King Charles has outlined an extensive legislative programme for the United Kingdom Government, placing economic security, national defence, and the cost of living at the heart of its policy direction, while warning that global instability—including the conflict in the Middle East—will continue to test national resilience.
Opening the address with concerns over international security, the monarch noted that ongoing global tensions would shape the country’s priorities.
“The conflict in the Middle East, only the most recent example. Every element of the nation’s energy, defence, and economic security will be tested.
”My government will respond to this world with strength and aim to create a country that is fair for all,” he said.
He stressed that safeguarding long-term national security across critical sectors would remain a core focus of government policy.
“My ministers will take decisions to protect the energy, defence, and economic security of the United Kingdom for the long term.
”They will defend the British values of decency, tolerance, and respect for difference under our common flag,” he added.
On domestic security, the King said urgent measures would be introduced to protect communities and promote unity.
“My government will take urgent action to tackle antisemitism and ensure all communities feel safe,” he stated.
Turning to the economy, he emphasised efforts to improve living standards and stabilise prices amid ongoing cost-of-living pressures.
“My government believes that the United Kingdom’s economic security depends on raising living standards in every part of the United Kingdom.
”My ministers will support measures that maintain stability and control the cost of living,” he said.
He added that the government would adopt an active economic role to stimulate investment and growth.
“They will use public investment to shape markets and attract further private investment.
”They will deploy the power of an active state in partnership with business and enable reforms that support higher growth and a fair deal for working people, ”’he said.
King Charles also highlighted the importance of stronger international trade relations, including improved ties with the European Union.
“My government believes that improved trading relations are vital for the United Kingdom’s economic security, for significantly raising economic growth, and for lowering prices for working people,” he said.
He confirmed that new legislation would be introduced to strengthen trade links and reduce bureaucratic constraints on businesses, including efforts to tackle late payments and regulatory burdens.
Major infrastructure plans were also outlined, including airport expansion, road construction such as the Lower Thames Crossing, and the Northern Powerhouse Rail project aimed at boosting regional development.
“The United Kingdom’s economic security depends upon world-class infrastructure,” he stated.
The speech also confirmed continued support for domestic steel production, alongside reforms in policing, healthcare, and the criminal justice system.
“My ministers will push forward with significant reforms to the police, the National Health Service, and to the criminal justice system to help them deliver services the British people expect,” he said.
On immigration, he noted plans to strengthen confidence in border and asylum systems, while also introducing reforms in water services and rail through the creation of Great British Railways.
Education reforms were also highlighted, including improved school standards, changes to special educational needs provision, and expanded apprenticeship and youth employment programmes.
He further announced plans for a digital identity system to modernise access to public services, alongside measures to increase transparency and accountability in government.
“My ministers will proceed with the introduction of digital ID that will modernise how citizens interact with public services,” he said.
On foreign policy, King Charles reaffirmed continued UK support for Ukraine and commitment to NATO, while also emphasising efforts to promote peace in the Middle East.
“My ministers will uphold the United Kingdom’s unbreakable commitment to NATO and our NATO allies,” he stated.
Energy security featured prominently, with plans for an Energy Independence Bill aimed at expanding renewable energy and educing reliance on external sources.
“My ministers believe that energy independence must be a long-term goal of national security,” he said.
Concluding the speech, the King said the government would continue pursuing policies aimed at strengthening unity, resilience, and global leadership, while also addressing climate change and global poverty.
