The Readout

The King’s Speechless: No One Is Certain If Starmer’s Legislative Agenda Will Be Enacted

The monarch came to parliament to launch the government’s plan for the year ahead as Starmer struggles to hold on to power

King Charles III makes his speech in the House of Lords chamber.Photographer: Kirsty Wigglesworth/AFP/Pool//Getty Images

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By Allegra Stratton

May 13, 2026 at 4:12 PM UTC

This article is for subscribers only.

Today was meant to be about pomp and policy as King Charles III read out the government’s legislative agenda for the year ahead. Instead it has been about plots and personalities. It’s been reported that the Palace asked No 10 whether today’s pageantry should even go ahead. Short of resigning, of course Downing Street had to be adamant it must proceed, but sympathy must be due the King saying repeatedly “my government will...” while not being certain it will do anything.

After an embarrassingly short meeting between the Prime Minister and his dissident Health Secretary, Wes Streeting is expected to resign and launch a challenge for the leadership. Allies had said Streeting didn’t want to do anything to overshadow his Majesty’s trip to parliament. Oh dear. The day can be summarised as tweeting about Streeting.