the king's speech 2023

Oil, smoking and football: The 21 laws unveiled in King's Speech

• Tuesday 7 November 2023 at 10:33pm

Robert Peston and Anushka Asthana round-up the key points from King Charles' first King's Speech

Words by Lewis Denison, Westminster Producer

King Charles has delivered the UK's first King's Speech in 70 years, setting out Rishi Sunak's legislative plans for the upcoming year.

As part of the prime minister's pledge to make "long-term decisions for a brighter future", he set out plans to eventually ban cigarettes and new leaseholds, as well as to drill for fresh oil in the North Sea.

This King's Speech - likely the last before a general election - is perhaps the prime minister's biggest chance to win over voters before he and other party leaders publish their manifestos.

The King paid tribute to his mother, the late Queen's "legacy of service and devotion", as he conducted the state opening of Parliament for the first time as monarch.

He refers to "my government" and "my ministers", as is convention under his role as a constitutional monarch, however they are not his policies.

The PM's focus, according to the King, is on "increasing economic growth and safeguarding the health and security of the British people for generations to come".

He said the government will "continue to take action to bring down inflation, to ease the cost of living for families and help businesses fund new jobs and investment".

Labour Leader Sir Keir Starmer criticised the King's Speech, which was devoid of new policies, telling MPs in a Commons debate afterwards that Mr Sunak's legislative agenda is "a plan for more of the same".

"More sticking plasters, more division, more party first, country second gimmicks and no repudiation of the utterly discredited idea that economic growth is something the few hand down to the many.

"In fact, today we reached something of a new low because they are not even pretending to govern any more. They have given up on any sense of service.

"They see our country's problems as something to be exploited, not solved and in doing this, they underestimate the British people because what Britain wants is for them to stop messing around and get on with the job."

New oil and gas fields

Across the political spectrum, politicians wants to bring in policies which reduce the UK's reliance on foreign regimes for energy, following the war between Russia and Ukraine, which has driven up the cost of oil and gas.

In a bid to "strengthen the United Kingdom's energy security", the government will bring in the Offshore Petroleum Licensing Bill, which will support the licensing of drilling new oil and gas fields in the North Sea.

It may have hurt the King to announce this policy, given his outspoken support for reducing the human impact on the planet and reducing climate change.

Prime Minister Sunak says new oil and gas drilling will help the country transition to net zero carbon emissions by 2050, without adding "undue financial burdens on households".

This claim has been disputed by climate groups, including Greenpeace which draped the PM's house in black fabric in protest at the announcement of new oil and gas fields.

Rail reforms

After controversially scrapping the northern leg of high speed rail (HS2), meaning the line will no longer go beyond Birmingham, the PM announced 'Network North' as its replacement.

King Charles said the plan will "deliver faster and more reliable journeys between, and within, the cities and towns of the North and Midlands, prioritising improving the journeys that people make most often".

The prime minister has previously said £36 billion previously ring-fenced for HS2 from London to Manchester would instead be allocated to Network North.

He said that means "every region outside of London will receive the same or more government investment than they would have done under HS2".

Educations reforms

The PM has long talked of plans to force youngsters to study mathematics until they are 18, and he hopes to achieve that by overhauling the post-16 education system.

He will scrap A-levels and swap them with a new qualification called the Advanced British Standard (ABS).

The ABS will be a qualification "that takes the best of A-levels and T Levels and brings them together into a single qualification", the Department for Education (DfE) said, however it is not expected to be fully implemented for a decade.

Along with maths, pupils will be required to study four other subjects.

The King said it will "bring technical and academic routes into a single qualification, adding: "Proposals will be implemented to reduce the number of young people studying poor university degrees and increase the number undertaking high quality apprenticeships."

An eventual ban of cigarettes

The PM has previously announced plans to stop children who turn 14 this year - and those younger - from ever being able to legally buy cigarettes or tobacco in England.

Anyone born on or after January 1, 2009 – in effect anyone who is 14 or younger now – will not legally be able to buy cigarettes in England during their lives, as the smoking age is raised by one year every year, meaning they will never catch up.

Mr Sunak said the move would mean “a 14-year-old today will never legally be sold a cigarette and that they and their generation can grow up smoke-free”.

The government hopes it will lead to up to 1.7 million fewer people smoking by 2075, and has the potential for smoking to be phased out completely among young people as early as 2040.

Smoking will not be criminalised and the phased approach means anyone who can legally buy cigarettes now will not be prevented from doing so.

However, older people may have to carry ID if they want to buy cigarettes in the future.

The Bill also aims to crack down on vaping among youngsters.

Football regulation

Plans for a new independent football regulator were confirmed in February, with the body set to have “targeted powers” to step in and resolve how money flows from the Premier League down the pyramid.

