Jonathan Walker, Aaron Newbury, Ciaran McGrath, Martyn Brown, Steph Spyro, Michael Knowles, David Williamson
Andy Burnham has apparently secured a potential seat for his route back to Westminster, Manchester Rusholme, currently held by Afzal Khan.No decision will be made until after Wes Streeting makes his decision about triggering contest.Mr Khan backed Burnham for Labour leader in 2015 when he was North West MEP and he has publicly campaigned for his reelection as mayor of Greater Manchester.
First Labour MPs calls for Starmer resignation in Commons
Jonathan Brash has become the first Labour MP to call for Sir Keir Starmer to step down as Prime Minister on the floor of the House of Commons.
The Hartlepool MP said: “The message last week was unmistakable. People want a government that acts with urgency, courage and purpose against the crushing pressures of everyday life.
“And if they do not get it, they will once again roll the dice, and even if it is on a charlatan, because desperation drives risk, and people are desperate for hope.
“And for however difficult it may be for many on these benches to admit, it is now clear to me that this Prime Minister can no longer provide that hope.
“I do not say it with pleasure, but leadership is not only about knowing when to fight on, it is also about knowing when your authority has ebbed, when trust has frayed, and when it is time to leave the stage.”
Mr Brash was the first MP to call for Sir Keir resign, after his wife lost her seat in the local elections.
He also used his speech to call for “bolder” policies, including abolishing council tax and replacing it with a more progressive system, nationalising water companies and Royal Mail, “standing up for” the Waspi women, and, if necessary, “declaring a state of emergency on our borders and turning boats back”.
Minister mounts defence against Wes Streeting’s leadership plot
Keir Starmer invited all Ministers into his office on Wednesday night to tell them that for the sake of the country, “Wes can’t win”
One Minister said: “There was something in his eyes I haven’t seen before. And I liked it.”
PM facing ‘test of confidence’ in key vote, Lib Dem leader says
Votes for the King’s Speech could be a “test of confidence in this Government, and this Prime Minister”, the Liberal Democrat leader has said.
Speaking in the Commons, Sir Ed Davey said: “This is the 23rd humble address I’ve listened to in this House, and it’s the most surreal by far.
“Everyone in this House, and everyone in the country, know this Prime Minister may soon not be in power, not in place for his own programme, not able to deliver these promises.
“The votes on this King’s Speech ought to be interesting – a test of confidence in this Government and this Prime Minister.”
He said that if every Labour member who had called for Sir Keir Starmer to go voted against the speech, the “Government’s huge majority would be at risk”.
King’s Speech sets ‘hopeful course’, Starmer insists
Sir Keir Starmer said the King’s Speech sets a “hopeful course” and he criticised those who “feed the frustration with that status quo into a politics of grievance and division”.
He said: “This King’s Speech will make sure no child is left behind, because everyone has something to contribute to the success of this nation,
“And every child must succeed if we’re to build a stronger, fairer Britain.
“That is how we tear down the status quo preserved by the party opposite, a status quo that failed working people, a status quo that left Britain’s economy exposed, a status quo that made our country weak.
“There are some in this country, some even in this House, that would feed the frustration with that status quo into a politics of grievance and division.
“This King’s Speech sets a different course, a more hopeful course, a course that sees the conflict in Iran, a war on two fronts, not as something to wring our hands about, but as an opportunity we must take to shape our country’s future, to end the status quo that has failed working people, to build a stronger, fairer Britain. That is what this King’s Speech delivers.”
Starmer: ‘There is no good reason to oppose my Brussels plans’
Sir Keir Starmer has said it is in the United Kingdom’s best interests to be close to the EU. Responding to the King’s Speech the remain-voting Prime Minister said there was “no good reason to oppose” his efforts to realign London with Brussels.
The Prime Minister told the Commons the Government was going to put “Britain back at the heart of a stronger Europe” and that doing so was “a defining act of this Government”.
Labour has long-touted resetting relations with Eurocrats as a pillar of their program for government, despite concerns that doing so would unpick the Brexit vote.
Sir Keir added: “That is good for growth. It will reduce the cost of living and strengthen our security. There is no good reason to oppose it. So, for our economic security, for our Labour values, this Government will act.”
Starmer jokes about turmoil around his leadership
Sir Keir Starmer joked about the ongoing turmoil surrounding his leadership as he spoke in the Commons.
The Prime Minister said: “The gracious speech was brilliantly proposed by my honourable friend, the member for Bradford West (Naz Shah).
“Members across the House will have read her remarkable new book. Her list of endorsements is truly impressive, reaching well over 100 members – at last, a list that we could all get behind.”
