Contents
Chamber business
The House met at 11.25 am.
Prayers
1Message to attend His Majesty
Message from His Majesty delivered by the Gentleman Usher of the Black Rod:
Mr Speaker, The King commands this Honourable House to attend His Majesty immediately, in the House of Peers.
The Speaker, with the House, went up to attend His Majesty.
When the Speaker and the House returned, the House was suspended.
The Speaker resumed the Chair at 2.30 pm.
2Speaker’s Statement: Duties and responsibilities of honourable Members
A Bill for the more effectual preventing Clandestine Outlawries was read the first time and ordered to be read a second time.
The Speaker reported His Majesty's Speech and directed that it be entered in the Journal, as follows:
My Lords and Members of the House of Commons.
An increasingly dangerous and volatile world threatens the United Kingdom, with the conflict in the Middle East only the most recent example. Every element of the nation’s energy, defence and economic security will be tested.
My Government will respond to this world with strength and aim to create a country that is fair for all. My Ministers will take decisions that protect the energy, defence and economic security of the United Kingdom for the long-term. They will defend the British values of decency, tolerance and respect for difference under our common flag, and they will harness the potential of the pride felt across this country for its communities. My Government will take urgent action to tackle antisemitism and ensure all communities feel safe.
My Government believes that the United Kingdom’s economic security depends on raising living standards in every part of the United Kingdom. My Ministers will support measures that maintain stability and control the cost of living. They will use public investment to shape markets and attract further private investment. They will deploy the power of an active State in partnership with business and enable reforms that support higher growth and a fair deal for working people.
My Government believes that improved trading relations are vital for the United Kingdom’s economic security, for significantly raising economic growth, and for lowering prices for working people. My Ministers will introduce legislation to take advantage of new trading opportunities, including a Bill to strengthen ties with the European Union. My Government will also support the economic security of British businesses. Legislation will be introduced to tackle late payments and to reduce the burden of unnecessary regulation through innovation.
The United Kingdom’s economic security depends upon world class infrastructure. Legislation will be introduced to unlock the benefits of airport expansion; enable roads to be built at pace including the Lower Thames Crossing; and deliver a fair deal for the North of England through Northern Powerhouse Rail. My Ministers will continue to take all action necessary to safeguard the domestic production of steel.
My Government will also improve the United Kingdom’s security by continuing to invest in the renewal of public services. My Ministers will push forward with significant reforms to the police, the National Health Service, and to the criminal justice system to help them deliver services the British people expect. Legislation will be introduced to increase confidence in the security of the immigration and asylum systems. My Government will improve critical infrastructure with legislation to clean-up the water industry and establish Great British Railways.
My Government believes that the United Kingdom should be a country fair for all and a place where every child is included in the nation’s highest aspirations. My Ministers believe that every child deserves the chance to succeed to the best of his or her ability and not be held back due to poverty, special educational needs, or a lack of respect for vocational education. My Ministers will continue to invest in apprenticeships and measures that tackle youth unemployment. They will respond to the Milburn Review and the Timms Review and continue to reform the welfare system to support both young and disabled people to flourish in work as the basis for long-term economic security. A Bill will be brought forward to raise standards in schools and introduce generational reforms of the special educational needs system. My Ministers will also proceed with the introduction of Digital ID that will modernise how citizens interact with public services.
Alongside strong public services and a strong economy, the highest standards of trust in public office are essential for the social contract and the United Kingdom’s collective security. My Government will introduce the Hillsborough Law to bring forward a duty of candour for public servants. My Ministers will also introduce legislation to enable peerages to be removed. My Government will bring forward proposals that strengthen the delivery, accountability, innovation and productivity of the Civil Service. These proposals will also seek to safeguard its impartiality and core values, to enhance trust and confidence in the institutions of government.
My Government will bring forward a Bill to speed up remediation for people living in homes with unsafe cladding and a draft Bill to ban abusive conversion practices.
In this volatile world, my Government will continue to pursue foreign policy based on a calm assessment of the national interest. It will continue its unflinching support for the brave people of Ukraine, who fight on the frontline of freedom. My Ministers will seek to improve relations with European partners as a vital step in strengthening European security. It will continue to promote long term peace in the Middle East and the Two-State solution in Israel and Palestine.
My Government will also uphold the United Kingdom’s unbreakable commitment to NATO and our NATO allies, including through a sustained increase in defence spending.
My Government will seek to reinforce the long-term energy, defence and economic security of the United Kingdom as an essential component of strength on the world stage. This will include housing, which can be a source of insecurity for many people. My Ministers will bring forward legislation to increase long-term investment in social housing and to reform the leasehold system, including the capping of ground rents.
My Government will introduce legislation to tackle the growing threat from foreign state entities and their proxies. They will respond to the horrific attack in Southport with measures to protect the British people from extreme violence, and honour the victims, the injured and their families. My Ministers will also introduce legislation to improve the country’s defences against cyber-security threats.
