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Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is due to set out his government’s legislative agenda for the coming years in a King’s Speech this morning.
King Charles is expected to outline around 35 bills as part of the opening of Parliament, including a national housing programme to build 1.5 million homes, a bill to implement Labour’s promise to nationalise the railways and a workers’ rights bill.
The Prime Minister said the measures would “take the brakes off the UK” and stimulate economic growth, “creating wealth for people across the country”.
As part of a new package of policies, local authorities could be given more powers and laws to ensure all government budgets are subject to independent scrutiny beforehand.
New measures to tighten border security are also planned after Prime Minister Sir Keir decided to scrap Conservative plans to send people arriving in the UK on a one-way trip across the English Channel to Rwanda.
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The King and Queen begin their carriage procession to Westminster
The King and Queen departed from Buckingham Palace in the Diamond Jubilee State Coach, drawn by six grey horses.
They were accompanied by an escort of the Royal Cavalry as they travelled in a carriage procession to the House of Lords.
Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, is also celebrating her 77th birthday today. She is wearing an off-white silk crepe embroidered dress by Fiona Clare, a George IV State Diadem, a diamond Collette necklace, and Van Cleef & Arpels diamond earrings and a diamond bracelet.
The black and gold Diamond Jubilee State Coach is the Royal Mews’ newest addition. It has shock absorbers to reduce vibration, heating, interior lighting and electric windows. It will be used by the King and Queen on their journey to the Coronation in 2023.
Salma WaghiraJuly 17, 2024 11:07
The crown came from Buckingham Palace
The royal symbols – the crown, crown cap and sword – left Buckingham Palace and proceeded to the House of Lords.
The ancient symbol of royalty is carried in Queen Alexandra’s State Coach, a carriage drawn by four bay horses.
The Imperial Crown is a well-known symbol of the monarchy and is the working crown worn by the monarch at the Opening of Parliament.
It is made up of 2,868 diamonds, 17 sapphires, 11 emeralds, 5 rubies and over 270 pearls and weighs more than one kilogram.
Among the gems on display are the Black Prince’s Ruby, one of the late Queen’s favourite gems, the Cullinan II Diamond and a large oval sapphire known as the Stuart Sapphire.
Charles wore the precious crown on his way back to the palace after his coronation, although at his coronation he wore the 17th century gilded St. Edward’s Crown.
Salma WaghiraJuly 17, 2024 10:57
BREAKING: Arrests made in Westminster after planning protests ahead of King’s Speech
The Metropolitan police arrested 10 members of Westminster campaign group Youth Demand on suspicion of conspiracy to cause a public nuisance after protesters said they planned to disrupt the opening of Parliament.
The Metropolitan police said on social media: “Last week Youth Demand said they were planning to disrupt the event.
“An hour ago police arrested 10 people in Westminster on suspicion of conspiracy to commit a public nuisance.
“Another 20 to 25 people have gathered in Victoria Embankment Gardens and further arrests are being made.”
Last week the group called on supporters to gather at Victoria Embankment Gardens on Wednesday morning to protest against Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s response to Israel’s war with Hamas.
Salma WaghiraJuly 17, 2024 10:52
Pictured: Lords take their seats in the House of Lords ahead of the King’s Speech
Salma WaghiraJuly 17, 2024 10:43
Sir Keir Starmer leaves Downing Street to attend the King’s Speech
Sir Keir Starmer has left Downing Street and is heading to Parliament for the King’s Speech.
As the Prime Minister walked out the door of Number 10, a reporter asked him: “How are you going to pay for this?”
Salma WaghiraJuly 17, 2024 10:33
Protesters and supporters gather ahead of the royal procession
The King is due to take part in a public procession this morning on his way to the House of Lords where he is to deliver a major speech.
Ahead of the ceremony, protesters gathered near Westminster carrying yellow placards with the slogan “Not my King”.
Supporters of King Charles also gathered, waving banners reading “God Protect the King.”
Salma WaghiraJuly 17, 2024 10:31
Rents rise 8.6% in one year as government unveils new homebuilding plans
The average house price in the UK rose 2.2% in the 12 months to May 2024 to £285,000, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS).
This would be an acceleration from 1.3% growth in the 12 months to April 2024.
Average private rents in England rose by 8.6% in the 12 months to June 2024, slowing from 8.7% in the 12 months to May 2024.
Salma WaghiraJuly 17, 2024 10:15
Pictured: Guardsmen conducting a ceremonial search at the House of Lords
Salma WaghiraJuly 17, 2024 10:05
IMF report sparks fresh concerns that Brexit has ‘sapped the UK economy’s vitality’
However, the urgency of the issue seems to be underscored by the latest IMF forecasts.
Our Politics Editor, David Maddox, has the full story.
Salma WaghiraJuly 17, 2024 09:55
PM promises to ‘take the brakes off Britain’ ahead of King’s Speech
Salma WaghiraJuly 17, 2024 09:47
