King Charles III to Deliver King's Speech Outlining Government's Legislative Agenda

King Charles III will attend Parliament on Wednesday to deliver the King's Speech, which will outline the government's agenda for the year ahead and is expected to include more than 35 bills and draft bills. The speech is expected to feature legislation on immigration, the NHS and police reforms.

It will also set out a route to potentially nationalising British Steel, measures linked to closer ties with the European Union, improved energy security and leasehold reforms in England and Wales.

Sir Keir Starmer has not included a second attempt to reform welfare in the King's Speech. The first attempt to restrict eligibility for some health-related benefits resulted in a mass revolt of Labour MPs and a government climbdown in June 2025. The State Opening of Parliament will begin at 09:30 when the Yeoman of the Guard will conduct a ceremonial search of the cellars of the Palace of Westminster for explosives.

The search commemorates the Gunpowder Plot of 1605. An MP will be ceremonially taken hostage in Buckingham Palace while the King attends Parliament. The vice-chamberlain of the household traditionally performs this task and the position is currently held by Labour MP Sir Nic Dakin.

The royal procession travels from Buckingham Palace to the Sovereign's Entrance at Parliament with a military escort. In 2024, more than 1,100 military personnel and almost 200 horses took part in the royal procession, according to the Ministry of Defence. The King will deliver the speech usually at around 11:30.

Before he starts, Black Rod will be sent to the House of Commons to summon the MPs. The door to the Commons chamber is shut in Black Rod's face and he will strike it three times before it is opened. MPs will hold several days of debate on the King's Speech from 14:30 on Wednesday.

A long-serving MP and a relative newcomer to the Commons usually make speeches in the debate on the King's Speech. Conservative Party leader Badenoch will speak third in the debate before Sir Keir addresses the chamber. Sir Keir Starmer said: "people expect the government to get on with the job of changing our country for the better".

The Conservative Party has released an Alternative King's Speech. Kemi Badenoch described the Conservative "Alternative King's Speech" as a "serious and fully funded legislative programme for a stronger economy and a stronger country".