Health Secretary Wes Streeting could be seen laughing along to jokes made by the Prime Minister, despite reports he is launching a leadership bid.
Sir Keir had opened his contribution by referring to the antisemitic attacks in Golders Green, saying: “It is time for the silent majority in this country to speak up, to stand with British Jews, and defeat this hatred once and for all, just as we will take on any form of hatred from left or right that seeks to divide us.”
A view inside the Commons (Image: Parliament TV)
Badenoch: Starmer ‘in office but not in power’
The “Prime Minister is in office, but not in power,” opposition leader Kemi Badenoch has said.
Speaking during the debate on the King’s Speech, she said Sir Keir Starmer’s Government has “run out of road” with the PM’s authority “gone”.
She said: “I know the convention is for this to be a light-hearted debate, but as I have already said, this is a highly unusual moment. The Prime Minister is in office, but not in power. Everyone is trying to pretend it’s all right. It’s not all right.
“In the past 48 hours, nearly 100 Labour MPs have called for the Prime Minister to resign. Four ministers have quit.
“It is clear his authority has gone and that he will not be able to deliver what little there is in this King’s Speech.
“This is a Government less than two years in office, which has already run out of ideas and run out of road.”
Sir Keir did not react as she spoke.
Streeting told to ‘do your job’ as Commons returns
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch took aim at Wes Streeting over his reported leadership ambitions, telling him: “Why don’t you just do your job?”
During the debate on the King’s Speech, Mrs Badenoch told the Commons: “All we have is a load of re-announced policies. Hounding our brave veterans through the courts, legislating for digital ID, a policy they told us they dropped, banning trail hunting, just more class war that makes no one’s life better, scrapping NHS England, something the Prime Minister announced 14 months ago.
“But then I suppose the Health Secretary has been a bit distracted lately, hasn’t he? He’s chuntering now, why don’t you just do your job? Do your job.”
“There’s no point in giving me dirty looks. We all know what he’s been up to,” she added.
Starmer facing a ‘crisis of vision’, Badenoch says
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch told Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer that he is facing “a crisis of vision, charisma and electoral success”.
She said: “We spent the last session listening to Labour MPs telling us how great everything was going. No doubt we will hear lots of grandstanding speeches this week telling us what a fantastic job they did.
“How absurd, given the number of them demanding that the Prime Minister stands down.
“We counted, there were 24 U-turns in that first parliamentary session: winter fuel, family farms, grooming gangs, welfare reforms, social media for under 16s, day one workers’ rights, the list goes on and on.
“And every single one of these U-turns had at its core a single issue: the Prime Minister’s total lack of judgment. This is a man who, faced with a crisis of vision, charisma and electoral success, sent for Gordon Brown.
“Leadership is about having a vision for this country. It’s about having the courage to take difficult decisions, persuading your party that those difficult decisions will pay off in time, and taking responsibility for your mistakes. He has failed on every count.”
When faced with Labour MPs making noise during her speech, Mrs Badenoch said “I know they can’t wait to get back to their plotting”, and later: “They want to lead our country, they can’t even lead a coup”.
Kemi brands Labour MPs ‘f***** useless’
“Every single one of them is, I apologise Mr Speaker, f***** useless,” Mrs Badenoch has declared – skirting being told of by the Speaker by spelling out the stars in her expletive.
Labour ‘cannot even lead a coup’
Labour “can’t even lead a coup” Kemi Badenoch has said, slamming the government and its backbench MPs who are threatening to depose the PM.
Kemi: ‘Labour came into office with no plan.’
“Everything that has gone wrong in Labour’s first two years comes back to one problem,” Kemi Badenoch has declared in a speech demolishing Sir Keir Starmer.
She adds: “They came into office with no plan.”
Mrs Badenoch is responding to the introduction of the King’s Speech. She was briefly shouted at, but shot down Labour MPs and said she understood their eagerness for her to finish so they could “get back to their plotting”.
She slammed the Labour manifesto as being littered with promises they have now broken.
Jeremy Corbyn does not think Wes Streeting is alternative PM
Your Party leader Jeremy Corbyn said it is “very hard to see” how Sir Keir Starmer can stay in post but he does not think Health Secretary Wes Streeting is an alternative.
The former Labour Party leader found the King’s Speech promised “very little” and “even where there’s something moderately optimistic, like better control of the water industry, it falls short of taking it into public ownership”.
