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How to watch The King’s Speech movie

Revisit Colin Firth's Academy Award-winning performance ahead of Oscar season.

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This time of year is teeming with festive content, from classics like Love Actually to original Christmas content on streaming land. But it's also Oscar season, which means studios have been putting out their best offerings in the hopes of bagging an Academy Award.

One film that made waves at the ceremony when it first came out in 2010 is The King's Speech. Not only did it bag 12 nominations, but it also earned Colin Firth his first, and to date only, win for Best Actor.

Firth stars as King George VI, while Geoffrey Rush is Lionel Logue, the Australian self-taught speech therapist who helps him overcome his stutter when he ascends the thrones following his brother's (Guy Pearce) abdication. Helena Bonham Carter plays his wife and the late Queen Mother, Elizabeth.

If you're looking for a break from all the Christmas films as you settle in front of the TV one of these cold evenings, this is a strong contender.

But how and where can you watch it? Read on to find out.

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How to watch The King's Speech movie

There are a few ways you can watch The King's Speech.

Currently, the film is not slated to be shown on linear TV. That means you won't be able to catch it on the usual broadcasting channels this Christmas. However, there are a few ways you can watch it via streaming. More on that below.

Is The King's Speech on Netflix?

Yes! The King's Speech is available on Netflix UK. All you need to watch it is a subscription to the streamer itself, or to Sky Glass or Virgin Media Stream.

Unfortuntatley for those across the pond, the film isn't available on Netflix US.

Where else can I watch The King's Speech?

The film is also available on Disney Plus . You can sign up to Disney Plus for £7.99 a month or £79.90 for a year .

You can also rent and buy it via Amazon Prime Video . It costs £3.49 to rent, and £5.99 to buy.

Sign up for Netflix from £6.99 a month . Netflix is also available on Sky Glass and Virgin Media Stream .

If you’re looking for something to watch tonight, check out our TV Guide or visit our Film hub for all the latest news.

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The King's Speech

The big winner at the 2011 Academy Awards (Best Film, Actor, Director and Screenplay), The King's Speech stars Helena Bonham Carter as Queen Elizabeth, Colin Firth as King George VI, and also starring Geoffrey Rush, Guy Pearce and Michael Gambon.

Tells the story of King George VI, the father of Queen Elizabeth II. After his brother abdicates, George reluctantly assumes the throne. Plagued by a dreaded stutter and considered unfit to be King, he engages the help of an unorthodox speech therapist named Lionel Logue (Rush). Through his friendship with Logue, George finds his voice and confidence, and leads Britain into World War II.

Where to watch The King's Speech

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The King's Speech | Ratings & Reviews

Rotten tomatoes® rating, audience score rating.

"While far from easy, both roles provide a delightful opportunity for Firth and Rush to poke a bit of fun at their profession."

"If The King’s Speech doesn’t bring him the Oscar he just missed for that role, it’ll be a royal scandal."

"That film does have its attractions, notably in its two solid leads and standout support from Mr. Pearce."

"This handsome movie about the abdication crisis and George VI's stammer is a clever anti-Pygmalion"

"What we have here is a superior historical drama and a powerful personal one."

"The piano refrain that opens The King’s Speech tells you to expect a film that prizes respectability above all else. And yet almost imperceptibly, something shifts in Tom Hooper’s period comedy."

"It perhaps started with "The Queen," continued with "Young Victoria" and now achieves the most intimate glimpse inside the royal camp to date with The King's Speech."

"Think the blazing joys of "Chariots Of Fire" where the race is to the end of a sentence. Can it be that the British are coming?"

"The King's Speech wins out with vivid dialogue and great cast"

The King's Speech | Details

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How to watch the King's Speech 2022 this Christmas

Here's where you can watch the King's Speech

Planning to watch the King's Speech this Christmas? Here's where you'll find it. 

King Charles III will continue a longstanding tradition as the new head of state by delivering his first festive address in 2022, a speech that will be historic for a number of reasons. 

It will be the first Christmas address from a male monarch since King George VI's final radio message in 1951. It will also be the first Christmas Speech from a male British monarch to be broadcast on TV, as the first fully-televised broadcast was held in 1957, during Queen Elizabeth II's reign. 

If you're planning to watch the King's Speech this Christmas, here's where you need to go to tune in. 

How to watch the King's Speech 2022 in the UK

Since the late 1990s, the BBC and ITV have shared broadcasting responsibilities for the monarch's speech, with Sky joining the lineup in 2011. This year, the King's Speech will be televised on BBC One.

King Charles' speech is scheduled for 3 pm, the same time the late Queen Elizabeth II's speeches were typically broadcast. 

This means that you'll be able to tune in either on TV or stream Charles' speech via BBC iPlayer , as long as you have a valid TV licence. And if you're trying to decide what to watch this Christmas, don't forget to check our Christmas TV Guide for all the best shows to catch throughout the festive season.

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How to watch the King's Speech anywhere in the world

If you're going to be away from home but still want to watch the King's Speech this year, you might run into some problems. Thankfully, you'll be able to solve this exact issue with a Virtual Private Network (a VPN). 

A VPN lets you get around the usual digital barriers by changing your IP address, meaning you can watch your favorite TV shows even if you're going to be away from where you would normally watch your favorite shows and movies. Our favorite is ExpressVPN , which is the No. 1-rated VPN in the world right now according to our sister site, TechRadar.

How to stream the King's Speech online

In past years, the Queen's Speech was uploaded to the official BBC and Royal Family YouTube Channels shortly after the initial broadcast on TV and Radio networks in the UK.

Since Charles' previous address to the Nation and the Commonwealth following the death of the Queen was shared in the same places, we expect his first Christmas speech will be uploaded there, too.

Martin is a Staff Writer with WhatToWatch.com, where he produces a variety of articles focused on the latest and greatest films and TV shows. 

Some of his favorite shows are What We Do In The Shadows , Bridgerton , Gangs of London , The Witcher , Doctor Who , and Ghosts . When he’s not watching TV or at the movies, Martin’s probably still in front of a screen playing the latest video games, reading, or watching the NFL.

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The King's Speech

The story of King George VI, his unexpected ascension to the throne of the British Empire in 1936, and the speech therapist who helped the unsure monarch overcome his stammer. The story of King George VI, his unexpected ascension to the throne of the British Empire in 1936, and the speech therapist who helped the unsure monarch overcome his stammer. The story of King George VI, his unexpected ascension to the throne of the British Empire in 1936, and the speech therapist who helped the unsure monarch overcome his stammer.

• David Seidler
• Colin Firth
• Geoffrey Rush
• Helena Bonham Carter
• 826 User reviews
• 486 Critic reviews
• 88 Metascore
• 108 wins & 206 nominations total

• King George VI

• Lionel Logue

• Queen Elizabeth

• Archbishop Cosmo Lang

• Private Secretary

• BBC Radio Announcer

• Robert Wood

• BBC Technician
• See all cast & crew
• Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

Best Picture Winners by Year

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Did you know

• Trivia Nine weeks before filming began, Lionel Logue's grandson, Mark Logue , discovered a large box in his attic that contained his grandfather's personal papers. The box held Lionel Logue's diary, his appointment book, notes from his speech therapy sessions with King George VI , and over 100 personal letters to Logue from the King. It also contained what is believed to be the actual copy of the speech used by George VI in his 1939 radio broadcast announcing the declaration of war with Germany. Mark Logue turned his grandfather's papers, letters, and diary over to director Tom Hooper and screenwriter David Seidler , who used them to flesh out the relationship between Logue and the King. Geoffrey Rush and Colin Firth also read through the material for insight into their characters. The exchange in this movie between Logue and King George VI following his radio speech ("You still stammered on the 'W'." / "Well, I had to throw in a few so they knew it was me.") was taken directly from Logue's diary. Firth insisted that it should be included in the movie.
• Goofs In the final speech, King George VI has one blue eye and one brown eye. Colin Firth had lost a contact lens.

