Charles III: ‘My government will change this country and build a better future’

In his first King’s Speech as monarch today, Charles III told assembled MPs and Peers in the House of Lords that his government “will change this country and build a better future”.

The King’s Speech – delivered by the monarch but written by the government – saw 21 new bills announced.

Charles III began: “It is mindful of the legacy of service and devotion to this country set by My beloved Mother, The late Queen, that I deliver this, the first King’s Speech in over 70 years”

His Majesty continued: “My Government’s priority is to make the difficult but necessary long-term decisions to change this country for the better”.

Announcing the new Offshore Petroleum Licensing Bill, he said: “This Bill will support the future licensing of new oil and gas fields, helping the country to transition to net zero by 2050 without adding undue burdens on households”.