By Jun Kit Man, Digital Media Manager (Edited by Jonathan Pearse)
On November 7, 2023, the UK is set to mark a new chapter as King Charles III delivers his first King's Speech during the State Opening of Parliament, a tradition where the monarch outlines the government's legislative agenda for the upcoming parliamentary session.
This event holds significance as it's not just a continuation of royal tradition, but also King Charles III's debut in carrying out this important duty, a role once performed by his mother, Queen Elizabeth II.
The King's Speech is a tradition that traces back to the 16th century, serving as a means for the monarch to express the legislative priorities of the government to the parliament and the nation. Although delivered by the monarch, the speech is written by the government, particularly the Prime Minister and the cabinet, reflecting the policies and legislative agenda they aim to pursue. The historical significance of this tradition lies in embodying the working relationship between the monarchy and the elected government, symbolising the monarch's endorsement of the government's agenda while also marking the formal commencement of a new parliamentary session. The King's Speech serves as a historical marker, reflecting the political and societal priorities of the time, and is a keenly observed event both domestically and internationally.
The relationship between the monarchy and politics in the UK is one of a constitutional nature, where the monarch acts as a ceremonial figurehead while the elected government holds the executive power. The King's Speech is a prime example of this relationship, where the monarch formally communicates the legislative agenda of the government to the parliament. While the monarchy retains a symbolic role, the real political power and decision-making lie with the elected officials. This arrangement maintains the historical tradition and the continuity of the monarchy while ensuring the functioning of a democratic political system.
The King's Speech comes at a critical time as it's likely to be the last State Opening of Parliament before the anticipated general election next year. While the precise date of the election is still unclear, this event underscores the importance of the government's agenda that will be laid out in the speech.
This occasion also presents a notable platform for the recently appointed Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, to share his pre-election plans with the nation. Having taken office in October 2022, This will be Sunak's first State Opening of Parliament as Prime Minister, marking a significant moment in his tenure. This event will allow the Prime Minister to communicate the government's policy direction and ambition to the electorate, setting the stage for the political discourse leading up to the general election.
Although the specific content of the upcoming speech is not (officially) revealed in advance, the Westminster world will this week have lots of “fun” trying to guess its contents. It is possible to predict some of the bills that will likely feature. Aside from bills designated for “carry over” (between sessions) such as the Holocaust Memorial Bill which have already begun their progress through Parliament, there are also bills mentioned in last year’s Queen’s Speech that haven’t been introduced yet, bills that have still to receive a second reading and bills that exist in draft form only. They include subjects as varied as anti-terror laws, a ban on conversion therapy, and a technical bill to implement UK membership of the Transpacific Trade Partnership. Any of these could make an appearance. Then there’s the big political announcements from the Conservative Party Conference on transport and smoking that could well take legislative reform.
While the government of course know the contents of the speech already the Opposition parties will be busy preparing how they will respond to the bills that actually make it into the final speech. There isn’t much time between His Majesty reading the speech from the throne in the House of Lords and the contents of the speech being debated in both Houses of Parliament later that afternoon. Opposition advisers and researchers will have a very busy day!
This event, deeply rooted in tradition yet intertwined with current political needs, highlights the delicate balance between the monarchy and the democratic system, as King Charles III makes his initial mark on the parliamentary history of the UK.
