Tougher sentences for serious offenders and a crackdown on grooming were the key highlights of King Charles’s first speech. The King began his speech by paying tribute to his late mother, the Queen, and acknowledged her dedication to the country.
The Sentencing Bill, aimed at increasing the confidence of victims, will be brought forward. Additionally, measures will be introduced to empower the police in preventing new and complex crimes, including online crime and sexual grooming. The government will also implement new laws to protect public premises and prevent terrorist attacks like the one at the Manchester Arena.
The King emphasised the government’s commitment to combat illegal migration by building upon last year’s Illegal Migration Act, especially targeting small boat crossings in the English Channel. The government will also facilitate leaseholders in purchasing their freehold and fight against excessive service charges.
Other policies mentioned by the King include plans to regenerate towns, establish a new football regulator, and address the issue of unlicensed pedicabs in London. The government is determined to tackle antisemitism and will push for the construction of the Holocaust Memorial and Learning Centre in Victoria Tower Gardens through parliamentary approval.
In the healthcare sector, the King outlined the government’s workforce plan to reduce waiting lists and transform the long-term workforce. Investments will be made to train more doctors and nurses while ensuring minimum service levels to prevent strikes from compromising patient safety. Mental health services will also be expanded and transformed with record levels of investment.
The government aims to create a smoke-free generation by restricting the sale of tobacco and the sale and marketing of e-cigarettes to children. Legislation will be introduced to ensure that children aged 14 or under will never be legally sold cigarettes.
Moving on to emerging industries, the government plans to establish new legal frameworks to support the safe commercial development of technologies like self-driving vehicles and artificial intelligence. The King also mentioned the government’s commitment to making the economy more competitive, promoting trade and investment with fast-growing economies worldwide.
Addressing transport, the King pledged investments in better connections in England, particularly in Network North to improve journeys for cities and towns in the North and Midlands.
The government will introduce legislation to strengthen the UK’s energy security, reduce reliance on international energy markets, and support the transition to net zero carbon dioxide emissions by 2050. Record levels of investment in renewable energy sources and grid connection reforms will be sought to further decarbonise the economy.
Lastly, the government will take action to bring down inflation, ease the cost of living for families, and support businesses in creating new jobs and investments. Responsible decisions on spending and borrowing will be made to improve household finances, reduce public sector debt, and safeguard the country’s financial security.
