politics
King's Speech Outlines EU Trade Bill, Troubles Legacy Reforms and Plans for Devolved Governments
King Charles delivered the King's Speech outlining more than 35 bills including legislation to strengthen European Union ties and reform Northern Ireland's Troubles legacy. Northern Ireland MPs described the event as surreal given pressure on Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to resign after last week's election results.
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King Charles delivered the King's Speech on a day of pomp and ceremony that coincided with leadership turmoil for Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer. The speech outlined more than 35 pieces of legislation ministers will seek to pass in the new parliamentary session, including a bill to strengthen ties with the European Union and the Northern Ireland Troubles Bill.
The Labour leader has vowed to get on with governing and remain as prime minister. DUP leader Gavin Robinson said the government was in a mess after 72 hours of chaos. "It is embarrassing to bring His Majesty the King here to outline a legislative programme and we have no idea whether any of it will be delivered," Robinson added.
The East Belfast MP said Labour needed to restore trust and confidence. UUP MP Robin Swann warned if Westminster goes into its bubble then the rest of the country gets forgotten about. "I think that's the real threat to Northern Ireland," Swann told BBC News NI.
In his speech, King Charles said his government believes improved trading relations are vital for the United Kingdom's economic security. "My ministers will introduce legislation to take advantage of new trading opportunities, including a bill to strengthen ties with the European Union," he said.
The European Partnership bill will include a Sanitary and Phytosanitary deal aimed at avoiding trade barriers and costs on agri-food goods moving between Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
TUV leader Jim Allister accused the government of attempting by stealth to get Northern Ireland back into the EU. The Brexit-backing MP for North Antrim described the idea as absolute folly and the very antithesis of democracy. While there was no specific mention of Northern Ireland in the King's Speech, King Charles said his government is committed to the strength and integrity of the union of the United Kingdom and will continue to work closely with the devolved governments to deliver for citizens across the whole of the nation.