The MP for Islington North told the Press Association: “When (the King’s Speech) talks about improving the lot of young children, particularly special needs children in schools, it doesn’t say anything about how they’re going to fund it or pay for it… on the global stage it’s a continuation of arms spending, continuation of enabling American planes to fly out of Britain to bomb Iran and no reference or apology for their participation in the Gaza genocide.”
He added: “If Wes Streeting is to be the alternative, I fail to see what he’s an alternative to.
“Wes Streeting is, after all, presiding over Palantir being brought into our National Health Service and has continued with the Health and Social Care Act that the coalition government brought in, which brings in the private sector into our NHS.”
Kemi Badenoch giving speech in Commons
Tory leader Kemi Badenoch is on her feet and giving a humorous speech responding to the King’s Speech.
Kemi Badenoch (Image: Parlament TV)
MP: Starmer knows how to fight on
A backbench Labour MP has joked that nobody can say the Prime Minister does not “know how to fight on” as she opened the King’s Speech debate.
Bradford West MP Naz Shah compared Sir Keir Starmer to Labour Party founder, Keir Hardie as she spoke in the Commons.
She said: “It was in Bradford that a man named Keir first took the chair of the Labour movement. And despite 130 years, two world wars and roughly 47 leadership elections, the party remains in the hands of a Keir.
“Prime Minister, nobody can say that you don’t know how to fight on.”
Earlier in her contribution, Ms Shah said she is the “first ever Muslim to propose the loyal address”, adding: “If seeing black and brown people on TV makes you feel sick, my speech is going to make you vomit.”
She continued: “I know without a doubt that as someone who comes from the ethnic, religious and socio-economic background that I came from, whose entire life crashed before her, I would never have been given such an honour in any other country than this one – my own country, our country. For me, there is no nation greater than ours. We are the greatest nation on Earth, and I am a true patriot.”
Corbyn slams Starmer ‘psychodrama’
Former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said the political furore around the Prime Minister is like “a psychodrama in a show” that has “no public involvement”.
The Your Party leader said: “It’s obviously a fast-moving political situation but it’s a bit like a sort of psychodrama in a show, rather than people feeling involved in it.
“We’re here in the Parliament where it’s all happening – there’s no public demonstrations, there’s no public involvement.
“This is very much a sort of a psychodrama on the media more than anything else, and so we’ll see what happens.”
He added: “What we need, really, are the voices of people to deal with the inequalities in our society.
“We came here this morning, I lost count of the number of homeless people I passed on the way. Is that right in a society that is as wealthy as ours?”
A reminder of who is calling for Starmer to go?
As the debate on the King’s Speech continues, Keir Starmer is still under huge pressure to step aside.
Wes Streeting is reportedly planning to quit tomorrow and force a challenge.
(Image: Getty)
Speaker reminds MPs to ‘observe the code of conduct’
MPs have begun debating the King’s Speech in the House of Commons.
Making a statement at the start of business, Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle began by “reminding members of their duty to observe the code of conduct and the behaviour code agreed by the House, and to behave with civility and fairness in all of their dealings”.
He added: “Unacceptable behaviour that doesn’t meet the standard of these codes will be dealt with seriously, independently and with effective sanctions.”
To jeers and laughter from both sides of the chamber, Sir Lindsay later said: “I remind ministers that the Government’s own ministerial code made clear that important policy announcements should be made in the first instance in this House when sitting – and some people seem to have short memories.”
King’s Speech represents Starmer’s ‘commitment to change’
Downing Street has insisted the King’s Speech reflects the scale of Sir Keir Starmer’s ambition and the Government’s “commitment to change”.
Asked about how Sir Keir has responded to criticism that he is too incrementalist with his plans, the Prime Minister’s official spokesman said: “What you’ve heard from the Prime Minister over the last few days is his commitment to change.
“He said ‘change cannot come quickly enough for millions of people who’ve been failed by the status quo over many decades’.
“The Prime Minister has set out a serious vision about how we can become a stronger and fairer Britain.”
He said the 34 Bills and three draft Bills in the King’s speech show the “scale of that ambition”.
“This is about sustained delivery, not short-term fixes, but long-term change, and that is what the Prime Minister is committed to getting on with.”
Labour begs MPs to stop resigning
The resignations must stop, backbench representatives of the Parliamentary Labour Party (PLP) have decreed.
In a statement issued by senior PLP figures, they said: “As the backbench representatives of the PLP we are speaking out now to call for everyone in the Labour movement to work in a way that can ensure we will again be on the same team, and on the same page.
“We are grateful for all the MPs who have spoken to us, in confidence, and told us what they would like to happen next. We will honestly reflect those back to the Prime Minister when we meet him. We respect both those who have set out their objections to the Prime Minister and those who have voiced their support for the Prime Minister.
