In a State Opening of Parliament framed around “economic security” and “national resilience”, King Charles III unveiled a legislative programme that places energy systems alongside digital infrastructure at the core of the UK’s future.
Addressing a “dangerous and volatile world”, the King’s Speech detailed 37 bills aimed at strengthening domestic capabilities, with a clear emphasis on securing both power supply and the digital networks that underpin modern energy systems.
For the energy sector, the message was clear. Government sees a more interventionist role as essential to delivering energy independence, safeguarding critical infrastructure and supporting the transition to low-carbon power.
As the UK’s energy system becomes increasingly digitised, the government is moving to protect it from rising cyber threats. The Cyber Security and Resilience Bill reflects this shift, recognising the convergence of energy and digital infrastructure.
According to BBC reporting, the legislation will expand oversight of critical infrastructure by “bringing data centres into scope of the UK’s cybersecurity reporting regime”.
