What will be in the King's Speech today?

The last King's Speech was in July 2024 | PA

With so much speculation about Sir Keir Starmer’s future, it would be easy to forget that the King’s Speech is taking place on Wednesday.

As part of the the state opening of parliament, it was meant to be a way for the government to reset after disastrous elections last week.

The speech will set out longer term Government aims after the first parliamentary session focused on key manifesto pledges.

The future of the Prime Minister is in doubt, but the King’s Speech will go ahead regardless.

It will include a range of measures - but whether they are implemented depends on who is leading the country.

British Steel

Sir Keir Starmer announced on Wednesday new legislation giving the Government power to nationalise British Steel, with this power subject to a public interest test.

This would mean the Government could only initiate the process if doing so was in the interests of national security, critical national infrastructure and the economy.

The Government has already taken control of British Steel operations and is in discussions with its current Chinese owner.

The Government has stated its broad intention to make it more difficult for people in the UK without permission to obtain rights of residency.

Asylum and human rights

A Home Office policy statement in November featured proposals which would require legislation.

Legislation is expected on restricting the use of Article 8 of the European Convention of Human Rights, an element that guarantees the right to respect for private and family life, which some migrants who do not qualify for a visa or asylum rely on.

New laws could be mentioned that would deny appeal rights to more people and establish an independent appeal body to hear claims currently considered by judges.

Energy

Ed Miliband is expected to press ahead with the Energy Independence Act promised in the manifesto, with rising bills and concerns over the security of supply.

The Government has announced an increase in the windfall tax on electricity firms and is expected to legislate to make it easier to install electric vehicle chargers.

National wealth fund

The Government had planned to introduce National Wealth Fund Bill during the last parliamentary session in a bid to “simplify the UK’s fragmented landscape of support for businesses and investors”.

According to a Government briefing, the approach would align different bodies under the wealth fund and place it on a statutory footing.

Rachel Reeves later announced that the an existing statutory body, the UK infrastructure bank, would become the wealth fund with an extended remit and funding.

The Treasury said that, to achieve the transition, the Government would introduce legislation “as soon as parliamentary time allows”.

Voting at 16 in general elections

The Government is also likely to complete the Representation of the People Bill to reduce the voting age to 16 at general elections.

Proscribed groups

The speech will also include new laws to make it easier to take action against state-backed groups such as the proscription of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps.

It follows attacks on the Jewish community in London in recent months.