“But the scenes of the last 48 hours cannot continue if we are to address the causes of distress for all concerned. We know it is not in anyone’s interest to see an increasingly divided PLP descend into chaos. We would ask that those coordinating the statements and resignations to stop…
“The rules of the party are clear regarding challenging the party leadership. Colleagues either meet those requirements or desist. There will be lasting damage if the current position continues.”
Ed Miliband’s net zero madness hands Beijing a ‘kill switch’ over British economy
Ed Miliband was today accused of handing Beijing a “kill switch” over the British economy with his headlong drive for Net Zero.
The Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero has claimed that green energy will end the UK’s reliance on Vladimir Putin’s Russia for its fuel needs.
And in the King’s Speech today, King Charles, speaking on behalf of Keir Starmer’s government, said: “Energy independence must be a long-term goal of national security. Increased production of clean ‘British’ energy will help to ensure that enemies of the United Kingdom cannot attack the energy security of the British people.”
But critics say Net Zero and ‘clean British energy’ simply transfers reliance, and potential economic sabotage, to an even more dangerous state: China, which controls almost the entire planet’s supply chains for green technology.
Sir Keir Starmer has “full confidence” in Wes Streeting
The Prime Minister’s official spokesman said Sir Keir Starmer has “full confidence” in Wes Streeting as Health Secretary.
The spokesman was asked for details of the meeting between Mr Streeting and the Prime Minister held on Wednesday morning.
“As I said, I am not going to get into the content of internal meetings, but the Prime Minister has full confidence in the Health Secretary,” he replied.
The spokesman was asked if Mr Streeting would remain Health Secretary for the rest of the week, amid rumours he is set to mount a leadership challenge.
He replied again that Sir Keir has “full confidence” in Mr Streeting, and described the Prime Minister’s mood as determined to “deliver the change” that people want.
Streeting is ‘poor and un-classy’ say Labour
Cabinet ministers are reported to be furious that Wes Streeting has been plotting against the Prime Minister on the day of the King’s Speech.
“There is a risk it will backfire,” one source told the Telegraph, with another adding that ministers were “furious” with him.
Another MP told that paper it was “poor and un-classy” and that Mr Streeting was “desperate” to nab the top job before Andy Burnham returned to parliament.
Keir Starmer branded ‘lame duck’
Keir Starmer has been branded a “lame duck” Prime Minister by senior figures within his own government.
The source told the Daily Telegraph that Wes Streeting had been badly treated by No10
“They attempted to humiliate him this morning after briefing against him on and off for months, and now being humiliated this morning by a Prime Minister and an operation that is not exactly strong at the moment,” the source said.
“It shows the level of respect they have for their Cabinet members. Wes is pushing forward what everyone is thinking and the Prime Minister is continuing to sit in No 10 as a lame duck.”
Campaigners: ‘Starmer wallowing in the mire of mediocrity’
Taxpayers will “struggle to see the government’s legislative agenda as either ambitious or a break with the status quo” a leading campaigner has said.
John O’Connell, chief executive of the TaxPayers’ Alliance said: “With frontline services continuing to falter and the tax burden hurtling towards a record high, the government seems to be more interested in expanding the quangocracy, pushing forward with nationalisation, and ignoring the ballooning welfare bill.”
He accused the government of wallowing “in the mire of mediocrity” and took aim and Sir Keir saying that “taxpayers deserve better”.
Farage could face probe
The Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards has opened an investigation into a £5 million gift to Nigel Farage, the Press Association understands.
‘Businesses will be deeply disappointed that the King’s Speech fails to address business rates’
Ros Morgan, chief executive of Heart of London Business Alliance, which represents over 500 businesses, said: “Businesses will be deeply disappointed that the King’s Speech fails to address business rates reform – the number one issue facing many firms, particularly those investing in physical premises, jobs and high streets.
“The Government promised fundamental reform to level the playing field between bricks-and-mortar businesses and online operators, and business now needs to see that ambition translated into action. HOLBA is calling for a hybrid business rates model that ensures online businesses pay their share, while supporting growth, investment and vibrant city centres.
“Alongside reform of rates, firms will also be looking for progress on skills, planning, infrastructure, public safety and measures to support investment and growth.
“Given the importance of tourism to the UK economy, we urge ministers to carefully consider the impact of plans for a new visitor levy to be added to bills for overnight accommodation. If such a policy is to go ahead, businesses must have a clear voice in how any money raised is invested to enhance the visitor experience.”