King George VI : All that... work... down the drain. My own... b... brother, I couldn't say a single w-word to him in reply.

Lionel Logue : Why do you stammer so much more with David than you ever do with me?

King George VI : 'Cos you're b... bloody well paid to listen.

Lionel Logue : Bertie, I'm not a geisha girl.

King George VI : Stop trying to be so bloody clever.

Lionel Logue : What is it about David that stops you speaking?

King George VI : What is it about you that bloody well makes you want to go on about it the whole bloody time?

Lionel Logue : Vulgar, but fluent; you don't stammer when you swear.

King George VI : Oh, bugger off!

Lionel Logue : Is that the best you can do?

King George VI : [like an elocution lesson] Well... bloody bugger to you, you beastly bastard.

Lionel Logue : Oh, a public school prig could do better than that.

King George VI : Shit. Shit, shit, shit, shit, shit, shit, shit, shit, shit, shit, shit, shit!

Lionel Logue : Yes!

King George VI : Shit!

Lionel Logue : Defecation flows trippingly from the tongue!

King George VI : Because I'm angry!

Lionel Logue : Do you know the f-word?

King George VI : F... f... fornication?

Lionel Logue : Oh, Bertie.

King George VI : Fuck. Fuck! Fuck, fuck, fuck and fuck! Fuck, fuck and bugger! Bugger, bugger, buggerty buggerty buggerty, fuck, fuck, arse!

Lionel Logue : Yes...

King George VI : Balls, balls...

Lionel Logue : ...you see, not a hesitation!

King George VI : ...fuckity, shit, shit, fuck and willy. Willy, shit and fuck and... tits.

• Crazy credits In the end credit roll, Philip Clements is listed twice as Assistant Sound Editor.
• Connections Featured in Breakfast: Episode dated 22 October 2010 (2010)
• Soundtracks Le nozze di Figaro Overture Written by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart [During the first therapy session when King's voice is being recorded]

User reviews 826

• Jan 2, 2011
• Just what time frame are we talking about here?
• What causes Bertie's stammer?
• Why couldn't King Edward marry Wallis Simpson?
• December 25, 2010 (United States)
• United States
• United Kingdom
• Official Site
• Nhà Vua Nói Lắp
• Elland Road Football Stadium, Elland Road, Beeston, Leeds, West Yorkshire, England, UK (as Wembley Stadium at start of film)
• The Weinstein Company
• UK Film Council
• Momentum Pictures
• See more company credits at IMDbPro
• $15,000,000 (estimated)
• $138,797,449
• Nov 28, 2010
• $484,068,861

Technical specs

• Runtime 1 hour 58 minutes
• Dolby Digital

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The King's Speech

2010, History/Drama, 1h 58m

What to know

Critics Consensus

Colin Firth gives a masterful performance in The King's Speech , a predictable but stylishly produced and rousing period drama. Read critic reviews

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The king's speech   photos.

England's Prince Albert (Colin Firth) must ascend the throne as King George VI, but he has a speech impediment. Knowing that the country needs her husband to be able to communicate effectively, Elizabeth (Helena Bonham Carter) hires Lionel Logue (Geoffrey Rush), an Australian actor and speech therapist, to help him overcome his stammer. An extraordinary friendship develops between the two men, as Logue uses unconventional means to teach the monarch how to speak with confidence.

Rating: R (Some Language)

Genre: History, Drama

Original Language: English

Director: Tom Hooper

Producer: Iain Canning , Emile Sherman , Gareth Unwin

Writer: David Seidler

Release Date (Theaters): Jan 28, 2011  wide

Release Date (Streaming): Apr 1, 2017

Box Office (Gross USA): $138.8M

Runtime: 1h 58m

Distributor: Weinstein Co.

Production Co: See-Saw Films, Bedlam Pictures

Cast & Crew

Colin Firth

King George VI

Geoffrey Rush

Lionel Logue

Helena Bonham Carter

Queen Elizabeth

King Edward VIII

Timothy Spall

Winston Churchill

Derek Jacobi

Archbishop Cosmo Lang

Jennifer Ehle

Myrtle Logue

Anthony Andrews

Stanley Baldwin

Claire Bloom

Wallis Simpson

Michael Gambon

King George V

David Seidler

Screenwriter

Executive Producer

Mark Foligno

Harvey Weinstein

Bob Weinstein

Iain Canning

Emile Sherman

Gareth Unwin

Danny Cohen

Cinematographer

Tariq Anwar

Film Editing

Eve Stewart

Production Design

Alexandre Desplat

Original Music

Leon McCarthy

Art Director

Set Decoration

Jenny Beavan

Costume Design

News & Interviews for The King's Speech

RT on DVD & Blu-Ray: The King’s Speech and Rabbit Hole

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RT’s Oscar Picks

Critic Reviews for The King's Speech

Audience reviews for the king's speech.

A true masterwork of modern cinema laced with exceptional acting and a story which makes for a nearly perfect period piece. One of the best films of the 21st Century by far.

The Duke Of York hires an unconventional speech therapist when faced with Royal duties in the burgeoning media age to help him with a stammer that prevents his public speaking. The premise behind The King's Speech is a rather dry one and the trailers themselves make it seem to be a cross between The Madness Of King George and Pygmalion, but thanks to some winning performances and an interesting script portraying a behind the scenes window onto recent history it transcends the traditional comedy of manners formula that nearly all British films seem obliged to follow. Colin Firth's portrayal of a man thrust into the public eye by events beyond his control is sublime and it's fascinating to see a snapshot of the man behind a public face completely controlled by propriety and social convention. There's a real warmth in his unlikely friendship with a brewer's son from Australia and the gentle humour and subtle direction makes a very refreshing change from the ADHD firework displays that seem to make up the vast majority of modern cinema. Maybe not the masterpiece its multi-award winning reputation suggests, but a quality cast and sensitive storytelling make for a fine lightly comic and insightful historical character study.

Please spell me out the "clichéd" and "formulaic" elements in The King's Speech, because even if it is a doubtful Academy Awards conqueror, Tom Hooper built a proper historical account about the struggle of a man to become a symbol of national resistance in imminent war times that were about to shape the world. It has been accused of being "predictable" as well. Maybe that's because the story was based on true events? The art of cinema retelling true stories resides in the ability to properly, yet respectfully carry on the task of dramatization, one of the main successes of <i>The King's Speech</i>. I applaud the performances and the execution. Dialogue handling was impeccable, and the cinematography was worthy of a disciple of Carol Reed, capturing the size of the scenarios, the tension of the situations and the psychological difficulties faced by King George VI. I wonder, therefore, what would the opinion of the audiences be if this had been a film directed by Carol Reed in the 40s. Perhaps they would have been quicker to applaud. Do not let the debated Academy Awards be distractions to you. 78/100

It's the sign of a talented director that a bunch of scenes of people talking (or stammering) in rooms can look cinematic.

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King's Speech in full - how 20 laws affect you from vaping rules to cars and Netflix

King Charles today read out the Government's plans as Rishi Sunak desperately tries to cling to power, with a cigarette sale ban and a shake-up of renting rules among measures announced

• 11:46, 7 Nov 2023
• Updated 15:37, 7 Nov 2023

Rishi Sunak's desperate attempt to stay in power has been set out by King Charles in Parliament today.

His flagship pledge to outlaw cigarette sales was among the measures read out in the King's Speech, as well as new sentencing rules and protections for renters (with a big catch, as outlined below). There were 21 bills put forward at the State Opening of Parliament, with the Government also laying out plans for self-driving vehicles, clamping down on pedicabs and policing Netflix.

Here we look at some of the key bits of legislation ministers hope to get through before the General Election , which is expected to happen at some point next year.