King Charles said the Football Governance Bill will "safeguard the future of football clubs for the benefit of communities and fans".

Housing reforms

The prime minister's housing reforms include plans to protect renters and to abolish new leaseholds on properties to benefit homeowners.

The Renters (reform) Bill includes a long-awaited ban on “no-fault” evictions, but only after stronger possession grounds for landlords and a new court process are in place. It also strengthens powers to evict anti-social tenants and ends a blanket ban on pets.

It also axes plans to require landlords to meet energy efficiency targets by from 2025, as part of the prime minister’s rollback of a string of green measures announced in September.

The PM also plans to “phase out” leaseholds, which are contracts restricting the amount of time a homeowner holds the property.

This will be achieved by banning new leasehold houses so all new houses are freehold from the outset.

The Leasehold and Freehold Bill brings will also cap ground rents and extend the length of leases from 90 to 990 years.

But the proposals have been watered down, with leaseholds banned for new houses – but not new flats.

Law and order

The government, King Charles said, will introduce policies which "keep communities safe from crime, anti-social behaviour, terrorism and illegal migration".

Already-announced proposals will mean killers convicted of the most horrific murders should expect whole life orders, meaning they will never be released, while rapists and other serious sexual offenders will not be let out early from prison sentences.

Other measures include giving police the power to enter a property without a warrant to seize stolen goods, such as phones, when they have reasonable proof that a specific stolen item is inside.

The new Criminal Justice Bill will include widely trailed measures to ensure reasonable force can be used to make offenders appear in the dock to face their victims for sentencing, or risk having up to two years added to their jail term.

It will also make being in a grooming gang an aggravating feature for sentencing, meaning tougher punishments for ringleaders and members.

The Sentencing Bill will mean a whole life order will be handed down in the worst cases of murder, with judges having discretion to impose a shorter tariff only in exceptional circumstances.

The legislation will also ensure that rapists and serious sexual offenders serve the whole of their sentence behind bars, without being released early on licence.

A Victims and Prisoners Bill will give ministers the power to block parole for the worst offenders and ban them from marrying in prison.

All 21 laws announced in the King's Speech

Trade (Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership) Bill

Enables the UK’s formal accession to a major Indo-Pacific trade bloc of 11 nations after it signed an agreement to do so earlier this year.

Automated Vehicles Bill

Paves the way for the introduction of self-driving cars and buses on UK roads by putting in place a legal framework centred on safety and user protection, as part of the Prime Minister’s plans to make the UK a world leader in emerging technologies.

Digital Markets, Competition, and Consumers Bill

This Bill, which has been carried over from the last session, aims to make it harder for firms to trap people in unwanted subscription contracts, take action against fake reviews and drip pricing, and increase competition between big tech firms.

Data Protection and Digital Information Bill

Also making a return, this aims to update the UK’s data protection laws post-Brexit and strengthen the regulator.

This will repeal a law requiring media outlets to pay all legal costs in libel cases, regardless of who won. It will also reduce regulatory burdens on commercial radio stations.

Arbitration Bill

Modernises the law on arbitration, including allowing arbitrators to kick out baseless claims quickly and strengthening the courts’ supporting powers.

Draft Rail Reform Bill

Aims to modernise rail including by setting up the new Great British Railways public body – something that was not expected in the speech as it was seen as a priority for Boris Johnson but not for Mr Sunak. As a draft, it is unlikely to make it onto the statute books in this session.

Pedicabs (London) Bill

Enables Transport for London to introduce fare controls and a licensing regime for pedicabs – the only form of unregulated transport on the capital’s roads – and bar them from congested areas.

Holocaust Memorial Bill

This hybrid bill is also being brought back to support the building of a national Holocaust memorial in Victoria Tower Gardens next to Parliament. It updates a 1900 law that prevented the project from going ahead and allows the Government to use public funding to build and operate the centre.

Animal Welfare (Livestock Exports) Bill

Permanently bans the live export of cattle, sheep, goats, pigs and horses for slaughter and fattening from England. Does not include measures to outlaw the importation of hunting trophies as promised in the 2019 Tory manifesto.

Economic Activities of Public Bodies (Overseas Matters) Bill

Another bill making a return in the next session, it prevents public bodies from imposing their own direct or indirect boycotts, divestment or sanctions campaigns against other countries.

Sentencing Bill

Mandates courts to hand down a whole-life order in the worst cases of murder, with judges having discretion to impose a shorter tariff only in exceptional circumstances.

Criminal Justice Bill

Forces criminals to attend their sentencing hearings, after killer nurse Lucy Letby refused to leave her cell. Gives police powers to enter a property without a court warrant to seize stolen goods such as phones tracked through GPS location tracking technology.

Also criminalises the sharing of intimate images and allows the transfer of prisoners in and out of England and Wales to serve their sentence abroad.