Benn: Starmer has my full support
A Cabinet minister said Sir Keir Starmer has his “full support,” that he will “remain of that view” and that colleagues should “think about what really matters for the future of the country” and back the Prime Minister.
Asked about Health Secretary Wes Streeting’s apparent plan to resign and trigger a leadership contest, Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn told Sky News: “My view is very clear, I think we should rally behind the Prime Minister.
“We should let him get on with doing his job, because he is a serious politician and these are very, very serious times.”
He added: “I don’t think, in my view, this is the moment for a leadership challenge. I think we should back the Prime Minister and I will remain of that view.
“I would say to my colleagues, think about what really matters for the future of the country. We’re … less than two years in.
“We’ve made a start. We’ve got a lot more to do. Let’s get on with the task.”
Cabinet member praises Starmer
A Cabinet minister has praised Sir Keir Starmer’s record in Government and said he “takes his responsibilities very seriously”.
Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn told Sky News: “This is a really serious time. It’s a really serious time. And the thing about Keir Starmer, and I’ve known him a long time, is that he takes his responsibilities very seriously.
“Look at how he has transformed Britain’s reputation in the world.
“Now, we don’t have to have very long memories to go back to the chaos of the last government, a government which signed international agreements with no intention of honouring them at all … and Keir Starmer building that relationship with the American president, saving Jaguar Land Rover, and the workers know that.”
Streeting shares praise for new Hillsborough law
Wes Streeting is still online, and has now shared a post by a reporter – praising the Hillsborough law.
Streeting: ‘Lots to do’
Wes Streeting has said there is “lots to do” as he breaks his silence since the stand off with Starmer this morning.
In his first public comments since the meeting with Sir Keir Starmer, suggested he was focused on his job as Health Secretary.
After the King’s Speech finished, he said on social media: “Under Labour, NHS waiting lists are falling, ambulances are arriving faster, there are more GPs, and higher patient satisfaction.
“Lots done, lots to do.
“The Health Bill will boost the impact of our investment and modernisation: cutting bureaucracy to invest in patient care.”
(Image: Getty)
King and Queen depart the Lords
The King and Queen have departed from the Lords chamber after a speech that lasted around 11 minutes and 39 seconds.
King’s Speech concludes
King Charles III has concluded the King’s Speech having laid out the plans for his government over the next parliament.
93 MPs now calling for Sir Keir Starmer to resign
93 MPs are now calling for Sir Keir Starmer to resign, even as the King delivers his speech setting out what Sir Keir’s government wants to do this session.
Government will press ahead with digital ID plans
Government will introduce digital ID, the King has confirmed.
His Majesty said: “My ministers will also proceed with the introduction of digital ID that will modernise how citizens interact with public services, alongside strong public services and a strong economy, the highest standards of trust in public office are essential for the social contract and the United Kingdom’s collective security.”
King: ‘UK faces an increasingly dangerous and volatile world’
Outlining the priorities of Sir Keir Starmer’s Government in his speech at the state opening of Parliament, the King said the UK faced an “increasingly dangerous and volatile world”.
He said: “My Lords and members of the House of Commons.
“An increasingly dangerous and volatile world threatens the United Kingdom, with 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. My ministers will take decisions that 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, and they will harness the potential of the pride felt across this country for its communities. My Government will take urgent action to tackle antisemitism and ensure all communities feel safe.
“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.
“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.”
King: ‘My Government will strengthen ties with the EU’
The government will focus on “raising living standards” across the UK, as they “use public investment to shape markets”, the King has said.
He is speaking about Labour’s economic plans. He has added that his ministers will bring about a bill “to strengthen ties with the European Union”.
He earlier said Sir Keir Starmer would seek “improved trade relations” which the speech said “are vital to the United Kingdom’s economic security”.
King begins speech
King Charles III has begun the King’s Speech and will now begin outlining his Government’s plans for the next session.
He begins by saying that his ministers will take decisions to protect energy and defence for the “long term”.
Streeting was ‘confident, optimistic and statesmanlike’ when heading to No10
Wes Streeting’s swagger on arrival at Downing Street indicates a deliberately confident, optimistic and statesmanlike presentation as he entered No10, according to body language expert Judi James.
Mr Streeting’s brief 20-minute visit to Downing Street has intensified speculation over Labour’s leadership turmoil, after the Health Secretary – widely tipped to be on the verge of launching a leadership challenge – was seen entering talks with Sir Keir Starmer as pressure mounts on the Prime Minister from ministers, MPs and unions.