Banning cigarette sales and vaping crackdown

This is the flagship Rishi Sunak hopes to be remembered for - the "first smokefree generation". Under the Tobacco and Vapes Bill , those born on or after January 1 2009 will never be able to legally buy cigarettes. The Government is also planning measures to target vaping, particularly sales to children.

These include limiting flavours and descriptions and the type of packaging. Rogue retailers will face stronger enforcement. Age verification will be strengthened, the Government says.

New protections for renters - eventually

The long-awaited Renters (Reform) Bill, which ministers say will help 11 million private landlords, will finally see an end to "no-fault" evictions. But there's a catch, as the documents circulated today confirm that this won't happen until "stronger possession grounds and a new court process" is in place. You'll remember this caused a massive spat a few weeks ago .

There's good news for landlords, with new powers to evict anti-social tenants. And a blanket ban on pets will also be scrapped, with tenants given the right to request a pet - which landlords can't "reasonably" refuse.

Leasehold rules shake-up

The Government's long-awaited move to help homeowners struggling with the monster costs of extending their lease is finally seeing the light of day. The Leasehold and Freehold Reform Bill will make it "cheaper and easier" for those in houses and flats to extend their lease or buy the freehold. The standard lease extension will go up from 90 years to 990 years.

There will also be a ban on creating new leasehold houses - but not flats. The Government says it will consult on capping existing ground rents, although there is no solid commitment to do so.

New rules around self-driving vehicles

It's been a bit of a grey area where legal responsibility lies for cars that drive themselves. Now the Automated Vehicles Bill will ensure it's companies who carry the can if things go wrong.

It will give people immunity from prosecution when a vehicle is driving itself, as the Government says it "doesn't make sense" to hold the person at the wheel responsible. It says: "While the vehicle is driving itself, a company rather than an individual will be responsible for the way it drives."

This means companies that fail to meet safety requirements face signs and sanctions, with prosecutions in serious cases.

Stricter regulation for football clubs

The Government says it plans to bring in a new independent regulator for English football clubs to prevent another club collapsing like Bury FC. It claims that this new body will have teeth - requiring teams in the top five divisions to get a license.

Directors will have stricter tests, while there will be more requirement to engage with fans - with owners no longer to change badges, names or shirt colours without their backing. The Football Governance Bill will also prevent breakaway leagues and ensure TV money is shared more fairly.

Tackling rip-off subscriptions and shady online firms

According to the Government, a new Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Bill will make it harder to trap you in subscription services you no longer want. It will also include measures to deal with fake reviews and drip pricing - where only part of a product's price is advertised upfront.

Although light on detail at this stage, ministers say there will be "stronger powers" to deal with anti-competitive practices. The bill will also ramp up the powers of the Competition and Markets Authority.

Policing Netflix and the BBC

There's a lot going on in the Government's proposed Media Bill - including new responsibilities for streaming services such as Netflix . A new video-on-demand code will "ensure standards are upheld", with Ofcom given powers to enforce it.

The Bill so includes a requirement to modernise the "mission statement" for public service TV such as the BBC , ITV , STV, Channel 4 and Channel 5. This will encourage them to "focus on what makes them distinctive", but documents circulated ahead of the King's Speech don't elaborate.

It will also require better access to subtitles, audio description and signed interpretation, and give Welsh-language broadcaster S4C more leeway to broaden its audience.

Rail shake-up

The Draft Rail Reform Bill sets out numerous ways of trying to improve Britain's broken rail system, such as a shake-up of ticketing. Under the plans fares will be simplified, and single leg pricing will ensure one-way tickets don't end up costing almost as much as returns.

It will also ensure the Transport Secretary won't be able to make decisions about franchises, instead setting up a new body called Great British Railways to do so. It will also include a requirement for accessibility to be improved, particularly for disabled passengers.

Forcing criminals to attend their sentencing hearings

This is a massive victory for campaigners, and something The Mirror has long been calling for. Under the Criminal Justice Bll defendants will be "compelled" to appear in court as they're sentenced, following a string of high-profile cases where they've hid in their cells.

There will also be a new "aggravating factor" in sentencing for those involved in grooming gangs A similar measure will be brought in for those who murder their partner when their relationship ends. Sharing intimate images will be criminalised, as will encouraging self harm.

People who work will children will be required by law to support any concerns about sex abuse under the Bill. Meanwhile probation services will be given more powers to use polygraph tests on terrorists or sex offenders and drug testing on arrest will be expanded.

There will be measures to tackle "organised begging" and an increase in the penalty for selling blades to under 18s.

Harsher - but also lighter - sentences

Under the Government's Sentencing Bill , courts will be required to impose Whole Life Orders for cases where this is the current legal starting point - such as murder with sexual or sadistic conduct. However it does say there could be "exceptional circumstances" which mean this doesn't happen.

Rapists and serious sex offenders will have to serve every day of their sentences. But on the flip-side, the well document prison places shortage means there will be a "presumption" of a suspended sentence in cases where prison sentences would normally be less than a year.

People in this situation will serve their sentence "in the community on requirements imposed by the court".

New terrorism laws for large events

Organisers of events that attract more than 800 people - such as concerts and sport fixtures - will be legally required to take steps to prevent terror attacks. This follows the sickening attack on the Manchester Arena in 2017.

Those that fail to comply could face fines of more than £18million, the documents say. The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill follows campaigning by the family of Manchester victim Martyn Hett.

Rules on releasing dangerous prisoners and Jade's Law

The Government's Victims and Prisoners Bill is set to give ministers "greater oversight" on the release of dangerous prisoners such as murderers, rapists and terrorists. It will create a new 'top-tier' of convicts who will be subject to a "second check".

The Bill will see parents convicted of killing the other person they have a child with from having parental responsibility. Known as Jade's Law, this is a response to the murder of Jade Ward by her former partner in 2021.

Other measures in the Bill include a ban of serious offenders marrying partners in prison and creating a new Independent Public Advocate (IPA) to work alongside victims of major incidents such as Hillsborough, the Manchester Arena attack and Grenfell Tower.

Continuing to drill for oil in the North Sea

Under the Offshore Petroleum Licensing Bill , a North Sea oil and gas licensing round will be held every year. The Government has claimed this is necessary to enhance the UK’s energy security and will help to protect more than 200,000 jobs in the industry, although it will not help lower bills for consumers .

It looks like it is being done for political reasons after Labour said it will stop handing out new exploration licences. It will require the North Sea Transition Authority to run an annual process inviting companies to apply for licenses.

Loosening rules on protecting your data

The Government says it plans to remove "unnecessary paperwork" and cut red tape in the way businesses protect personal data. It claims that by allowing businesses to take a more "proportionate and practical" approach it will save the economy £4.7billion over 10 years.

The proposed Data Protection and Digital Information Bill will also establish a "framework" for digital verification and bolster the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO), documents state.

Clamping down on rip-off rickshaws in London

People who commute or visit central London will be well aware of the growing number of pedicabs. A new licensing regime will be brought in, and fare controls will be introduced.

It follows complaints of drivers charging a fortune for short journeys in tourist hotspots in the capital. The Bill would be in force in England and Wales, but will only apply in Greater London.

New Holocaust Memorial to finally be built

The Tories have previously promised that a Holocaust Memorial and Learning Centre will be built close to Parliament. Now the Holocaust Memorial Bill will ensure it gets the go-ahead in VIctoria Tower Gardens.

Documents say the new centre will "serve as a powerful reminder to the whole nation of the Holocaust and its victims".

Ban on live animal exports for slaughter

Under the Animal Welfare (Livestock Exports) Bill , the live export of cattle, sheep, goats, pigs and horses will be banned. It will ensure animals are slaughtered in the UK in "high welfare UK slaughterhouses".

However there will be exceptions for breeding and competitions.

