In his inaugural King’s Speech, King Charles has set the government’s goals for the next year.
In the address, the King highlighted the plans laid out by the ministers to enact twenty-one bills during the upcoming year-long session of Parliament.
Approximately one-third was either carried over from the previous session or had already been published. It is the first—and probably the last—such blueprint of Rishi Sunak’s administration before the upcoming general election in the United Kingdom, which is scheduled for next year.
Here is the summary of the speech
Law & justice bills
A Sentencing Bill would make it more probable that short terms for minor offences be served in the community, mandate whole-life penalties for the worst murders, and prevent rapists from being released early.
A Criminal Justice Bill would establish procedures to make offenders appear in court and grant law enforcement the authority to enter buildings without a warrant in order to collect stolen property.
Previously released Victims and Prisoners would implement Jade’s Law on parental rights, grant additional rights to victims of crime, and prohibit some criminals from getting married.
Policing
The Investigatory Powers (Amendment) Bill will require tech companies to disclose security features to the Home Office and provide law enforcement authorities more access to certain types of personal data.
The current state of Terrorism (Protection of Premises) bill will implement Martyn’s law, requiring UK venues to create anti-terror strategies.
Housing & rent reforms
The Freehold and Leasehold bill that prohibits leaseholds for newly constructed homes in England and Wales will also raise the average length of a lease renewal to 990 years.
The long-promised prohibition on “no-fault” evictions in England will be implemented under the current Renters (Reform) Bill, but it won’t take effect until the court system is changed.
Energy & animal bills
Annual licences for North Sea oil and gas projects will be granted in accordance with the Offshore Petroleum Licencing Bill and Animal Welfare (Livestock Exports) bill will outlaw the export of British livestock for slaughterhouses and fattening operations.
Media & technology bills
The United Kingdom’s Automated Vehicles Bill will establish the legal foundation for autonomous vehicles.
The Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Bill contains promises to combat bogus reviews and protect consumer rights online.
The data protection framework that the UK acquired from the EU will be replaced by the current Data Protection and Digital Information Bill.
A never-enacted regulation requiring media firms to pay the legal costs of those who sue them, even if they win, will be repealed by the Media Bill, which was released in draught form earlier this year.
Social bills
A Vape and Tobacco Plans for a gradual smoking ban will be presented by the bill, along with limitations on the marketing and packaging of vapes.
The Football Governance Bill will create a regulator for English professional football’s top five divisions.
A London-based Pedicabs (London) bill will provide Transport for London further authority to control pedal-powered taxis in the city.
