King Charles has outlined a wide-ranging legislative programme for the UK Government, placing economic security, national defence, and living standards at the centre of its agenda, while warning that global instability — including the ongoing conflict in the Middle East — will continue to test the country’s resilience.
Opening the speech with a focus on the international security climate, he said:
“The conflict in the Middle East, only the most recent example. Every element of the nation’s energy, defence, and economic security will be tested. My government will respond to this world with strength and aim to create a country that is fair for all.”
He stressed that the government’s priority would be safeguarding long-term national security across key sectors.
“My ministers will take decisions to protect the energy, defence, and economic security of the United Kingdom for the long term. They will defend the British values of decency, tolerance, and respect for difference under our common flag.”
On domestic security, the King said urgent action would be taken to protect communities and uphold social cohesion.
“My government will take urgent action to tackle antisemitism and ensure all communities feel safe.”
Turning to the economy, he said raising living standards and controlling inflationary pressures would remain central to government policy.
“My government believes that the United Kingdom’s economic security depends on raising living standards in every part of the United Kingdom. My ministers will support measures that maintain stability and control the cost of living.”
He added that the state would play an active role in driving investment and growth.
“They will use public investment to shape markets and attract further private investment. They will deploy the power of an active state in partnership with business and enable reforms that support higher growth and a fair deal for working people.”
The King said stronger international trade relations would be key to economic growth.
“My government believes that improved trading relations are vital for the United Kingdom’s economic security, for significantly raising economic growth, and for lowering prices for working people.”
He confirmed new legislation to strengthen global partnerships, including ties with the European Union.
“My ministers will introduce legislation to take advantage of new trading opportunities, including a bill to strengthen ties with the European Union.”
Further reforms will target business efficiency and competitiveness.
“Legislation will be introduced to tackle late payments and to reduce the burden of unnecessary regulation through innovation.”
Major infrastructure projects will be fast-tracked under the government’s plans, with a focus on transport, regional development, and industrial capacity.
“The United Kingdom’s economic security depends upon world-class infrastructure. Legislation will be introduced to unlock the benefits of airport expansion, enable roads to be built at pace, including the Lower Thames Crossing, and deliver a fair deal for the north of England through Northern Powerhouse Rail.”
He also confirmed continued protection for key domestic industries.
“My ministers will continue to take all action necessary to safeguard the domestic production of steel.”
The speech also set out reforms across policing, healthcare, justice, and immigration systems.
“My ministers will push forward with significant reforms to the police, the National Health Service, and to the criminal justice system to help them deliver services the British people expect.”
On immigration, he said:
“Legislation will be introduced to support confidence in the security of the immigration and asylum systems.”
Further infrastructure reform will target water services and rail transport.
“My government will improve critical infrastructure with legislation to clean up the water industry and establish Great British Railways.”
The King said the government aims to ensure equal opportunity for all children regardless of background.
“My government believes that the United Kingdom should be a country fair for all and a place where every child is included in the nation’s highest aspirations.”
He added that reforms would target education, skills and employment opportunities.
“A bill will be brought forward to raise standards in schools and introduce generational reforms of the special educational needs system.”
He also highlighted continued investment in apprenticeships and youth employment.
Plans were also outlined for a modernised digital identity system and reforms to public sector accountability.
“My ministers will proceed with the introduction of digital ID that will modernise how citizens interact with public services.”
He added that new legislation would strengthen transparency in public office, including the introduction of a duty of candour for officials and reforms to public appointments and civil service structures.
On foreign affairs, the King reaffirmed the UK’s support for Ukraine and its commitment to NATO.
“My ministers will seek to improve relations with European partners… It will continue its unflinching support for the brave people of Ukraine… My government will uphold the United Kingdom’s unbreakable commitment to NATO and our NATO allies.”
He also highlighted efforts to promote peace in the Middle East and strengthen global partnerships.
A key pillar of the agenda is energy security, with plans to scale up domestic production and renewable energy.
“My ministers believe that energy independence must be a long-term goal of national security… My ministers will therefore introduce an Energy Independence Bill to scale up homegrown renewable energy and protect living standards for the long term.”
The government also pledged continued action on climate change and international development.
Concluding the speech, King Charles said the government would continue to pursue policies aimed at strengthening national unity, economic resilience, and global leadership.
“My government will remain a leading advocate for tackling climate change and achieving a world free from poverty… My Lords and Members of the House of Commons, other measures will be laid before you. I pray that the blessing of Almighty God may rest upon your counsels.”
Boluwatife Enome
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