* Follow Mirror Politics on Snapchat , Tiktok , Twitter and Facebook .

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The King's Speech tells the story of the man who became King George VI, the father of Queen Elizabeth II. After his brother abdicates, George ('Bertie') reluctantly assumes the throne. Plagued by a dreaded stutter and considered unfit to be king, Bertie engages the help of an unorthodox speech therapist named Lionel Logue. Through a set of unexpected techniques, and as a result of an unlikely friendship, Bertie is able to find his voice and boldly lead the country into war.

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The King's Speech 2023

His Majesty’s most gracious speech to both Houses of Parliament.

The King’s Speech

My Lords and members of the House of Commons

It is mindful of the legacy of service and devotion to this country set by My beloved Mother, The late Queen, that I deliver this, the first King’s Speech in over 70 years.

The impact of Covid and the war in Ukraine have created significant long-term challenges for the United Kingdom. That is why my Government’s priority is to make the difficult but necessary long-term decisions to change this country for the better.

My Ministers’ focus is on increasing economic growth and safeguarding the health and security of the British people for generations to come. 

My Government will continue to take action to bring down inflation, to ease the cost of living for families and help businesses fund new jobs and investment.

My Ministers will support the Bank of England to return inflation to target by taking responsible decisions on spending and borrowing. These decisions will help household finances, reduce public sector debt, and safeguard the financial security of the country.

Legislation will be introduced to strengthen the United Kingdom’s energy security and reduce reliance on volatile international energy markets and hostile foreign regimes. This Bill will support the future licensing of new oil and gas fields, helping the country to transition to net zero by 2050 without adding undue burdens on households.

Alongside this, my Ministers will seek to attract record levels of investment in renewable energy sources and reform grid connections, building on the United Kingdom’s track-record of decarbonising faster than other G7 economies.

My Government will invest in Network North to deliver faster and more reliable journeys between, and within, the cities and towns of the North and Midlands, prioritising improving the journeys that people make most often.

My Ministers will strengthen education for the long term. Steps will be taken to ensure young people have the knowledge and skills to succeed, through the introduction of the Advanced British Standard that will bring technical and academic routes into a single qualification. Proposals will be implemented to reduce the number of young people studying poor quality university degrees and increase the number undertaking high quality apprenticeships. 

My Ministers will take steps to make the economy more competitive, taking advantage of freedoms afforded by the United Kingdom’s departure from the European Union. A bill will be brought forward to promote trade and investment with economies in the fastest growing region in the world. My Ministers will continue to negotiate trade agreements with dynamic economies, delivering jobs and growth in the United Kingdom.

My Ministers will introduce new legal frameworks to support the safe commercial development of emerging industries, such as self-driving vehicles, introduce new competition rules for digital markets, and encourage innovation in technologies such as machine learning. Legislation will be brought forward to support the creative industries and protect public interest journalism. Proposals will be published to reform welfare and support more people into work.

My Government will promote the integrity of the Union and strengthen the social fabric of the United Kingdom.

Working with NHS England, my Government will deliver its plans to cut waiting lists and transform the long-term workforce of the National Health Service. This will include delivering on the NHS workforce plan, the first long-term plan to train the doctors and nurses the country needs, and minimum service levels to prevent strikes from undermining patient safety.  Record levels of investment are expanding and transforming mental health services to ensure more people can access the support they need.  My Government will introduce legislation to create a smokefree generation by restricting the sale of tobacco so that children currently aged fourteen or younger can never be sold cigarettes, and restricting the sale and marketing of e-cigarettes to children.

My Ministers will bring forward a bill to reform the housing market by making it cheaper and easier for leaseholders to purchase their freehold and tackling the exploitation of millions of homeowners through punitive service charges. Renters will benefit from stronger security of tenure and better value, while landlords will benefit from reforms to provide certainty that they can regain their properties when needed.

My Government will deliver a long-term plan to regenerate towns and put local people in control of their future. Legislation will be brought forward to safeguard the future of football clubs for the benefit of communities and fans. A bill will be introduced to deal with the scourge of unlicensed pedicabs in London.

My Government is committed to tackling antisemitism and ensuring that the Holocaust is never forgotten. A bill will progress the construction of a national Holocaust Memorial and Learning Centre in Victoria Tower Gardens.

My Government will act to keep communities safe from crime, anti-social behaviour, terrorism and illegal migration.

A bill will be brought forward to ensure tougher sentences for the most serious offenders and increase the confidence of victims. My Ministers will introduce legislation to empower police forces and the criminal justice system to prevent new or complex crimes, such as digital-enabled crime and child sexual abuse, including grooming.

At a time when threats to national security are changing rapidly due to new technology, my Ministers will give the security and intelligence services the powers they need and will strengthen independent judicial oversight. Legislation will be introduced to protect public premises from terrorism in light of the Manchester Arena attack.

My Government will deliver on the Illegal Migration Act passed earlier this year and on international agreements, to stop dangerous and illegal Channel crossings and ensure it is the government, not criminal gangs, who decides who comes to this country.

My Government will continue to champion security around the world, to invest in our gallant Armed Forces and to support veterans to whom so much is owed. My Ministers will work closely with international partners to support Ukraine, strengthen NATO and address the most pressing security challenges. This includes the consequences of the barbaric acts of terrorism against the people of Israel, facilitating humanitarian support into Gaza and supporting the cause of peace and stability in the Middle East.

My Government will continue to lead action on tackling climate change and biodiversity loss, support developing countries with their energy transition, and hold other countries to their environmental commitments.

The United Kingdom will continue to lead international discussions to ensure that Artificial Intelligence is developed safely.

My Government will host the Global Investment Summit, the European Political Community, and the Energy Conference, leading global conversations on the United Kingdom’s most pressing challenges.

I look forward to welcoming His Excellency the President of the Republic of Korea and Mrs. Kim Keon Hee for a State Visit later this month.

My Government will, in all respects, seek to make long-term decisions in the interests of future generations. My Ministers will address inflation and the drivers of low growth over demands for greater spending or borrowing. My Ministers will put the security of communities and the nation ahead of the rights of those who endanger it. By taking these long-term decisions, my Government will change this country and build a better future.

Members of the House of Commons.

Estimates for the public services will be laid before you.

My Lords and Member of the House of Commons.

Other measures will be laid before you.

I pray that the blessing of Almighty God may rest upon your counsels.

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Charles iii’s first king’s speech has words for netflix.

Streamers have criticized some of the planned regulation in the Media Bill, while Sky said on Tuesday, "it’s imperative that this bill now comes forward speedily."

By Georg Szalai

Georg Szalai

Global Business Editor

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The U.K. government, led by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, plans to present the much-debated Media Bill to the parliament in London in the new legislative period, including regulation of streaming services in line with TV networks, King Charles III said in his first King’s Speech on Tuesday.

The speech, drawn up by the government but read by the monarch, outlines the various laws that the government plans to pursue in the new parliamentary session.

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The conservative U.K. government had outlined some of these plans in a white paper unveiled by then-Prime Minister Boris Johnson in 2022. Details of the Media Bill regulations have since evolved.

The bill is designed to “better protect children by applying similar standards for TV to the streaming giants,” the government said. “The bill will ensure standards are upheld on video-on-demand services through a proportionate new Video-on-demand Code, to be drafted and enforced by Ofcom.”

Streamers have argued that some of the suggested regulation covering them would affect commissioning decisions and the slate of content available to consumers. Netflix, for example, has been supportive of the Media Bill in general but warned in a submission earlier this year that it could decide to preemptively remove films and TV series from its U.K. service to avoid possibly contravening the regulation.

Netflix has also made sure that the consumer experience it offers goes beyond expectations and requirements. For example, it became the first streaming service to voluntarily carry British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) age ratings on its content. It has also touted its parental controls as providing tools for users to make viewing choices for their families. 

