The key measures in the King's Speech

King Charles delivered the government’s legislative agenda for the upcoming parliamentary session in a speech to the House of Lords, outlining 37 bills ministers plan to introduce or continue pursuing. The proposals cover a broad range of sectors including the economy, housing, transport, crime, and immigration. Among the key measures are plans to nationalise British Steel, reform leasehold laws, enhance passenger rights, and overhaul policing structures. In the economic sphere, the Steel Industry (Nationalisation) Bill aims to grant ministers the authority to fully nationalise British Steel, contingent on a public interest test. The government also intends to fast-track new agreements with the European Union through a European Partnership Bill, while innovation in defence technology and AI-controlled ships will be supported by a Regulating for Growth Bill. Additional measures include a Competition Reform Bill to expedite regulatory reviews, and a Small Business Protections Bill designed to impose stricter penalties on late payments to suppliers. Housing reforms are a significant focus, with the Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill set to ban leasehold arrangements for new flats in England and Wales and cap ground rents at £250 annually. The Social Housing Renewal Bill proposes a 35-year exemption from Right to Buy for new social homes and introduces protections for social tenants facing domestic abuse. A Remediation Bill will require construction product manufacturers to contribute financially to the removal of unsafe cladding. Transport legislation includes a Railways and Passenger Benefits Bill to strengthen passenger rights and consolidate operator websites, alongside a Taxi and Private Hire Vehicle Bill establishing a national licensing database to improve safety. The government plans to extend the financing model used for nuclear projects to road infrastructure and advance the Northern Powerhouse Rail project with a new bill. A Civil Aviation Bill will grant new powers over airport take-off and landing slots to facilitate expansion. On law enforcement and justice, a Police Reform Bill proposes the creation of larger police forces and a national unit for serious crime investigations. The Courts Modernisation Bill includes controversial plans to reduce jury trials in England and Wales. Immigration controls will be tightened through an Immigration and Asylum Bill, which aims to simplify the revocation of refugee status and limit taxpayer support for asylum seekers. These legislative initiatives reflect the government’s priorities in economic growth, social reform, infrastructure development, and public safety.