Government unveils legislative agenda
King Charles III outlined the UK Government’s legislative programme for the coming year during the King’s Speech in the House of Lords, presenting plans for 37 proposed bills across sectors including the economy, housing, transport, policing and national security.
The speech marked the formal opening of the new parliamentary session but was overshadowed by continued speculation surrounding the leadership of Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
Among the proposals were eight bills already introduced to Parliament.
Economy and business reforms
One of the most significant measures is the Steel Industry (Nationalisation) Bill, which would give ministers powers to fully nationalise British Steel if deemed in the public interest.
The proposed European Partnership Bill would create fast-track powers for legislation linked to future agreements with the European Union.
Other economic measures include plans to support innovation in defence technology and AI-controlled ships, reduce regulatory burdens in financial services and strengthen protections for small businesses facing late payments.
Housing and transport measures
The Government also announced major housing reforms, including a Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill that would ban new leasehold flats in England and Wales and cap ground rents.
A Social Housing Renewal Bill would exempt newly built social homes from Right to Buy rules for 35 years and provide extra protections for domestic abuse victims.
Transport proposals include a new rail passenger watchdog, a national database for taxis and private hire vehicles, and legislation linked to the Northern Powerhouse Rail project connecting Manchester Airport and northern England.
Crime, immigration and security
A new Police Reform Bill would create larger police forces across England and Wales and establish a national force focused on the most serious crimes.
The Government also plans controversial changes to jury trials through a Courts Modernisation Bill.
Immigration proposals would make it easier to revoke refugee status and limit taxpayer-funded support for asylum seekers.
Security legislation includes powers to ban state-linked groups such as Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps under a Tackling State Threats Bill.
A separate National Security Bill would criminalise sharing material that “glorifies, trivialises, or normalises” serious violence following the 2024 Southport attack.
Health, energy and technology
An NHS Modernisation Bill would abolish NHS England, expand access to digital patient records through the NHS App and place mayoral representatives on local health boards.
Energy proposals include stricter efficiency standards for rented homes, higher taxes on electricity generators’ excess profits and streamlined approval processes for new nuclear projects.
The Government also announced plans for a voluntary digital ID system to access public services and tougher cyber security rules for data centres.
Voting age and peerage reforms
Governance measures include proposals to lower the voting age to 16 and restrict foreign political donations.
A Removal of Peerages Bill would introduce powers to strip members of the House of Lords of their peerages.
The speech also confirmed legislation linked to UEFA Euro 2028, which will be co-hosted by England, Scotland, Wales and the Republic of Ireland.
Measures missing from the speech
Notably absent from the King’s Speech was legislation to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, reportedly delayed following opposition from Donald Trump.
There was also no welfare reform bill or new government-backed legislation on assisted dying in England and Wales.
Also read: Political crisis in the UK; Starmer faces mounting Labour pressure
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