British Parliament - Pomp and Politics: Charles presents Labour's government plan
Two weeks after the government change in Britain, King Charles III opened Parliament with royal pomp. The Monarch read out the government's program of new Prime Minister Keir Starmer during the "State Opening of Parliament." The 61-year-old is the first Labour Party leader as the country's CEO in 14 years.
In the "King's Speech," a series of legislative initiatives were announced, with which Starmer aimed to tackle issues like housing crisis, railway troubles, and long waiting times in hospitals. A rapprochement with the EU is also on the agenda.
"Stability will be the foundation of my government's economic policy," read King Charles from the program, which includes over 35 bills. Economic growth is the "fundamental mission." There will be no financial crisis, as signaled by the previous government's announced tax cuts.
"State Opening" follows centuries-old rules
The 75-year-old King and his wife, Queen Camilla, who celebrated her 77th birthday on Wednesday, arrived at Parliament with much pomp in a procession from Buckingham Palace. The "State Opening" is one of the most significant events in the royal and political calendar and follows centuries-old rules. The King wears the Imperial State Crown.
Before Parliament gathered many onlookers, but also anti-monarchy activists from the Republic group, who demand the abolition of the Monarchy.
Among the government's announced legislative initiatives is a planning law reform. This aims to simplify the construction of housing and large projects. Railway operators are to be gradually taken over by the state, and more powers are to be given to local authorities. The rights of workers and tenants will be strengthened by Labour. With a new border protection command, Starmer aims to clamp down on people smuggling gangs who smuggle migrants across the English Channel in unseaworthy boats.
Gradual tobacco ban still on the cards
The Monarch is politically neutral in Britain, even though he becomes the government's mouthpiece during the "King's Speech." For the eco-conscious Charles, the words: "My government recognizes the urgency of the global climate challenge (...)" might have easily slipped out.
A new state-owned company named GB Energy aims to make investments in renewable energy more attractive. With more powers for water regulators, the increasing pollution of rivers and coasts can be stopped. People in Britain often protest against the introduction of unclear effluents into the sea.
The previous government's plans for a new regulatory body in football and a gradual tobacco ban are being taken over by Starmer. The minimum age for buying tobacco products is expected to increase further in the coming years, so younger generations will not be able to legally smoke. However, there should be no opposition from the now conservative opposition, led by former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, for the plan to abolish tax exemptions for private schools.
Tradition recalls the "Gunpowder Plot"
To the curious rituals surrounding the "State Opening" include Waches descending into the cellar of the House of Commons at the beginning with lanterns to check if anyone has hidden gunpowder. This refers back to the "Gunpowder Plot" of the Catholic conspirator Guy Fawkes, who attempted to blow up the Protestant King Charles I during the "State Opening" in 1605.
Ambassadors receive a knock on the door in their face
Similarly strange is the tradition that an MP is taken into custody from the Palace during the ceremony to ensure the monarch's return from the domain of the representatives.
To emphasize the independence of the Parliament from the Monarchy, the Chief of the Guard in the House of Commons, referred to as "Black Rod" (black rod), is also knocked on the door in the nose when she goes over to summon the MPs to the upper chamber. She only receives entry after three knocks.
- Following a government change in the United Kingdom, Keir Starmer became the first Labour Party leader to serve as the country's CEO in 14 years.
- Liz Truss, the former Prime Minister, was replaced by Starmer after two weeks of political transition.
- During the "State Opening of Parliament," King Charles III read out Starmer's government program, highlighting initiatives to tackle housing issues, railway troubles, and hospital waiting times.
- In his speech, King Charles emphasized the importance of stability in the government's economic policy and financial growth.
- Adel and other onlookers watched as King Charles, along with Queen Camilla, arrived at Parliament with pomp for the "State Opening" ceremony.
- Among the planned legislative initiatives, a gradual takeover of railway operators by the state and a tobacco ban were on the agenda.
- As part of the government's program, a new state-owned company named GB Energy aims to invest in renewable energy, while the minimum age for buying tobacco products may be increased further.
- Traditionally, Waches check for hidden gunpowder in the cellar of the House of Commons to commemorate the "Gunpowder Plot" and emphasize the independence of Parliament from the Monarchy.
