Today's King’s Speech is to set out an ambitious legislative programme aimed at building a stronger, fairer, and more resilient UK, with more than 35 new bills and draft laws proposed for the current parliamentary session.
The second King’s Speech under the current government focuses on addressing major national challenges, including economic stability, energy security, immigration reform, and public service transformation, while working to restore opportunity and confidence across the country.
The new package of legislation is designed to strengthen the UK’s foundations across key areas such as economic growth and investment, energy independence, national and border security, as well as public service reform and social mobility.
The plans build on progress made during the government’s first parliamentary session, which saw the passage of 50 bills, including major reforms in housing, energy, employment rights, and public services.
Responding to a challenging global environment, the government has placed a strong emphasis on economic resilience. With ongoing international pressures – including conflict in Ukraine and the Middle East – the legislative agenda aims to support:
- Business confidence and investment
- Regulatory reform to drive innovation
- Stronger trade partnerships, including with the European Union
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said:
“The British people expect the Government to get on with the job of changing our country for the better.
“Cutting the cost of living, bringing down hospital waiting lists and keeping our country safe in an increasingly dangerous world.
“Britain stands at a pivotal moment: to press ahead with a plan to build a stronger, fairer country or turn back to the chaos and instability of the past.
“My government will deliver on the promise of change for the British people.”
New laws are expected to improve the UK’s trade and investment relationships, while helping reduce the cost of living through economic growth and greater market stability. A key highlight of the King’s Speech is the proposed Energy Independence Bill, aimed at reducing reliance on fossil fuels and accelerating the shift to clean, homegrown energy.
The legislation is expected to:
- Speed up delivery of renewable energy projects
- Improve grid infrastructure
- Give government greater powers to address energy affordability
The legislative programme includes measures to enhance national security and restore confidence in immigration policy.
Proposals include:
- Further action to deliver a firm but fair immigration system
- New powers to tackle cyber threats and state-based risks
- Measures to disrupt the spread of extreme content online
The government said these steps are essential to keeping pace with evolving threats and maintaining public safety.
In addition, legislation will provide a potential route to public ownership of British Steel, if required, to protect national industrial capability and supply chains.
Education and social mobility are central to the government’s agenda, with plans to address what it describes as an “opportunity crisis” affecting many communities.
New legislation is expected to:
- Reform the school system to improve access to high‑quality education
- Strengthen support for children with special educational needs
- Ensure parents can access services without unnecessary barriers
The aim is to break the link between background and success, ensuring every child has the opportunity to thrive.
The King’s Speech also includes measures to overhaul the leasehold system, described as outdated and unfair.
Proposals aim to:
- Give homeowners greater control over their properties
- Strengthen rights for those living in leasehold homes
- Improve fairness and transparency in housing arrangements
Additional legislation will focus on protecting social housing stock and improving support for vulnerable groups, including domestic abuse survivors.
Significant reforms are planned across key public services, particularly within the NHS and education system.
A new health bill is expected to:
- Reduce bureaucracy within the NHS
- Improve patient care and outcomes
- Strengthen early intervention and prevention
Other measures will support improvements in policing and special educational needs services, aiming to deliver more efficient and responsive public services.
Alongside new legislation, the government highlighted ongoing action to ease the cost of living and support families.
These measures include free breakfast clubs in primary schools, expanded free childcare provision, continued rail fare freezes and caps on bus journey prices, and investment in a £2.5 billion youth employment programme, supporting up to 1 million young people.
The programme aims to provide practical support for households while creating pathways into employment and training.
The King’s Speech sets out a clear direction for the current parliamentary session, with a focus on long‑term reform and resilience.
Ministers say the combination of economic, social, and public service measures will help strengthen communities, improve living standards, and build a more inclusive and stable economy.
With legislation now set to be introduced to Parliament, the coming months will see debate and scrutiny of the government’s proposals.
The programme represents one of the most comprehensive legislative agendas in recent years, aiming to deliver change across multiple sectors while responding to both domestic and global challenges.
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