King's Speech Outlines EU Trade Bill, Troubles Legacy Reforms and Plans for Devolved Governments

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.

The speech stated that Downing Street would continue to work closely with the devolved governments. The Northern Ireland Troubles Bill was listed among the government's legislative plans. The bill will include provisions for a reformed Legacy Commission which will have the powers to investigate and fact find for families affected by the Troubles.

It will provide new lawful protections for veterans aimed at ensuring security force personnel are treated with dignity and respect if asked to give information. The legislation will ensure veterans are not subjected to needless duplication of previous investigations. It will ensure the maximum possible information will be made public to families without risking life or national security.

The Troubles Bill will include an independent commission for information retrieval jointly with the Irish government. The government has already confirmed that it plans to bring forward dozens of amendments to the Troubles Bill. Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn said the government was committed to delivering the Troubles Bill to address the legacy of that terrible period of our history.

"It is the only viable way to generate confidence across communities, enable information sharing by the Irish authorities, and put in place safeguards for our former service personnel," Benn said. He said the King's Speech had set out the government's ambitious legislative plan to support a stable and prosperous Northern Ireland.

Benn added that the government's focus is on economic growth and prosperity, removing barriers facing businesses and working to create more jobs, investment and innovation in Northern Ireland, while protecting the UK internal market.