King Charles III made history by delivering the first King's Speech in over seven decades, marking the formal commencement of the UK Parliament's proceedings. With an impending election on the horizon, the 74-year-old monarch outlined the legislative agenda put forth by Conservative Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, setting the stage for potential clashes with the main opposition, the Labour Party.
Seated upon a magnificent golden throne in the House of Lords, this momentous occasion comes as the Conservative Party, in power since 2010, trails behind Labour in opinion polls, pointing towards a widely anticipated election next year.
Richard Carr, an associate professor in public policy and strategy at Anglia Ruskin University, emphasized the significance of this address, stating, "The King's Speech represents one of the last chances for Rishi Sunak to set out his stall." Despite his lower popularity in the polls, Sunak possesses the power to shape the national agenda, control media narratives, and establish hurdles for the opposition to overcome.
This ceremonial address marks Charles's first as monarch, following a practice run he undertook while deputizing for Queen Elizabeth II in May of the previous year. It's also Sunak's inaugural King's Speech since taking office, succeeding Liz Truss, who took over as prime minister only two days before the queen's passing, lasting a mere 49 days in office.
Sunak's speech will highlight the clear distinctions he's drawing with Keir Starmer's Labour Party, particularly in the realms of the environment and energy. It will introduce a proposal for granting new licenses for annual oil and gas projects in the North Sea, a move Sunak believes will reduce the UK's reliance on foreign energy sources and create employment opportunities.
In September, Sunak already announced the rollback of green energy policies, positioning himself as a supporter of motorists in an effort to revive his party's popularity. In contrast, Labour has vowed not to issue new licenses for oil and gas exploration and is committed to increasing investments in green energy.
These proposals may pose a challenge for Charles, who has long championed environmental causes. In addition to these energy and environmental issues, Sunak's speech is expected to address tougher sentencing guidelines for life terms and an end to early release for certain violent sexual offenders. A phased smoking ban and reforms to home ownership laws will also be on the agenda.
The King's Speech signifies the beginning of a new parliamentary year and outlines the laws the government aims to pass in the coming year. While a Tory defeat in the next election is not certain, given their substantial parliamentary majority, a loss would mean much of the proposed legislation might not see the light of day.
"The problem for Sunak is he's running out of time, the public are both bored and angry at Conservative governance," Carr added, highlighting the challenges faced by the ruling party.
The state opening on Tuesday typically involves the sovereign's carriage journey from Buckingham Palace to the Houses of Parliament. As a symbolic tradition, an MP is "held hostage" to ensure the king's safe return. Additionally, royal bodyguards conduct ritual searches in the Palace of Westminster's basement to safeguard against potential threats, a historical legacy stemming from the 1605 Catholic plot to blow up parliament.
In a grand procession through the House of Lords, the monarch delivers the speech to an audience of lords, ladies, and invited members of the elected House of Commons, officially marking the commencement of the parliamentary year.
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