Traditional broadcasters have said the Media Bill will ensure a level playing field and prominence of their content.

Stephen van Rooyen, CEO of Sky U.K. & Ireland, said: “We welcome the government’s plans to introduce the Media Bill in today’s King’s speech. It’s important any proposals continue to allow public service broadcasters and commercial broadcasters like Sky to strike the right deals to ensure viewers across the nation continue to benefit from the very best of British content. It’s imperative that this bill now comes forward speedily as these measures have been consulted on comprehensively.”

Caroline Dinenage, the chair of the Culture, Media and Sport Committee in the House of Commons, said: “The Media Bill will be vital for ensuring our public service broadcasters can continue to thrive in an ever-changing media landscape and for enabling listeners to enjoy access to live radio on smart speakers.”

The government and Ofcom have so far not detailed when the Media Bill’s streaming regulation would officially kick in.

The King’s Speech also mentioned plans to abolish a part of press regulation. The Guardian reported that it would roll back a law that made newspapers liable for the legal costs of both sides in libel cases, regardless of the result.

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King’s Speech: What policies made it in and what’s been removed?

Rishi sunak’s plans for smoking ban, football regulator, oil and gas drilling and tougher prison sentences finally revealed, article bookmarked.

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Rishi Sunak has revealed plans to make law and order a key election battleground with a series of measures promising tougher sentences for killers and rapists in the King’s Speech.

The prime minister also used the monarch’s annual address to parliament to create a dividing line with Labour on climate change, with a new law bringing in annual oil and gas licensing in the North Sea.

The King’s Speech also confirmed plans to ban young people from smoking – with the PM aiming to stop children who turn 14 this year and those younger from ever legally buying cigarettes in England.

Mr Sunak has also introduced new legislation to expand the use of self-driving vehicles – which clear the way for buses and lorries to operate autonomously by the end of the decade.

Other King’s Speech legislative plans for the year ahead include:

• A ban on no-fault evictions – but not until “new court processes” are in place
• A ban on leaseholds in new houses – but not in new flats
• Creation of an independent football regulator in bid to regulate finances
• Commitment to set up Great British Railways to oversee reform
• A bill to create a national Holocaust Memorial in Victoria Tower Gardens
• Suella Braverman plan to stop tents for homeless people junked from Kings Speech by No 10
• King’s Speech – live: Braverman’s plan to ban tents for rough sleepers ditched from Sunak’s plans
• Labour criticises Israeli ministers ‘offensive rhetoric’ and urges end to West Bank violence

However, home secretary  Suella Braverman ’s plan to restrict charities from giving out tents to homeless people was junked from the King’s Speech by No 10.

There was outrage from LGBT+ campaigners as Mr Sunak dropped plans to ban on conversion therapy – despite a warning that Tory MPs could rebel by trying to force a ban on attempts to change an individual’s sexual orientation or gender identity.

Mr Sunak also angered senior Tories by failing to offer any reform of the Mental Health Act – despite calls for legislative changes to stop the detention of autistic people and those with learning disabilities.

King Charles on way to parliament to make King’s Speech

In remarks accompanying the speech, Mr Sunak insisted his government had “turned the corner” to put the country on a better path – claiming “we are stopping the boats” and insisting that he had “made progress” on cutting NHS waiting list.

The Independent took a closer look at what’s in the King’s Speech, and what has been left out, as Mr Sunak attempts to revive his government a year before the election expected in the autumn of 2024.

Annual oil and gas licences

The government wants to mandate annual oil and gas licensing in the North Sea. Pitched as necessary for energy security, it would require the North Sea Transition Authority (NSTA) to invite applications for new production licences every year.

The heavily-trailed move has already sparked outrage from climate campaigners and has already been met with scepticism from Labour – which has committed to not allowing any more exploration licences in oil and gas.

The energy secretary Claire Coutinho has admitted that the plans may not bring down household energy bills.

Tougher prison sentences

The plan will deliver on already-announced proposals for killers convicted of the most horrific murders to expect whole life orders – meaning they will never be released – while rapists and other serious sexual offenders will not be let out early from prison sentences.

Other measures in the speech include giving police the power to enter a property without a warrant to seize stolen goods, such as phones, when they have reasonable proof that a specific stolen item is inside.

Tuesday’s announcements also include plans to force convicted criminals to be in court for their sentencing. And the criminal justice bill will also establish powers to transfer some prisoners abroad. It comes amid longstanding concerns about overcrowding.

King Charles welcoming Rishi Sunak during an audience at Buckingham Palace

Self-driving vehicles expansion

The government is promising to set the threshold for self-driving vehicles in law – promising to unlock “huge growth potential” in the sector. The Automated Vehicles Bill will reportedly clear the way for buses and lorries to operate autonomously by the end of the decade.

The bill will aim to ensure there is clear legal liability over who or which organisation is responsible during any crashes. The government says this will stop users being held accountable in situations where that would not be fair.

Meanwhile, a new pedicabs bill will be introduced to deal with the “scourge” of unlicensed pedicabs – three-wheeled rickshaw-type vehicles – on the streets of London.

Smoking ban

Mr Sunak has used the King’s Speech to bring in a law that would stop children who turn 14 this year and those younger from ever legally buying cigarettes or tobacco in England.

The plan was announced in a Tory party conference speech a few weeks ago. A personal passion for the PM, it was hailed by health campaigners as a critical step towards creating a smoke-free generation.

Housing secretary Michael Gove has watered down no-fault eviction ban

Ban on no-fault evictions – but with conditions

The government has again promised to protect renters with a ban on “no fault” evictions by landlords as part on the long-delayed Renters Reform Bill.

However, as levelling up secretary Michael Gove said last month, the government will not abolish section 21 evictions until “new court process” can speed up decisions – a move sparking outrage among campaigners who fear it kicks the vital change into the long grass.

Leasehold reform – but no ban for flats

The plans include banning new leasehold houses, so that all new houses are freehold from the outset. But there is no commitment to deliver a ban for new flats, with ministers are believed to be planning to deliver a reformed commonhold system.

Among the other moves to “phase out” leaseholds, a new bill will increase the standard lease extension term from 90 years to 990 years for both houses and flats, with ground rents reduced to zero by extension. A requirement for leaseholders to have owned for two years before extending will be removed.

Creation of football regulator

A football governance bill will see the creation of a new independent football regulator. The body is expected to have “targeted powers” to step in and resolve how money flows from the Premier League down the pyramid. The government has said it will “address issues of financial sustainability” and ensure “fans’ voices are listened to”.

Suella Braverman plans to restrict tents for homeless people dropped from King’s Speech by No 10

National Holocaust Memorial

The government has brought back the Holocaust Memorial Bill. Plans to build a memorial centre in Victoria Tower Gardens – situated next to parliament – ran into difficulties over a 1900 law requiring the land to be used as a public park.

Meanwhile, the government will introduce a bill banning public bodies such as local authorities from boycotting Israel. The timing of the Economic Activities of Public Bodies (Overseas Matters) Bill has proved controversial – with some Tories warning it could exacerbate tensions during Israel-Hamas conflict.

Bill to create Great British Railways – despite fears it would be axed

A draft bill to create a new public sector body called Great British Railways (GBR) to overhaul Britain’s railways was included in the King’s Speech after speculation that the plan would be dropped.

The government says its draft Rail Reform Bill will enable GBR to be formed, to carry out functions such as awarding operating contracts to train companies and managing rail infrastructure.

What else is in the government programme?

The King’s Speech also revealed a plan to subject the online streaming giants like Netflix to a new video-on-demand code drafted and enforced by Ofcom that will apply similar standards to those enforced on television.

The Media Bill will remove a threat that publishers will pay all legal costs if they win or lose a court case, by repealing a key section of the Crime and Courts Act 2013. And the Sunak government also plans to permanently ban the live export of livestock for slaughter and fattening.