Ms James said: “Mr Streeting’s body language as he arrived at No 10 looked deliberately confident, optimistic and statesmanlike. His walk was more of a march as though he had come to sort out the problems of government and his brisk but unhurried pace suggested a sense of determination.”
MPs making their way to the House of Lords
Members of the House of Commons have been summoned to attend the King in the House of Lords.
They are now making their way across Parliament to the upper house, where they shall hear the Kings Speech.
Trumpeters herald the King moving to the House of Lords
Trumpeters have announced the arrival of his Majesty, who is now making his way to the House of Lords to deliver the King’s Speech.
Rather unhelpful polling for Wes Streeting
YouGov shows that all is not happy in the NHS…
– 87% of NHS staff describe the NHS as currently being in a weak state
– 66% of those working in the health service believe Labour are badly handling the NHS, up 13 points since last February, with just 25% believing the government’s policies will improve the state of the NHS
– NHS staff think Wes Streeting is doing a bad job as health secretary by 53% to 22%
Streeting has made a ‘panto’ of King’s Speech
The King’s Speech is “pantomime” after reports have emerged that Wes Streeting, the health secretary, is said to be preparing to resign.
Robert Jenrick, Reform UK’s Treasury spokesman said: “The King is about to announce the Government’s legislative agenda.
“Meanwhile, the Health Secretary has told the press the Government is over. The King’s Speech is now a pantomime.”
A spokesman for Mr Streeting said: “Wes is the Health Secretary, he is proud of his record of falling waiting lists and a recovering NHS.
“He is not planning to say anything following his meeting with the Prime Minister that might distract from the King’s Speech.”
You can watch the speech here.
King arrives for State Opening.
King Charles III has arrived for the State Opening of Parliament.
Streeting set to resign, reports say
Health secretary Wes Streeting has told allies that he is ready to resign and commence a leadership contest as soon as tomorrow.
The move threatens to overshadow the King’s Speech, and continues the turmoil engulfing Keir Starmer’s government.
The Times reports the story this morning, following Mr Streeting facing off against Sir Keir at No10 today.
Daily Express will live stream the speech
You can watch the speech live here.
Richard Tice arrives for Kings Speech
Deputy leader of Reform UK, Richard Tice, is also in Westminster ahead of the speech.
King wearing his Admiral of the Fleet uniform
The King is wearing his Admiral of the Fleet Royal Naval Number 1 Dress with cap and sword.
In the Robing Room at the House of Lords, Charles will put on the Imperial State Crown and his crimson Robe of State, which was made for his grandfather George VI’s coronation in 1937.
Following in the second carriage, the Glass Coach, behind the King and Queen were Camilla’s Queen’s Companions and close friends the Marchioness of Lansdowne and Lady Sarah Keswick.
They were joined by Master of the Horse Lord Ashton of Hyde and the Lord Steward of the Royal Household the Earl of Rosslyn.
Lord Ashton of Hyde is a former Conservative chief whip and he was appointed as Master of the Horse, a largely ceremonial role, by the King in 2024.
Should Starmer apologise to King Charles for ‘ruining’ King’s Speech?
Sir Keir Starmer is facing mounting pressure over this year’s King’s Speech, with critics accusing him of dragging King Charles into a full-blown political crisis.
The historic State Opening of Parliament takes place today as internal Labour unrest racks the government.
Opponents have branded the ceremony “tone deaf”, arguing the traditional pomp and pageantry clash with the reality of a Government engulfed in chaos.
Critics say the Prime Minister should have postponed the event rather than proceed while facing growing calls to resign from within his own party.
Express readers can vote here on whether the Prime Minister should apologise for ‘ruining’ the speech.
Imperial State Crown arrives at the House of Lords
The Imperial State Crown has arrived at the House of Lords.
The Imperial State Crown – the famous symbol of the monarchy – is a working crown and worn by the monarch at state openings of Parliament.
It contains 2,868 diamonds, 17 sapphires, 11 emeralds, five rubies and more than 270 pearls, and weighs more than a kilogram.
King expected to read out Government plans for close EU alignment
King Charles III is expected to announce that his Government will pursue even-closer alignment with Europe in the King’s Speech.
Sir Keir Starmer has long touted a resetting of relations with the EU as part of his program for government.
He has already announced a rejoining of the costly Erasmus scheme, and it is believed that members of his cabinet are also in favour of rejoining the Customs Union and the Single Market.
Farage arrives ahead of Kings Speech
Nigel Farage, the leader of Reform UK, has arrived at the House of Commons in advance of the King’s Speech. He is accompanied by his partner, Laure Ferrari.