My Government will support our gallant Armed Forces and their families who make considerable personal sacrifices for the collective security and freedom of everyone in the United Kingdom. My Ministers will recognise this service with an Armed Forces Bill that improves the service justice system and establishes the Armed Forces covenant in statute.
My Ministers believe that energy independence must be a long-term goal of national security and that the nation’s energy security requires long-term investment and reform, as demonstrated by recent events in the Middle East. Increased production of clean British energy will help to ensure that enemies of the United Kingdom cannot attack the economic security of the British people. My Ministers will therefore introduce an Energy Independence Bill to scale-up homegrown renewable energy and protect living standards for the long-term.
My Ministers will also take forward recommendations of the Nuclear Regulatory Review and encourage a new era of British nuclear energy generation.
My Government will remain a leading advocate for tackling climate change and achieving a world free from poverty. The United Kingdom will also take action to reduce humanitarian need and conflict around the world.
My Ministers will champion the rights of women and girls to live in a world free from violence. This will include promoting women’s full economic and political participation within their societies, with agency over the decisions that impact their lives.
Next year, the United Kingdom will take on the G20 Presidency and host the G20 Summit to drive global growth and reinforce global stability, which is essential for the prosperity of working people across the country.
My Government is committed to the strength and integrity of the Union of the United Kingdom and will continue to work closely with the devolved governments to deliver for citizens across the whole of the nation.
Members of the House of Commons
Estimates for the public services will be laid before you.
My Lords and Members 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.
5King’s Speech (Motion for an Address)
Motion made and Question proposed, That an humble Address be presented to His Majesty, as follows:
Most Gracious Sovereign,
We, your Majesty’s most dutiful and loyal subjects, the Commons of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland in Parliament assembled, beg leave to offer our humble thanks to your Majesty for the Gracious Speech which your Majesty has addressed to both Houses of Parliament.—(Naz Shah.)
Ordered, That the debate be now adjourned.—(Deirdre Costigan.)
Debate to be resumed tomorrow.
Subject: Unadopted roads and public amenities on new developments (Alistair Strathern)
Resolved, That this House do now adjourn.—(Deirdre Costigan.)
Adjourned at 9.59 pm until tomorrow.
Other Proceedings
General Committees: Appointments
The Speaker appoints the Chair of General Committees and members of Programming Sub-Committees, and allocates Statutory Instruments to Delegated Legislation Committees.
The Committee of Selection nominates Members to serve on General Committees (and certain Members to serve on Grand Committees).
7First Delegated Legislation Committee (draft Controlled Drugs (Drug Precursors) (Amendment and Revocation) Regulations 2026 and draft Criminal Justice (International Co-operation) Act 1990 (Amendment) Order 2026)
Members: James Asser, Antonia Bance, Sarah Bool, Dame Karen Bradley, Jess Brown-Fuller, Damien Egan, Lillian Jones, Sarah Jones, Stephen Morgan, Tessa Munt, Jo Platt, Mark Sewards, Sarah Smith, Gregory Stafford, Euan Stainbank, Adam Thompson and Matt Vickers
8Second Delegated Legislation Committee (draft Merchant Shipping (Port State Control) Regulations 2026)
Members: Dr Scott Arthur, Sam Carling, Liam Conlon, Torcuil Crichton, Sir Iain Duncan Smith, Tim Farron, Olly Glover, Lilian Greenwood, Keir Mather, Jerome Mayhew, Darren Paffey, Joe Robertson, Sam Rushworth, Sarah Russell, Mr Andrew Snowden, Peter Swallow and Michelle Welsh
9Third Delegated Legislation Committee (draft Hampshire and the Solent Combined County Authority Regulations 2026)
Members: Edward Argar, Phil Brickell, Lewis Cocking, Tom Collins, Deirdre Costigan, Tim Farron, Sir Ashley Fox, Tracy Gilbert, Tom Hayes, Liz Jarvis, Kerry McCarthy, Alison McGovern, James Naish, Martin Rhodes, Tulip Siddiq, David Simmonds and Will Stone
Select Committees: Formal Minutes
10Select Committees (publication of formal minutes)
Ordered, That, in this Session of Parliament, the formal minutes of any select committee, together with the formal minutes of any sub-committee which they may appoint, may be published from time to time.
Select Committees: Reports
(1) Reading for pleasure: Oral evidence, to be published (HC 150);
(2) The use of artificial intelligence and EdTech in education: Written evidence, to be published (HC 151)
(Helen Hayes).
Home Office 2026–27 Main Estimate Memorandum: Written evidence, to be published (Dame Karen Bradley).
13International Development Committee
Correspondence with the Minister of State for International Development and Africa: Written evidence, to be published (Sarah Champion).
14Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee
Cabinet Office 2026–27 Main Estimate Memorandum: Written evidence, to be published (Simon Hoare).
15Science, Innovation and Technology Committee
(1) Correspondence from the Information Commissioner’s Office relating to governance: Written evidence, to be published;
(2) Department for Science, Innovation and Technology 2026–27 Main Estimate Memorandum: Written evidence, to be published;
(3) Scientific research funding: Written evidence, to be published (HC 56)
(Dame Chi Onwurah).