What is not in the King’s Speech?

Legislation to ban conversion therapy was not included in the programme. Ditching the promise has prompted anger among some Tory MPs, including Alicia Kearns and ex-minister Dehenna Davison – with backbenchers plotting to bring it to parliament anyway.

Ms Braverman had proposed establishing a civil offence to deter charities from giving out tents to rough sleepers. But the home secretary’s plans are now undergoing closer scrutiny in No 10 after being ditched from the legislative slate.

No 10 has declined to say whether action to tackle tents for homeless people could eventually be included in the Criminal Justice Bill. Asked whether this could still be added, the PM’s official spokesman said: “It’s not for me to get into setting out the details of what will or will not be included.”

• Covid inquiry live: Chaos over care home testing during the pandemic laid bare at hearing

There were no measures to counter what the so-called “war on motorists” – despite reports that the government wanted to try to limit the power of councils to bring 20mph zones or Ulez-type schemes.

There was no ban on trophy hunting imports – a pet subject of Boris Johnson’s wife Carrie – in a disappointment for animal welfare campaigners.

And Mr Sunak will make no effort to bring back a push to water down river nutrient pollution rules in a bid to boost house building, after a revolt by Tory environmentalists and nimbys.

While there was no mention of tax cuts – expected to be addressed in chancellor Jeremy Hunt in his autumn statement later this month – the King’s Speech emphasised the importance of “taking responsible decisions on spending and borrowing”.

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The 21 policies in the King’s Speech and how likely they are to pass into law

This will be the last king's speech before the next general election.

The Government has set out its legislative agenda for the next parliamentary term in what will be the last King’s Speech before the next election.

Opening his speech today, the first King’s Speech in over 70 years, Charles III first paid tribute to the “legacy of service and devotion” set by his mother, Queen Elizabeth II.

He said that his Government’s priority “is to make the difficult but necessary long-term decisions to change this country for the better”.

The speech includes 21 pieces of legislation, slightly lower than the 38 bills announced in the Queen’s Speech, which King Charles delivered in his mother’s absence, in May 2022.

Here’s everything that was in the King’s Speech, and how likely it is to pass before the next general election:

Offshore Petroleum Licensing Bill

In his speech, the King said that the Government would introduce legislation that would “strengthen the United Kingdom’s energy security, and reduce reliance on volatile international energy markets and hostile foreign regimes”.

The new Bill will require the North Sea Transition Authority (NSTA) to run an annual process inviting applications for new production licences in the North Sea.

These new licences will be subject to key test being met, including that the carbon emissions of producing gas in the UK must be lower than the emissions associated with exporting it.

Data published by the Climate Change Committee (CCC) suggests that the UK will still be reliant on oil and gas for energy even after it reaches net zero emissions in 2050.

How likely is it to pass into law? 4/5: This legislation is a high-priority for the Government, particularly because it creates a strong dividing line with Labour, who have ruled out allowing new North Sea licences if they enter power.

Trade (Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership) Bill

The speech confirmed that a bill will be brought forward to “promote trade and investment continue to negotiate trade agreements with dynamic economies, delivering jobs with economies in the fastest growing region in the world”.

The legislation comes after the UK formally agreed to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) in July this year, becoming the first European member of the trade pact.

Other members of the bloc include Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, and Vietnam.

Under the new agreement, more than 99 per cent of goods exported to these countries, such as whisky and cars, will face zero tariffs.

The Government’s impact assessment published earlier this year indicated the long-run increase in GDP would be £2bn (or 0.06 per cent) as a result if joining the group.

How likely is it to pass into law? 5/5: Although the economic benefits are quite small, the CPTPP is one of the UK’s first major trade partnerships post-Brexit and is unlikely to face much opposition.

Automated Vehicles Bill

The King said the Government would “introduce new legal frameworks to support the safe commercial development of emerging industries, such as self-driving vehicles”.

The legislation will distinguish between self-driving vehicles where the users are at the wheel while it is operating, and vehicles where the user is outside.

It will also distinguish between vehicle features that merely aid drivers, such as adaptive cruise control, and those that deliver self-driving.

The Government claims that by regulating self-driving cars on UK roads for the first time, it will create a new market worth up to £42bn to the economy.

How likely is it to pass into law? 2/5: The issue of self-driving vehicles is often divisive. Multiple MPs have raised concerns about the safety risk of self-driving vehicles , while the Transport Select Committee has warned such technology is at risk of cyber attacks.

Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Bill

This Bill was first introduced into the Commons in April 2023, and has been carried over from the last parliamentary session.

The Bill aims to boost competition in digital markets, as well as clamp down on subscription traps and fake reviews.

Under the changes, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) will have greater investigatory powers to take faster action on behalf of consumers.

It will be able to directly enforce consumer law rather than go through lengthy court processes, and impose harsher penalties on those found to be breaching consumer law .

How likely is it to pass into law? 4/5: The bill is already at the report stage in the Commons and has faced little opposition so far.

Data Protection and Digital Information Bill

This bill was put to MPs in July 2022, and is being carried over from the previous parliamentary session. It replaces existing EU data protection law which the UK is no longer required to follow post-Brexit.

Measures covered by the legislation include setting up new digital verification services and reforming the way births and deaths are registered in England and Wales.

The new law will regulate the sharing of customer data through “smart data schemes” and facilitate the flow and use of personal data for law enforcement and national security purposes.

It will also attempt to cut down on nuisance calls and texts and “user consent” banners on websites, as well as create clearer guidelines for how political parties use personal data.

How likely is it to pass into law? 4/5: This bill has not yet had its second reading in the Commons, when MPs first debate it. It has faced some opposition from MPs over claims it favours big business and tech companies, but is very likely to pass with some wrangling over amendments.

The King said that the new Media Bill, which has already been published in draft form, will “support the creative industries and protect public interest journalism”.

Journalists will be protected through the repeal of Section 40 of the Crime and Courts Act, which requires publishers to pay all legal costs in a court case if they are not a member of an approved regulator, regardless of whether they win or not.

The bill will also “modernise” the mission statement for public broadcasters including the BBC and ITV, but will not privatise Channel 4 after the plans were scrapped earlier this year .

Other measures in the bill include stricter regulation for on-demand video platforms like Netflix, new requirements to ensure accessibility in on-demand video, and efforts to reduce regulatory pressures on commercial radio.

How likely is it to pass into law? 4/5: The draft version of this bill has not faced significant opposition once plans to privatise Channel 4 were dropped and its contents are likely to be welcomed by the media at large.

Arbitration Bill

This new bill modernises the law on arbitration, a form of dispute resolution between two parties, following recommendations by the Law Commission of England and Wales.

The Government claims this law will clarify existing regulations on arbitration agreements, strengthen court powers to support the process, and facilitate quicker dispute resolution.

Changes include giving arbitrators powers to speed up decisions on issues with no hope of success, requiring them to disclose impartiality concerns, and extending arbitrator immunity against liability in some circumstances.

How likely is it to pass into law? 5/5: This bill brings in recommendations from the Law Commission and is unlikely to face any strong opposition.

Draft Rail Reform Bill

This legislation aims to amend how rail franchises operate, as well as update ticketing. It is in draft form, which means it is being issued for consultation before it is officially presented to Parliament.

Changes included in the bill include combining the management of the rail network into a new public body, dubbed Great British Railways, which will serve as “the single point of accountability for the performance of the railway”.

Other measures include the simplifying of ticketing systems, including the creation of Pay As You Go season tickets and ensuring single tickets aren’t as expensive as return tickets.

It will also include a system to encourage the inclusion of the private sector in the rail industry and create more partnerships between the state and private enterprises.

How likely is it to pass into law? 2/5: Draft bills are often a lower priority for the Government than fully prepared legislation, as they require consultation. The status of the rail industry is also a controversial topic at present following the scrapping of the northern leg of HS2 .

