The New UK Government Wants Clean Energy, Sustainable Aviation Fuel, and Public Transport Reform
WiredJUL 14 2024
UK: King Charles Outlines New Government's Priorities
Above: King Charles III sits alongside Britain's Queen Camilla in the House of Lords chamber, during the State Opening of Parliament on July 17, 2024 in London, England. Image copyright: Henry Nicholls/WPA Pool/Pool/Getty Images News via Getty Images
The Facts
Britain's King Charles III presided over the State Opening of Parliament on Wednesday, delivering a speech that laid out the legislative priorities of the UK's new government for the coming year.
Though the King delivers it, the speech is written by the elected government, currently led by Labour Party leader and Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.
Starmer's priorities include easing the country's cost-of-living crisis and spurring economic growth by seeking "a new partnership with both business and working people" and "prioritizing wealth creation for all communities."
The Spin
Narrative A
Starmer's government has set a new tone for British politics by promising a government of service rather than political interest. With Labour at the helm, Starmer will reform, revive, and rejuvenate the country and its economy.
Narrative B
While the King's speech outlines the government's plans, the draft bills often get bogged down, side-tracked, and amended. New problems keep popping up that seize the agenda and divert the government's attention from its initial aims.