King’s Speech: What is it and why is it important?
-
Published
King Charles will deliver the King’s Speech on Wednesday 17 July.
Part of the State Opening of Parliament ceremony, the speech marks the start of the parliamentary year.
What is the King’s Speech?
The King’s Speech will allow the new Labour government to outline their priorities for the months ahead, following their general election victory.
Formally called the Speech from the Throne, Charles gave his first King’s Speech in November 2023.
He also delivered the Queen’s Speech on behalf of his mother, the late Queen Elizabeth, in May 2022.
Who writes the King’s Speech and how long is it?
The speech is written by the government, and the monarch delivers it in a neutral tone, to avoid any appearance of political support.
Its length depends on the number of proposed laws and other announcements – such as foreign policy objectives – but it normally lasts about 10 minutes.
The 2024 Kings Speech is expected to outline 35 draft laws which Labour plan to introduce in the coming months.
These are expected to include bills on workers’ rights, the renationalisation of the railways, illegal immigration, House of Lords reform and a new state-owned energy company.
What happens during the King’s Speech?
Traditionally, the State Opening begins with a procession in which the King travels from Buckingham Palace to Westminster by carriage.
On arrival, he uses the Sovereign’s Entrance, reserved for the monarch.
The King then processes to the throne in the House of Lords.
MPs are summoned to the Lords by Black Rod, an official position currently held by Sarah Clarke, external.
Before entering the House of Commons, Black Rod has the door shut in their face.
They then have to knock three times on the door with the rod to gain entry before it is opened, and MPs follow Black Rod back to the House of Lords to hear the speech.
MPs, peers and other dignitaries generally listen in silence.
Traditionally, the government MP holding the position of vice-chamberlain of the household, external – currently Samantha Dixon – is “held hostage” in Buckingham Palace while the King is in Parliament, to ensure the monarch’s safe return.
Is there a vote on the King’s Speech?
Yes.
About two hours after the speech is delivered, MPs reassemble in the House of Commons to begin debating its contents.
After introductory speeches by two MPs, the prime minister will “sell” the speech to the Commons, setting out a vision for the country.
The leader of the opposition then gets the chance to respond, before other MPs are allowed to contribute.
The last prime minister to lose a vote on the speech was Stanley Baldwin in 1924
The debate on what is known as “the Humble Address” normally lasts about five days.
At the end of the debate there is a vote. It is normally seen as symbolic, as it is extremely rare for a government to lose it.
The last time this happened was in January 1924, under Conservative Prime Minister Stanley Baldwin.
Mr Baldwin proceeded with a King’s Speech – George V was the monarch at the time – despite having lost his majority in the previous month’s general election.
He was forced to resign, and Labour formed a short-lived government.
What was in the 2023 King’s Speech?
The speech outlined 21 laws that ministers had intended to pass in the 2023 Parliamentary session.
They included plans to boost investment in transport, laws to stop people smoking, and tougher sentences for serious offenders.
However, when former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced the 4 July general election, the government was forced to abandon many of its planned bills.
