Rishi Sunak Puts Growth and Battle Against Inflation at Forefront of King’s Speech

King Charles III (L) with Queen Camilla (R) at the state opening of Parliament on Nov. 7, 2023. PA

The prime minister, Rishi Sunak, has made it clear in the King’s Speech—the first to be delivered by Charles III as monarch—that he is prioritising the battle against inflation and the need for greater economic growth.

At the state opening of Parliament on Tuesday, King Charles—with Queen Camilla sat beside him—said:  “My government will, in all respects, seek to make long-term decisions in the interests of future generations. My ministers will address inflation and the drivers of low growth over demands for greater spending or borrowing.”

Although Mr. Sunak could call a general election as late as Jan. 2025, Tuesday’s King’s Speech is expected to be the last one before an election.

With the Conservatives behind in the polls, the speech was Mr. Sunak’s opportunity to set out the policy differences between his government and Labour.

Mr. Sunak set out his government would support, “the future licensing of new oil and gas fields” and said this would help, “the country to transition to net zero by 2050 without adding undue burdens on households.”

The move is likely to further embolden Just Stop Oil protesters but it also puts political pressure on Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer because if he blocks new oil and gas he might be perceived as driving up energy prices for households.

In his speech, given in the House of Lords, King Charles said the legislation would be brought forward to, “strengthen the United Kingdom’s energy security and reduce reliance on volatile international energy markets and hostile foreign regimes,” a clear dig by Mr. Sunak at Russia and President Vladimir Putin.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak (L) with Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer (R) at the state opening of Parliament in Westminster, London on Nov. 7, 2023. PA

But King Charles added, “Alongside this, my ministers will seek to attract record levels of investment in renewable energy sources and reform grid connections, building on the United Kingdom’s track record of decarbonising faster than other G-7 economies.”

Mr. Sunak is clearly seeking to appeal to voters’ pockets without alienating those who see climate change as a major concern for them and their children and grandchildren.

‘Barbaric Acts of Terrorism...Against Israel’

In the speech, King Charles said: “My ministers will work closely with international partners to support Ukraine, strengthen NATO, and address the most pressing security challenges. This includes the consequences of the barbaric acts of terrorism against the people of Israel, facilitating humanitarian support into Gaza, and supporting the cause of peace and stability in the Middle East.”

The speech also included a promise to introduce legislation which would, “empower police forces and the criminal justice system to prevent new or complex crimes, such as digital enabled crime, and child sexual abuse, including grooming.”

The speech included mention of 16 bills, although it is understood the government’s full programme outlines 21 bills in total.

Among the proposed legislation is a bill which would create the legal framework to enable driverless cars to be used on Britain’s roads.

The Automated Vehicles Bill is designed to provide manufacturers with the “certainty and confidence” needed develop the technology in the UK.

The bill would set out clear legal liability over who is responsible if a self-driving vehicle is involved in a collision.

Also outlined were bills which would:

• Ban the construction of new leasehold houses in England and Wales, but not leasehold flats.

• End no-fault evictions, but only after court reforms and stronger possession grounds for landlords are in place.

• Permanently ban the live export of livestock for slaughter and fattening abroad, after an earlier effort failed.

Sunak Promises to Deliver ‘Brighter Future’

Commenting on the programme, Mr. Sunak said: “With this historic King’s Speech, we are rising to that challenge. We are changing our country for the long term, delivering a brighter future.”

Among the notable absences from the King’s Speech was a bill to ban so-called conversion therapy for gay and transgender people, a controversial measure which has been shelved because of the opposition of Tory MPs like Miriam Cates, who feared it could have “dreadful unintended consequences” for families.

Republican protesters mount a demonstration against the monarch outside the Palace of Westminster in London on Nov. 7, 2023. PA

King Charles, who is 74, was giving his first speech at the state opening of Parliament as monarch. Last year, he delivered the speech in the absence of his mother, who was unwell. She passed away in September, aged 96.

Hundreds of protesters from the anti-monarchist group Republic lined Parliament Square and chanted: “Not my king” and “down with the crown” as the King arrived in his royal carriage.

The CEO of Republic, Graham Smith, called the King’s Speech a “pantomime” which advertises “how stupid our constitution is.”

PA Media contributed to this content.