THE NEW YORK TIMES: From plans to tackle climate change to ending the role of hereditary legislators, the ceremonial King’s Speech showcased the progressive priorities of Britain’s Labour government.
At last, a “King’s Speech” that the king himself might have written, at least in its bridge-building, planet-saving passages.
On Wednesday, King Charles III formally opened Britain’s Parliament, presenting the priorities of Britain’s new Labour government, a center-left legislative agenda that chimes with some of his own cherished projects, from curbing climate change to cultivating close ties with the European Union.
It was a stark contrast to last year, when Charles presented the agenda of the Conservative government, which included plans to expand oil and gas drilling in the North Sea. Critics said that was at odds with Britain’s “net zero” emissions goals; the Labour government has promised to end new oil and gas exploration.
Nothing in the king’s demeanor suggested that he was any more enthusiastic speaking the words drafted for him by Prime Minister Keir Starmer than he was with last year’s speech, prepared by Mr. Starmer’s predecessor, Rishi Sunak.
His poker face spoke to a lifetime of studied political neutrality, a central tenet of Britain’s constitutional monarchy. That job requirement is rarely tested more than on the day the king opens Parliament, wearing the jewel-encrusted Imperial State Crown to deliver a speech jam-packed with politics. » | Mark Landler, Reporting from London | Wednesday, July 17, 2024
Watch excerpts from the King’s speech here.
