The King’s Speech: what will be included?

As Keir Starmer settles into 10 Downing Street, all eyes will be on the King’s Speech tomorrow to discover the priorities of the new Labour government.

The prime minister has already announced his cabinet, as well as ministerial appointments like Emma Reynolds as pensions minister.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves will be busy preparing for the autumn Budget, which should give us an idea of how our finances could be affected.

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Reeves has said she will reveal the date of the Budget this month - it’s highly likely to be in September or October.

But before that happens, King Charles will take part in the state opening of parliament. The King’s Speech, written by the government, sets out the legislative agenda for the political year ahead. 

We explain when the speech will happen, and what’s likely to be included.

What is the King’s Speech?

The King’s Speech sets out the government’s priorities for the year ahead. It includes a number of proposed laws and other announcements.

It is then debated in the House of Commons, followed by a vote. This vote is normally seen as symbolic, and the government is highly unlikely to lose due to its large majority.

There is a lot of pomp and ceremony with the King's Speech. Black Rod, an official dressed in black lace, knocks on a door with a large stick; an MP (usually a government whip) is held hostage in Buckingham Palace; and all the other MPs make the short walk from the Commons to the Lords in pairs of two. 

The important bit is the speech read about by the King. However, not all the bills will make it into law. The government may run out of time or change its mind.

When is the King’s Speech?

The King’s Speech will take place on Wednesday, 17 July. 

The state opening of parliament ceremonies begin at 9.30am, with the King’s Speech taking place in the House of Lords at 11.30am.

What is likely to be in the King’s Speech?

We could see a real mix of legislation featured in the King’s Speech.

The government has already announced that it will "put economic growth at the heart of its legislative agenda" and that it was working on more than 35 bills.

One of them will "enforce tough new spending rules, designed to ensure economic growth, while avoiding the chaos which left families with spiralling bills and wreaked misery on people’s lives", according to Starmer.

The Institute of Government, a think tank, said: “Legislation to nationalise the railways and reform planning are both expected, but could the government spring some surprises? Will there be any Conservative policies – such as the smoking ban – that Labour might resurrect?”

The speech, however, may come too soon to include a complete Pensions Bill. Kate Smith, head of pensions at Aegon, says: “It seems too early to include a new Pensions Bill at this stage. It’s more likely to be one for next year, once the Labour government, with a new pensions minister, has had time to undertake its promised ‘pensions review’.”

One big change, already legislated for by the previous government, but not yet implemented, is the enhancement of auto-enrolment, which will see the minimum age dropping from 22 to 18.

Smith adds: “Rachel Reeves, in her first major speech as Chancellor (8 July), has given some indication of what we may expect in the King’s Speech, including its use of pension scheme assets to support the UK’s growth agenda. This, perhaps linked to a new National Wealth Fund, is one to look out for, although further consultation will be needed with the pensions industry before legislating.”

The King’s address is additionally expected to include legislation on establishing Great British Energy, plans to build more homes and the foundations of NHS reform. Labour might also bring back policies that were dropped by the Conservative government, including the ban on no-fault evictions.

Smith says: “The new Chancellor has a big focus on building more houses. Housing policy is becoming increasingly intertwined with pension policy and people’s finances in later life, with the assumption that most people will be mortgage-free homeowners by the time they retire, now sadly outdated. 

"The lack of supply and affordability of housing means more people are likely to be renting in retirement, and as such, are less likely to have a financially comfortable retirement.”

Labour has also promised to introduce legislation within 100 days of taking office to deliver new workers' rights.

Jake Shepherd, senior researcher at Social Market Foundation (SMF), a think tank, comments: “Some details are yet to be clarified, however, such as whether Labour will go ahead with the outright banning of zero-hours contracts, or if it will offer watered-down plans allowing workers to opt to remain on zero-hours contracts. 

"The SMF would welcome key proposals being made into law, including the expansion of unfair dismissal protections, ending fire and rehire, and strengthening trade unions, as well as establishing a genuine living wage.”