In his first King's Speech as prime minister, Sunak highlighted plans for tougher sentences for serious criminals and measures to ensure offenders appear in court. This speech follows more than 70 years without one due to the Queen's passing and King Charles taking the throne.
While some past Conservative pledges were notably absent, the speech covered various measures, including a phased smoking ban, reform of the leasehold system, and annual licenses for North Sea projects. However, there was no mention of a ban on conversion therapy or a trophy hunting import ban.
A major focus was public safety and justice, with plans for life imprisonment for murderers with sexual or sadistic motives. However, overcrowded prisons may lead to most sentences under 12 months being suspended.
The Criminal Justice Bill will clarify the use of "reasonable force" to bring offenders to court and grant police powers to seize stolen goods without a warrant under certain conditions. Other measures include a regulator for professional football, a legal framework for self-driving cars, and London's pedal-powered taxi cabs.
Sunak is positioning himself as a change from his predecessors, highlighting measures like phasing out cigarette sales in England. However, Labour criticized the speech as offering more of the same and not addressing public service or cost-of-living issues.
The King also emphasized environmental measures to transition to net-zero emissions by 2050. Some previous pledges were watered down, such as leasehold system reform. The Renters Reform Bill, including a ban on "no-fault evictions" in England, continues in Parliament.
A proposal to restrict tent use by rough sleepers was not included but remains under consideration.
This King's Speech outlines the government's priorities, but some previously promised measures are notably absent.