KING Charles is due to give his first King’s Speech as part of the State Opening of Parliament.
It will mark his first King’s Speech since he became the monarch, although he did give the Queen’s Speech on behalf of his mother in May 2022.
The speech will be held on November 7 2023 and will open what is likely to be the last session of Parliament before the next Westminster election.
Here’s everything you need to know.
READ MORE: Top UN official says UK 'violating international law' with poverty levels
What is the King’s speech?
The King’s Speech provides the UK Government with the opportunity to highlight its priorities for the coming months.
Formally known as the “speech from the throne,” it is a key part of the State Opening of Parliament ceremony.
The speech is written by the Government but delivered by the monarch (below). Its length can depend on the proposed number of laws and announcements although it generally lasts around 10 minutes.
It brings together both the members of the House of Commons and the House of Lords.
When is the speech?
According to the UK Parliament’s website, the speech will begin around 11.25am and it is likely to be available to watch via all major broadcasters.
Business is then suspended until 2.30pm, after which the debate on the King’s Speech is opened.
The debate on the King’s Speech normally lasts for around six sitting days.
What might the speech include?
There’s been plenty speculation as to what the speech might include. According to new data from polling company Opinium, 60% of people in the UK think the PM should push ahead with trying to hit green targets by 2030.
The polling comes after we told how the UK Government is set to ramp up oil and gas extraction with new plans to hold annual licencing rounds in what’s been described as a “final raid” on Scotland’s fossil fuels.
In terms of new announcements, Sunak’s conference announcement about raising the legal age for buying cigarettes in England is likely to be raised.
Reports have also suggested the major focus will be on crime with the introduction of bills to introduce tougher sentences for serious crimes, such as rape.
What have opposition parties said?
Reports have suggested the King’s Speech may include new powers for police and councils to clear tents put up by homeless people if they are deemed to be a “nuisance”.
The SNP have told the Prime Minister to focus on the cost of living and “not taking tents away from homeless people”.
Commenting ahead of the speech, Alba MP Neale Hanvey (above) restated the party’s view that Scotland should become an independent republic with an elected head of state.
“Alba firmly stands for Scotland and our priority is to ensure the people of Scotland have the freedom to make this choice soon, as an independent country,” he said.
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel