Amid a deep political crisis in the UK, Prime Minister Keir Starmer's government is expected to set out its legislative priorities today through the "Speech from the Throne", which will be delivered by Charles III to the British Parliament, in a traditional grand ceremony in Westminster. This important ritual of British political life marks the start of a new parliamentary session and serves to present the bills the government intends to pass over the next 12 months.
The speech comes after a turbulent few days for Starmer, who is facing intense pressure within the Labour Party. According to British media, 86 Labour MPs have called for his resignation following poor results in local elections, while four cabinet ministers resigned on Tuesday, deepening the political crisis. However, Starmer has said he intends to “continue to govern”, while 109 Labour MPs have signed a letter of support for him, arguing that “now is not the time to question the leadership of the party”.
Before the ceremony in Westminster, the prime minister is expected to hold a meeting with Health Secretary Wes Streeting, whose name has been mentioned as one of Starmer's potential rivals. In a statement, the prime minister's office stressed that "the world is more unstable and dangerous than at any time in modern history", referring to the conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine, which it said were threatening living standards in Britain.
King Charles III will deliver his third "Speech from the Throne" since ascending to the throne in 2022. The ceremony will take place in the House of Lords, where the monarch will sit on the golden throne, with Queen Camilla at his side. British media report that the government is expected to introduce more than 35 bills, which will include issues such as the nationalization of the steel industry, green energy and immigration.
One of the most controversial bills is expected to be one that would limit the application of the European Convention on Human Rights, with the aim of facilitating the deportation of migrants. The government also plans to limit legal remedies for asylum seekers, at a time when the number of migrants crossing the English Channel by dinghy has exceeded 200 since 2018. The ceremony is accompanied by centuries-old traditions. Before the monarch arrives at Parliament, the Royal Guards check the cellars for explosives, a practice that dates back to the 1605 plot to blow up the British Parliament.