Theresa May spotted in House of Lords for Speech
Baroness May, the former Prime Minister who entered the House of Lords after she left office, is in the room for the delivery of the Kings Speech.
King leaves Buckingham Palace
The King has left Buckingham Palace as he makes his way to Parliament to deliver the speech that will set out the government’s agenda for the next session.
‘Bizarre’ briefings suggest Starmer/Streeting showdown ‘was just two blokes having coffee’
Briefings that Wes Streeting’s meeting with Sir Keir Starmer was “just two blokes having a coffee” have been dismissed as “bizarre,” amid mounting speculation over the state of the Labour leadership.
Posting on X, Steve Swinford, Times Political Editoir, said: “The briefings about the Streeting and Starmer meeting being ‘just two blokes having a coffee’ this morning are bizarre,” adding that the Health Secretary was expected to confront the Prime Minister directly.
He continued: “We know that Streeting was going to confront the PM. We know that he was going to ask him how the hell he intends to get us out of this mess.”
He also said Streeting was considering whether to push for a timetable for Sir Keir’s departure, with “nearly 100 MPs” already said to have moved against the leadership, including allies of the Health Secretary.
“The meeting lasted just 16 minutes. That is barely enough time for a proper cup of coffee,” Mr Swinford added, describing the situation as a “tinderbox” and warning that events in Westminster remain highly unstable.
The briefings about the Streeting and Starmer meeting being ‘just two blokes having a coffee’ this morning are bizarre
The context:
We know that Streeting was going to confront the PM.
We know that he was going to ask him how the hell he intends to get us out of this mess.u2026
PM leaves No10 ahead of the Kings Speech
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has left Downing Street ahead of the King’s Speech.
He walked a short distance to a car with his wife Lady Victoria Starmer and did not respond to questions shouted from journalists opposite.
It started hailing just before he left Number 10.
Sir Keir Starmer has been under huge pressure to quit as Prime Minister and outline a timetable for a transition to another leader. At the latest count, some 75 of Labour’s 403 MPs have called for Sir Keir to resign.
The embattled PM has vowed to continue, telling members of his top team that the country expects them to “get on with governing”. If he goes, voters will not be the ones to decide who leads the country. Labour MPs would choose who leads their party and, ultimately, the UK in the event of a leadership contest.
While Sir Keir’s supporters insist he should continue to lead the party and country, Labour’s opponents are calling for a complete change in which party governs. The next general election isn’t due until 2029.
SNP tries to force vote on Starmer’s future
The SNP will attempt to force a vote on Sir Keir Starmer’s future with an amendment to the King’s Speech, the party has announced.
New SNP Westminster leader Dave Doogan said the “leadership circus can’t go on any longer” as he seeks to force Labour MPs to stake a position on the Prime Minister’s job if he does not resign himself.
“This farce has to end now so Parliament can focus on the issues that really matter,” Mr Doogan said.
“It’s clear the only way that can happen is for Keir Starmer to go.
“He has lost the confidence of voters and his own MPs, and there’s no coming back from that.
“The Labour Party must stop dragging this crisis out and put an end to it now.
“If the Labour Cabinet ministers don’t have the decency to do the right thing – then Parliament must.
“Unless they put an end to this chaos now, the SNP will table a motion of no confidence in Keir Starmer to draw things to a close.”
‘Leadership contest has not been triggered’
Cabinet office minister Nick Thomas-Symonds said Tuesday had been “turbulent” for the Prime Minister but showed there was no consensus in Labour about having a leadership contest.
He told BBC Breakfast: “There is no contest for the leadership of the Labour Party.
“There’s a very clear way to do that under our rules of 81 people nominating an alternative candidate. That hasn’t happened.
“The contest hasn’t been triggered. We are moving on. I’m not saying yesterday wasn’t turbulent. It evidently was, but we are moving, getting on with delivery.”
He said he would be leading on two of the 35 Bills to be unveiled in the King’s Speech on Wednesday – removing titles from disgraced peers in the House of Lords and a European partnership Bill to deliver on new trade arrangements with the EU.
Rachel Reeves looked relaxed as she left Number 10.The Chancellor, clad in a pink trouser suit, did not say anything and just turned left to walk down Downing Street as journalists shouted questions.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves smiles as she leaves No.10 (Image: Getty)
Streeting leaves No10
Wes Streeting has left Number 10 after a meeting with the Prime Minister.
The Health Secretary was inside for less than 20 minutes.
Mr Streeting did not respond to questions from journalists as he walked back down Downing Street.