(1) Correspondence with the Economic Secretary to the Treasury relating to the Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation: Written evidence, to be published;
(2) Correspondence with Santander UK relating to the acquisition of TSB: Written evidence, to be published;
(3) Financial Inclusion Strategy: Written evidence, to be published (HC 13);
(4) National Savings and Investments 2026–27 Main Estimate Memorandum: Written evidence, to be published;
(5) Student loans and taxation of graduates: Written evidence, to be published (HC 14)
(Dame Meg Hillier).
(1) Correspondence from Monmouthshire Borough Council relating to cross-border education: Written evidence, to be published;
(2) Cross-border healthcare arrangements between England and Wales: Written evidence, to be published (HC 65);
(3) Wales Office 2026–27 Main Estimate Memorandum: Written evidence, to be published
(Ruth Jones).
Sir Lindsay Hoyle
Speaker
Papers Laid
Papers presented and delivered to the Votes and Proceedings Office on the undermentioned dates during the Prorogation under Standing Orders No. 158 and No. 159
Papers subject to Negative Resolution
Thursday 30 April
Erasmus+ Programme (Data Processing) Regulations 2026 (SI, 2026, No. 470), dated 28 April 2026 (by Act), with an Explanatory Memorandum (by Command) (Josh MacAlister)
Friday 1 May
2Terms and Conditions of Employment
Public Interest Disclosure (Prescribed Persons) (Amendment) Order 2026 (SI, 2026, No. 478), dated 28 April 2026 (by Act), with an Explanatory Memorandum (by Command) (Kate Dearden)
Wednesday 6 May
Biodiversity Gain Site Register (Amendment) Regulations 2026 (SI, 2026, No. 494), dated 5 May 2026 (by Act), with an Explanatory Memorandum (by Command) (Secretary Emma Reynolds)
Charges for Residues Surveillance (Amendment) (England) Regulations 2026 (SI, 2026, No. 493), dated 5 May 2026 (by Act), with an Explanatory Memorandum (by Command) (Secretary Emma Reynolds)
Other papers
Thursday 7 May
Explanatory Memorandum to the Merchant Shipping (Accident Reporting and Investigation) Regulations 2026 (SI, 2026, No. 430) (by Command) (Secretary Heidi Alexander)
Withdrawn papers
Thursday 7 May
Explanatory Memorandum to the Merchant Shipping (Accident Reporting and Investigation) Regulations 2026 (SI, 2026, No. 430) (laid 22 April, in the last Session of Parliament)
Papers presented or laid upon the Table on Wednesday 13 May
Papers subject to Negative Resolution
7Universities of Oxford and Cambridge
Statute, dated 2 February 2026, made by the Governing Body of Peterhouse in the University of Cambridge, revising the existing Statutes of the College (by Act), with an Explanatory Memorandum (by Command) (Secretary Bridget Phillipson)
Other papers
Office for Environmental Protection: A Review of Environment Agency Inspections in the Waste Operations and Installations Sector in England (by Act) (Clerk of the House)
Explanatory Memorandum to the Automated Vehicles (Permits for Automated Passenger Services) Regulations 2026 (SI, 2026, No. 439) (by Command) (Secretary Heidi Alexander)
Withdrawn papers
Draft Register of Overseas Entities (Protection and Trusts) and Limited Liability Partnerships (Application of Company Law) (Amendment) Regulations 2026 (by Act) (laid 22 April, in the last Session of Parliament)
Explanatory Memorandum to the Automated Vehicles (Permits for Automated Passenger Services) Regulations 2026 (SI, 2026, No. 439) (laid 23 April, in the last Session of Parliament)
SPEAKER’S CERTIFICATE
VOTING BY PROXY (STANDING ORDER NO. 39A)
(Variations to existing arrangements appear in bold.)
|
Member |
From |
To |
Proxy |
|
Saqib Bhatti |
23 February |
19 August (suspended 13 May and 14 May) |
Mike Wood |
CORRECTIONS
(1) Monday 2 February 2026
The following item should have appeared after item 13 (Papers Laid):
National Audit
Report by the Comptroller and Auditor General on Ministry of Justice and Department of Health and Social Care: The costs of tackling drug harms in prisons (by Act), to be printed (HC 1643) (Clerk of the House)
(2) Wednesday 22 April 2026
Item 37 (Select Committee: Reports) should have read as follows:
Science, Innovation and Technology Committee
(1) Pre-appointment hearing for the Chair of UKRI:
(i) Fourth Report, to be printed, with the formal minutes relating to the Report (HC 1844);
(ii) Oral evidence, to be published (HC 1844);
(2) Correspondence with the Department: Written evidence, to be published;
(3) Science diplomacy: Written evidence, to be published (HC 838);
(4) Scientific research funding: Written evidence, to be published (HC 1741);
(5) The science and regulation of hair and beauty products and treatments: Written evidence, to be published (HC 1478)
(Dame Chi Onwurah).