s announcement at the party conference Raise the legal age for purchasing cigarettes In the UK, the policy of phasing out smoking by one year each year will also attract attention.
However, according to reports, the main focus is on crimeNot only will existing plans be finalized; forcing offenders to attend sentencing -However, legislation has been introduced to introduce harsher penalties for serious crimes such as rape, as well as plans to rent prison space overseas.
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There are also rumors that the Prime Minister may accelerate plans to disrupt existing policies. net zero policy With the introduction of an annual system of awarding new oil and gas licenses.
On the other hand, the government may support the establishment independent football regulator.
By lunchtime on Tuesday, we’ll have a complete list of what Sunak has in store.
It will either be a springboard to winning the next election, or it will be a final legislative dance while holding the keys to number 10.
