London — Britain’s new government will focus on trying to boost economic growth, modernise border security and nationalise the country’s railway networks, King Charles III said on Wednesday, reading a speech authored by the Labour government.
These efforts are among more than 30 bills expected to be introduced when the new government begins its legislative agenda, according to the speech.
“Ensuring economic growth will be a key task,” the king said. “My government will seek to forge a new alliance with business and workers and help the country overcome recent cost of living challenges by prioritizing wealth creation for all communities.”
Britain’s King Charles III and Queen Camilla arrive at the Norman Gallery to attend the State Opening of Parliament, at the Houses of Parliament, in London, July 17, 2024.
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At a grand ceremony to mark the beginning of the new parliament, Charles gave a speech, in which he addressed the House of Commons with the laws the new government had since planned to enact. By Keir Starmer The centre-left Labour Party was elected in this month’s British election.
The event took place in the magnificent Westminster Abbey, and the monarch wore the Imperial State Crown, originally made for the coronation of Queen Victoria in 1838. He was dressed in the famous robe of state, a royal red cloak with the Miniver motif. He arrived in style in the Diamond Jubilee state carriage drawn by six grey horses. He was accompanied by Queen Camilla.
The Yeoman Guard takes part in the ceremonial inspection before the Queen’s Speech at the State Opening of Parliament, in the House of Lords on 17 July 2024 in London, England.
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The tradition of the King’s Speech dates back to 1660, when it was first delivered by King Charles II. In that year, Charles delivered his speech while still on the throne. undergoing cancer treatment.
The new government, led by Starmer, comes from the centre-left Labour Party after the voters’ defeat. devastating defeat Earlier this month, the Conservatives joined the party, ending its 14-year rule.
The Honourable Artillery Company passes Buckingham Palace at the Queen Victoria Memorial prior to the State Opening of Parliament on July 17, 2024 in London, England.
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Labour gained 209 seats, taking its total to 411 of the 650 available seats in the House of Commons. The Conservatives lost 244 seats, leaving them with just 121 seats. Defeat means Worst result The party has been around since its founding in the 1830s.
Downing Street said before the speech that the new government’s agenda would focus on economic growth, including “more jobs and accelerating the building of housing and infrastructure”.
“It is time to put Britain on the back foot,” Starmer said in a statement ahead of the speech. “For too long people have been held back, their paths determined by where they come from, not by their talent and hard work.”
Britain’s King Charles and Queen Camilla travel by carriage to attend the State Opening of Parliament, outside Buckingham Palace in London, Britain, July 17, 2024.
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The speech also began to set out Labour’s foreign policy agenda, including its views on the country’s conflicts. Ukraine And Gaza.
“My government will continue to provide full support to Ukraine and its people and will strive to play a leadership role in providing Ukraine with a clear path to NATO membership,” the King said.
The letter also said the new UK government “will play its part in seeking to secure long-term peace and security in the Middle East”.
The king said: “He is committed to a two-state solution with a safe and secure Israel alongside a viable and sovereign Palestinian state.”
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