Tobacco and Vapes Bill

This bill brings in the legislation needed to ban smoking for future generations, as well as cracking down on the vaping industry.

Mr Sunak used his Conservative Party conference speech last month to announce that the legal age for buying tobacco should rise every year.

The new law will eventually mean tobacco cannot be sold to anyone born on or after 1 January, 2009 , and that a 14-year-old alive today would never be able to buy a cigarette.

It also includes measures to crack down on youth vaping, such as limiting the vape flavours available and regulating packaging to prevent them from being targeted at children.

How likely is it to pass into law? 3/5: MPs will not be whipped when voting for this legislation, meaning the Government could face some hiccups in passing it. Labour, however, has said it will back the measures.

Leasehold and Freehold Bill

This Bill will make it cheaper and easier for existing leaseholders to extend their lease, as well as increase the standard extension term from 90 to 990 years and scrapping ground rent.

It will also remove the new requirement for leaseholders to have owned their home for two years before they can benefit from these changes.

Other changes include reforming the wide leasehold system and ensuring greater transparency.

The bill will ban the creation of new leasehold houses in England and Wales, but this will not apply to newly built flats.

How likely is it to pass into law? 3/5: This issue is very complicated and has long been an issue that the Government has tried to tackle. It may take time to fix it, which could delay it until after the next general election.

Renters (Reform) Bill

In his speech, the King said that “renters will benefit from stronger security of tenure and better value, while landlords will benefit from reforms to provide certainty that they can regain their properties when needed” through this legislation.

This legislation was first put to the Commons in May 2023, and is being carried over from the last parliamentary session.

It upholds a Conservative manifesto pledge to ban Section 21 “no-fault” evictions , but the actual implementation of this has been delayed by the Government until new court processes can be established.

The bill also strengthens landlord grounds for possession, introduces greater powers to evict anti-social tenants, prevents landlords from banning pets, and cracks down on criminal landlords.

How likely is it to pass into law? 3/5: The delay to the ban on “no-fault” evictions could throw a spanner in the works as this bill passes through Parliament.

Football Governance Bill

The King said in his speech that a new football regulator would be created to “safeguard the future of football clubs for the benefit of communities and fans”.

The regulator will scrutinise the finances of club owners, as well as ensure assets such as stadiums are protected from sale or relocation without the approval of fans

It will also set a minimum standard for fan engagement by clubs, and prevent clubs from joining breakaway leagues.

How likely is it to pass into law? 4/5: Plans to create a football regulator have broad cross-party support.

Pedicabs (London) Bill

This London-focused piece of legislation aims to “deal with the scourge of unlicensed pedicabs in London”.

It will bring forward a new licensing regime for pedicabs under Transport for London (TfL), which includes setting fare prices and processing criminal checks on drivers before they can accept fares.

How likely is it to pass into law? 5/5: Many MPs know of the “scourge” of pedicabs in London, and the issue is unlikely to face any significant opposition.

Holocaust Memorial Bill

This legislation was first introduced into Parliament in February 2023, and has been carried over from the last session.

It was first introduced after plans to build a memorial centre in Victoria Tower Gardens next to the Houses of Parliament ran into difficulties over a 1900 law requiring the land to be used as a public park.

This bill intends to update the legislation, removing the legal obstacle that has prevented the project from going ahead.

How likely is it to pass into law? 2/5: The issue of building a Holocaust memorial next to Parliament has been very divisive. This law removes the legal obstacles, but the plans could still be scrapped altogether amid widespread opposition.

Animal Welfare (Livestock Exports) Bill

This bill bans the export of live animals for slaughter and fattening, with no protections possible now the UK has left the EU.

The Government has already banned the export of live animals, but this legislation makes the ban permanent and prevents future exports.

How likely is it to pass into law? 4/5: Similar measures on animal welfare have previously been delayed by the Government, but the legislation has a high chance of making it through before the next election.

Economic Activities of Public Bodies (Overseas Matters) Bill

This Bill was introduced into the Commons in June 2023 and is being carried over from the last parliamentary session.

It seeks to prevent public bodies, such as councils and universities, from boycotting or divesting from a particular country or territory based on political or moral disapproval.

This legislation came about after a number of councils passed motions in 2014 which directly targeted the Israeli government.

How likely is it to pass into law? 5/5: This bill has already progressed most of the way through the Commons and will likely soon pass to the Lords.

Sentencing Bill

The King said in his speech that this bill would “ensure tougher sentences for the most serious offenders and increase the confidence of victims”.

The new legislation will require courts to impose whole-life orders on criminals who commit murder with a sexual or sadistic element.

It will also ensure that rapists and those convicted of serial offences do not get early release, and are required to serve their full sentence.

Other measures include presuming custodial sentences under 12 months are assumed to be suspended, and extending home curfew for certain offenders.

How likely is it to pass into law? 5/5: The measures in this bill have broad cross-party support, and it will likely be of high priority for the Government.

Criminal Justice Bill

The King stated that this new Bill would “empower police forces and the criminal justice system to prevent new or complex crimes, such as digital-enabled crime and child sexual abuse, including grooming”.

It will force offenders to attend their sentencing – announced by Justice Secretary Alex Chalk in August amid anger over nurse Lucy Letby’s refusal to appear in court .

The extensive bill also includes measures to impose tougher sentences on grooming gangs, giving police more powers to use polygraph tests on terrorists or sexual offenders.

Other measures that covered by the legislation include a new classification of “domestic murder” and new powers to search properties if police have “reasonable proof” that a stolen item is there.

How likely is it to pass into law? 5/5: Measures on tougher sentencing and forcing criminals to appear in court have broad support across the party, but many of the measures giving police new powers are bound to be controversial both inside and outside Parliament. This bill is a high-priority for the Government, however, as it heads toward the next general election.

Investigatory Powers (Amendment) Bill

This bill will “give the security and intelligence services the powers they need and will strengthen independent judicial oversight”, the King said in his speech.

It updates the existing Investigatory Powers Act 2016 and will require tech companies to tell the Home Office in advance of new security features they want to add.

The Bill will also give the Home Office powers to force non-UK companies to comply with changes it wants them to make to security features, as well as give intelligence agencies great powers to access public data.

How likely is it to pass into law? 3/5: Tech companies are strongly opposed to the move, with Apple stating earlier this year that it would “serious and direct threat” to the security of user data and give the Home Secretary unnecessary power.

Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill

This Bill has been dubbed “Martyn’s Law” after, Martyn Hett, one of 22 people who died in the Manchester Arena terrorist attack in 2017.

The legislation will place a requirement on those responsible for certain publicly accessible locations, such as concert venues, to consider the threat from terrorism and implement appropriate and proportionate mitigation measures.

How likely is it to pass into law? 4/5: This bill has proved slightly controversial amid fears the excess costs of counter-terrorism preparation could force smaller venues to close . Distinctions in the legislation mitigating this will likely be enough to allow it to pass.

Victims and Prisoners Bill

This Bill was first introduced in May 2023 and has been carried over from the last Parliamentary session.

It delivers on a Conservative Party manifesto commitment to introduce legislation to improve end-to-end support for victims, whether they choose to engage with the criminal justice process or not.

It will bring the new Victim’s Code into law, as well as join up victim support services across the UK and introduce a new Independent Public Advocate (IPA) to support victims of major incidents such as the Hillsborough disaster or Grenfell Tower fire.

The bill will also give ministers greater oversight of the parole release of serious offenders, and prevent prisoners serving whole-life orders from marrying.

It also includes the provisions of “Jade’s Law”, which automatically suspends parent responsibility of one parent if they murder the other.

How likely is it to pass into law? 5/5: The bill is already at the report stage in the Commons, and has faced little opposition so far.

