Cigarettes, crime and net zero: What can we expect from the King’s Speech? | Politics News

Westminster will be awash with pomp and ceremony on Tuesday as Parliament hosts the King’s Speech.

But what will the day involve and how will it play out? And what plans for the country’s future are likely to be unveiled?

Read on to find out all you need to know.

What is the King’s Speech?

While a parliament – meaning the period of time between general elections – can last for up to five years, a new parliamentary session is normally launched annually. It gives the government of the day a chance to outline its legislative plans for the year ahead.

The start of a new session is marked with the grandest of ceremonies, the State Opening of Parliament.

It brings together members of the House of Commons and House of Lords, as well as the monarchy, dressed up in their finest regalia for the day ahead. Look out for the robes, britches and, of course, the crown.

After numerous traditions are played out – from searching the bowels of the building for gunpowder to slamming a door in Black Rod’s face – peers and MPs gather in front of the monarch to listen to them deliver the King’s (or Queen’s) Speech.

While the address may be read out by the head of state, the content is written by the government and sees their legislative agenda given a stately introduction to the ears of parliamentarians and the public.

The speech will fall to King Charles III in his first state opening as monarch – though he had a dry run back in May 2022, when he stood in for his mother due to her mobility issues.

The late Queen Elizabeth II delivered…