LONDON (AP) — King Charles III laid out on Wednesday the British government’s legislative program for the coming year or so, as Prime Minister Keir Starmer fought to remain in power following rising discontent within his Labour Party.
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, defense and national security would be tested as it deals with the fallout from the wars in Iran and Ukraine.
Pledging action on antisemitism, he said the government would “defend the British values” of decency and tolerance.
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.
The embattled prime minister has been urged to set a timetable for his departure by more than a fifth of the Labour Party’s lawmakers in the House of Commons. Some junior ministers have quit the government in protest, but no one has yet challenged Starmer directly.