Wes Streeting arrives at No10 for crunch Starmer talks
Wes Streeting arrives at No10 for crunch Starmer talks
Wes Streeting arrives at Downing Street
Health Secretary Wes Streeting did not respond to journalists shouting questions as he walked along Downing Street and entered Number 10.
Union Barons tell Starmer it’s time to go
Sir Keir Starmer has been put on notice by trade union barons who have told him to step aside before the next general election, in a statement seen by the Daily Express.
Powerful backers of the Labour Party, the militant trade unionists have issued a statement saying that it is clear “Labour cannot continue on its current path.”
They added: “It’s clear that the Prime Minister will not lead Labour into the next election, and at some stage a plan will have to be put in place for the election of a new Leader.”
Starmer cannot lead Labour into next election, say unions
Guardian political editor Pippa Crerar, posting on X, said: “Keir Starmer will not lead his party into the next general election, Labour-supporting unions have predicted, in an intervention that threatens to further destabilise PM after damaging few days.
“The 11 Labour-affiliated unions – including Unite, Unison and GMB – are expected to issue joint statement today saying “at some stage” party will have to put plan in place to elect new leader.
“In leaked copy, they said it was clear Labour “cannot continue on its current path”, and despite some progress it was not doing enough to deliver change people voted for at last election.”
Streeting believed to be backing down on immediate leadership bid
Reports suggest the Health Secretary was backing down from launching an immediate leadership bid.
The Prime Minister will meet Health Secretary Wes Streeting, one of his key rivals for the Labour leadership, after a tumultuous few days in which four ministers resigned and at least 80 MPs called for him to quit.
Sir Keir Starmer managed to cling on to power in Number 10 and see off an immediate threat to his leadership, with reports suggesting the front runners to succeed him lack the numbers to launch a challenge.
On Wednesday, he will meet Mr Streeting, seen as one of the key challengers to his leadership from the right of the party, ahead of the King’s Speech.
Cabinet resignations underline Sir Keir’s plight
Sir Keir was rocked by the resignation of four junior ministers, including Safeguarding Minister Jess Phillips and Devolution Minister Miatta Fahnbulleh.
These departures were accompanied by Alex Davies-Jones and Zubir Ahmed, all of whom urged the Prime Minister to establish a clear timetable for a leadership transition following heavy local election losses.
Despite this internal revolt and reports of private pressure from senior cabinet members, Sir Keir told his remaining frontbenchers during a morning meeting that he has no intention of stepping down.
While high-profile figures like David Lammy and Peter Kyle have publicly rallied around the PM, the wave of resignations has intensified a burgeoning Labour party crisis that now sees over 80 MPs calling for a change at the top.
Jess Phillips resigned as safeguarding minister (Image: Getty)
Why is Sir Keir Starmer fighting for his political life?
The PM has his back to the wall after Labour’s poll ratings have collapsed with senior party figures openly question his leadership.
Sir Keir also faces mounting criticism over rising immigration numbers, lengthy NHS waiting lists, and broken pledges on economic growth.
Last week’s local election results saw heavy losses in traditional Labour strongholds, accelerating calls for a change at the top.
With multiple Cabinet ministers positioning themselves as potential successors, Sir Keir is now battling to stabilise his authority before a full leadership challenge materialises.
Jess Phillips shirks answering question about Starmer and Mandleson
Jess Phillips shirks answering question about Starmer and Mandleson
King’s Speech set to be overshadowed by unfolding crisis
King Charles III will deliver Labour’s legislative agenda on Wednesday — but the ceremony will be overshadowed by growing questions over whether Keir Starmer can survive to implement it.
The King’s Speech comes after brutal local election losses for Labour and rising unrest among Mr Starmer’s own MPs.
A fightback speech on Monday was branded “tone deaf” by critics, while the resignation of safeguarding minister Jess Phillips added to the pressure on Downing Street.
With several policies already announced before, doubters are questioning whether Mr Starmer still has the authority to push his agenda through Parliament.
“Today might not be the day that Wes Streeting acts, because it is the King’s speech.”
@SophyRidgeSky gives her analysis as another big day in Westminster looms, with the PM set to meet Streeting this morning.
PM set for explosive showdown with Streeting
Sir Keir Starmer will attend showdown talks with his Health Secretary, Wes Streeting, amid mounting concerns he could be challenged for the leadership.
The meeting comes as more than eighty MPs called for the Prime Minister to go, and Sir Keir attempts to fend off rumours he will be forced to step aside. Last night, Andy Burnham, the Mayor of Manchester, was said to be holding talks with allies ahead of a potential leadership pitch.
