Have you recovered from the general election yet? We hope so, as you'll need all the attention you can muster for the next big political event: the King's speech.
The new Labour government, led by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, is expected to unveil more than 35 new bills (suggested laws) outlining the party's agenda for the coming months.
While the speech is ceremonial rather than legally binding, it gives us a vital insight into the government's intentions and the issues it hopes to address while in power. And when it comes to women's rights, there are plenty of areas that need urgent legal reform, from reproductive healthcare to the fight against image-based abuse.
So, what's the government got in store for us? Here's what we know about the King's speech so far…
What is the King's speech?
The King's speech, formally known as the Speech from the Throne, is written by the government and delivered by the monarch – in this case, King Charles.
It's part of the State Opening of Parliament, which formally marks the beginning of a new parliamentary session, each of which usually lasts around 12 months. There is a new parliamentary session after a general election.
The State Opening of Parliament kicks off with the Monarch's procession – in a golden carriage, of course – from Buckingham Palace to Westminster, where he will enter via the Sovereign's Entrance, which is reserved solely for the monarch. King Charles will lead a Royal Procession to the House of Lords, where he will take his seat on the throne.
Next up, MPs will be summoned to the Lord's Chamber by Black Rod – stay with us – an official position currently held by Sarah Clarke. But before ‘Black Rod’ can enter the House of Commons, they will have the door shut in the face, and they will have to strike it three times before they can enter. This is meant to symbolise the Common's independence from the monarchy.
Think that's weird? Buckle up; the government MP holding the position of vice-chamberlain of the household (in this case, Samantha Dixon) will be “held hostage” at Buckingham Palace while the speech takes place – yes, really. This ensures the monarch's safe return to the place, which is obviously another ceremonial touch.
The King will then deliver his speech to all the MPs, who will debate its contents about two hours later. After about five days of debate, MPs will get a chance to vote, but again, this is symbolic rather than legally binding.
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What time is the King's speech?
It's an all-day affair! The State Opening of Parliament begins at 9:30 am, and the King is expected to arrive at Parliament at 11:20. King Charles will deliver the King's speech at 11.30 am on Wednesday, 17 July. It will be available to watch on Parliament TV and YouTube.
What's in the King's speech?
Labour is expected to set out a whopping 35 new bills outlining the government's political agenda for the months ahead.
Ahead of the speech, Prime Minister Keir Starmer said, “From energy to planning to unbreakable fiscal rules, my government is serious about delivering the stability that is going to turbo-charge growth that will create wealth in every corner of the UK.
“The task of national renewal will not be easy, and this is just the down payment on our plans for the next five years, but the legislation set out at the King’s Speech will build on the momentum of our first days in office and make a difference to the lives of working people.”
It's giving mother.
What does the King's speech say about women?
Online safety: The PM is expected to introduce a dedicated AI Bill outlining regulations for tech and social media companies that rely on machine-learning technology. Given the Labour Party's manifesto promises, we expect this to include the criminalisation of sharing non-consensual deepfakes (fake, sexualised images of another person) – something the previous government could not get over the line in the last parliament.
Spiking: It's expected that the King's speech will include plans to make spiking – putting a drug into someone's drink or their body through another method, such as a needle, without their consent – a specific offence. Spiking is currently illegal under the Offences Against the Person Act 1861, but it's thought that creating a specific offence will encourage more victims to come forward and for police to support them.
Sharon Gaffka, who has previously written for GLAMOUR about her experience with spiking, has welcomed the news, saying, "Spiking needs to be a specific offence to clearly define and address the malicious act of drugging someone without their consent, ensuring perpetrators are held accountable, and survivors can begin to receive the justice they deserve.
“It's great to hear that this issue is being included in the King's speech tomorrow, as it signifies a crucial step towards enhancing public safety and protecting individuals from such a harmful and invasive crime.”
Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG): An expected new Crime and Justice Bill could include provisions to introduce domestic abuse specialists in emergency call centres, set up dedicated courts to fast-track rape cases, and implement specialised rape units in every police force.
For more from Glamour UK's Lucy Morgan, follow her on Instagram @lucyalexxandra.
Sharon Gaffka shares her story.
