Procession, pomp, and ceremony: King Charles III lays out U.K. government agenda
In a speech to lawmakers laced with all the pomp that accompanies the ceremonial opening of Parliament, the king said the U.K.'s energy policy, defence and national security would be tested as it deals with the fallout from the wars in Iran and Ukraine.
The question is whether Prime Minister Keir Starmer will be around to implement the measures in the speech and, even if he remains in post, whether he will have the authority to push his proposals through.
- What is at stake in Britain’s elections? Financial Times —
- Keir Starmer's judgment day has arrived' as Brits flock to polls Daily Star —
- Local elections 2026 live: Polls open for millions of voters in England, Scotland and Wales The Independent —
- Polls open in UK local elections seen as a verdict on Keir Starmer's leadership The Independent —
- Polling stations open at start of crucial day for Keir Starmer’s premiership Belfast Telegraph —