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King Charles praises 'hand of friendship' in Maundy Thursday audio message

King Charles, who is having treatment for cancer, has praised people who 'extend the hand of friendship, especially in a time of need', and echoed the promise he made at his coronation to serve the nation. The king's remarks were recorded in an audio message to be aired at the ancient Maundy Thursday church service at Worcester Cathedral, which the 75-year-old king will miss due to his illness. The recording was made before the Princess of Wales issued a video message in which she revealed she was having preventive chemotherapy after cancer was discovered in the aftermath of her abdominal surgery in January. While King Charles will miss the Maundy Thursday service, he is due to join other members of his family on Sunday at a scaled-down Easter Sunday service at Windsor Castle, his first public appearance at a royal event since it was announced in February that he was suffering from an undisclosed form of cancer

King lauds friendship ‘in time of need’ in first comments since princess’s diagnosis

Source: Reuters / Royal pool

Thu 28 Mar 2024 13.40 GMT Last modified on Thu 28 Mar 2024 16.12 GMT

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“royals’ health battles shouldn’t be brought to screen,” says ‘the crown’ star gillian anderson.

• ‘Dear England’: BBC Beat Netflix In Bidding War For Joseph Fiennes Series Amid Fears For UK Drama

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EXCLUSIVE : The BBC was victorious in a bidding war with Netflix for Dear England amid fears for the future of British storytelling on television.

Deadline hears that Left Bank Pictures and Dear England writer James Graham wanted the stage play to be adapted on the BBC, despite a more lucrative offer from Netflix.

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Sony Pictures Television -backed Left Bank and Graham chose the BBC over Netflix because they view Dear England as a national story that should be told by the UK’s national broadcaster.

Financials for the deal were not disclosed and Left Bank will likely top up the lower BBC fee with international sales. Sources at the BBC hope the series can be a “blockbuster” national moment.

The deal came weeks before Left Bank founder Andy Harries made an impassioned speech about British drama at the Broadcasting Press Guild Awards.

He said the UK was at risk of becoming a “service industry” to Hollywood and UK broadcasters, including the BBC and ITV, are “increasingly looking vulnerable” to streamers like Netflix.

“The streamers need the competition. Our industry needs a healthy BBC. The BBC keeps us British, its role in our society is unique and unifying,” he said.

Harries and Jane Tranter , co-founder of Doctor Who outfit Bad Wolf, both used platforms last week to call for the recent  40% tax break for UK indie films  to be extended to “specifically British” limited series.

Harries also heralded ITV series  Mr Bates vs the Post Office , which became an enormous local hit in January after the Toby Jones vehicle brought to life a painful miscarriage of justice.

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King Charles Delivers Easter Message in First Public Address Since Kate Middleton's News

K ing Charles III told the nation in a pre-recorded message released on Maundy Thursday, ahead of Easter Sunday, that we “need and benefit greatly from those who extend the hand of friendship to us, especially in a time of need.”

Audio of His Majesty’s message was broadcast at Worcester Cathedral on Thursday, where his wife Queen Camilla was presiding in his stead over the annual Royal Maundy service , during which the sovereign or their deputy hands out money to local people honored for their community contributions.

The King, who announced in February he had been diagnosed with cancer and has stepped back from public-facing duties while he’s undergoing treatment, said in his message that it was “a great sadness that I cannot be with you all today.” He read a passage from the Bible about Jesus washing the feet of his disciples and said “in doing so, he deliberately gave to them and to us all an example of how we should serve and care for each other.”

“In this country, we are blessed by all the different services that exist for our welfare, but over and above these organizations and their selfless staff, we need and benefit greatly from those who extend the hand of friendship to us, especially in a time of need,” the King said.

The King expressed that the 150 Maundy money recipients are “wonderful examples of such kindness, of going way beyond the call of duty and of giving so much of their lives to the service of others in their communities.”

King Charles added that Thursday’s act of worship reminded him of his pledge at the start of his coronation service “to follow Christ’s example—not to be served but to serve. That I have always tried to do and continue to do with my whole heart.”

“It is my special prayer today that our Lord’s example of serving one another might continue to inspire us and to strengthen all our communities. May God bless you all this Easter,” he concluded.

The hopeful holiday message comes at a difficult time for the royal family, as His Majesty and his daughter-in-law, Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales, are undergoing cancer treatment . The King announced his diagnosis in February and has withdrawn from public-facing duties, including Thursday’s service, while he receives treatment. However, Buckingham Palace has announced he’s expected to attend the traditional royals’ Easter church service at St. George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle on Sunday.

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King Charles delivers personal Easter message following cancer diagnosis

The monarch - who has stepped back from large-scale public duties while undergoing cancer treatment - was pictured sitting at his desk at Buckingham Palace as he recorded his audio message in mid-March to be broadcast to a congregation at Worcester Cathedral on Thursday in his absence.

Thursday 28 March 2024 14:03, UK

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The King has said he is continuing to serve the nation with "my whole heart" in a personal Easter message in the wake of his and the Princess of Wales's cancer diagnoses.

The pre-recorded audio was broadcast in his absence at a Royal Maundy service at Worcester Cathedral on Thursday ahead of the Easter weekend.

The King , who announced in February he was undergoing cancer treatment, talked of his "special prayer" this Easter and expressed his "great sadness" of being unable to attend.

"The Maundy service has a very special place in my heart," he said, after a Bible reading recounting Jesus washing his disciples' feet.

He said the verse, from the Gospel according to St John, "has its origin in the life of our Lord, who knelt before his disciples, and to their great surprise, washed their trouble-weary feet".

The monarch said in doing so, Jesus set "an example of how we should serve and care for each other" - and how as a nation "we need and benefit greatly from those who extend the hand of friendship to us, especially in a time of need".

The 75-year-old, who acceded to the throne 18 months ago, said it reminded him of the pledge he made at the start of his Coronation service to follow Christ's example - "not to be served, but to serve".

"That I have always tried to do and continue to do with my whole heart," he said.

"It is my special prayer today that our Lord's example of serving one another might continue to inspire us and to strengthen all our communities."

He added: "May God bless you all this Easter."

The major event in the royal calendar sees Maundy money - newly minted coins - distributed to community stalwarts by the head of state in recognition of their service, with the Queen deputising for the King in the ceremony, a first for a Queen Consort.

Read more: What is Maundy Thursday? Queen discusses what King is like as a patient King 'frustrated' about speed of cancer recovery

The King, however, continued his low-key duties and held private audiences with ambassadors at Buckingham Palace.

The monarch - who has stepped back from large-scale public duties while receiving outpatient treatment - was pictured sitting at his desk in Buckingham Palace's 18th Century Room as he recorded his Easter message in mid-March.

While the King did not directly refer to his and his daughter-in-law's health, his words will be interpreted as reflecting on the nation's response to his and Kate's challenges.

He told last month how he had been reduced to tears by the messages and cards of support he received from well-wishers.

On Wednesday, the Queen , during a visit to Shropshire, was given posters from well-wishers for the Princess of Wales , and said Kate would be "thrilled" to receive them.

The King's message comes as he prepares to attend church on Easter Sunday with the Queen - his most significant public appearance and major royal engagement since his cancer diagnosis.

But there will be a reduced number of royals present to avoid the health risks associated with large crowds.

Prince William , the Princess of Wales, and their children Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis will not be present.

Keep up with all the latest news from the UK and around the world by following Sky News

The family are spending the Easter holidays together following Kate's announcement she is being treated for cancer.

Kate revealed she is undergoing preventative chemotherapy in a video message to the nation on Friday.

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The statement followed weeks of global social media speculation and conspiracy theories about her whereabouts after she had not been seen on official engagements since last December.

The 42-year-old had planned abdominal surgery in January which she said was successful.

It was initially thought her condition was non-cancerous, but tests after the operation found cancer had been present.

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