Investigatory Powers (Amendment) Bill

Provides a legal framework for intelligence agencies to access information they need to tackle threats.

Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill

Also known as Martyn’s Law, the bill requires venues to take steps to be better prepared to respond if there is a terrorist attack.

Victims and Prisoners Bill

Continuing its progress in the Commons, the bill gives ministers the power to block parole for the worst offenders and ban them from marrying in prison.

Offshore Petroleum Licensing Bill

Tobacco and Vapes Bill

Leasehold and Freehold Bill

Renters (Reform) Bill

Football Governance Bill

What is a King's Speech and the state opening of Parliament?

A King's Speech takes place during the state opening of Parliament, which restarts the parliamentary session and allows the government to set out plans for the year ahead.

It traditionally happens once a year however this is not always the case as the government will not prorogue Parliament (end the session) if important legislation is progressing through the Commons.

The impasse over how to leave the EU led to the longest Parliamentary session since 1640.

Despite being read by the King, the speech is drafted by the government and the monarch has no involvement.

When the King leaves, a new parliamentary session starts and Parliament gets back to work.

The contents of the speech are then debated by Members of both Houses and an ‘Address in Reply to His Majesty's Gracious Speech is agreed.

Over the following days, the planned legislative programme is debated and then the Commons vote on the monarch’s speech.

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King’s Speech 2023: Full list of bills

Growing the economy.

• Offshore Petroleum Licensing Bill
• Trade (Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership) Bill
• Automated Vehicles Bill

• Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Bill
• Data Protection and Digital Information Bill
• Arbitration Bill
• Draft Rail Reform Bill

STRENGTHENING SOCIETY

• Tobacco and Vapes Bill
• Leasehold and Freehold Bill
• Renters (Reform) Bill
• Football Governance Bill
• Pedicabs (London) Bill
• Holocaust Memorial Bill
• Animal Welfare (Livestock Exports) Bill  
• Economic Activities of Public Bodies (Overseas Matters) Bill

KEEPING PEOPLE SAFE

• Sentencing Bill
• Criminal Justice Bill
• Investigatory Powers (Amendment) Bill
• Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill
• Victims and Prisoners Bill

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What will be in the King's speech? Here's what we're expecting - from smoking crackdown to focus on crime

We take a look at what to expect from today's ceremony - and examine what plans for the country's future might be unveiled.

Political reporter @NifS

Tuesday 7 November 2023 07:23, UK

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Westminster will be awash with pomp and ceremony today as parliament hosts the King's Speech.

Update: First King's Speech in decades as tougher sentences for serious offenders announced

But what will the day involve and how will it play out? And what plans for the country's future are likely to be unveiled?

Read on to find out all you need to know.

What is the King's Speech?

While a parliament - meaning the period of time between general elections - can last for up to five years, a new parliamentary session is normally launched annually. It gives the government of the day a chance to outline its legislative plans for the year ahead.

The start of a new session is marked with the grandest of ceremonies, the State Opening of Parliament.

It brings together members of the House of Commons and House of Lords, as well as the monarchy, dressed up in their finest regalia for the day ahead. Look out for the robes, britches and, of course, the crown.

After numerous traditions are played out - from searching the bowels of the building for gunpowder to slamming a door in Black Rod's face - peers and MPs gather in front of the monarch to listen to them deliver the King's (or Queen's) Speech.

While the address may be read out by the head of state, the content is written by the government and sees their legislative agenda given a stately introduction to the ears of parliamentarians and the public.

The speech will fall to King Charles III in his first state opening as monarch - though he had a dry run back in May 2022, when he stood in for his mother due to her mobility issues.

The late Queen Elizabeth II delivered the speech a total of 67 times during her reign, and only missed it on a handful of occasions, including when she was pregnant with Prince Andrew and then Prince Edward.

After the document is read out, MPs return to the Commons and spend around five days debating its content, but not before two backbench MPs nominated by the prime minister kick off proceedings by giving a loyal address to parliament - a light-hearted affair, often littered with some cringeworthy jokes.

What will the speech mean for Rishi Sunak?

This is the first time this prime minister has had his plans delivered in a King's Speech since he moved in to Number 10.

Liz Truss's short premiership meant she missed out on this particular spotlight for her policy agenda. Boris Johnson was the last prime minister to oversee a state opening 18 months ago .

Read more: King's Speech: Plans centred around criminal justice to be unveiled King will have to announce measures we know he's bound to dislike Hard to see how Sunak's first King's Speech won't be his last - analysis

King's Speech live: Watch our special programme on Sky News, hosted by Sophy Ridge, from 10.30am today. You will also be able to follow the event live via the Politics Hub on the Sky News app and website .

Tuesday's ceremony is likely to be the final King's Speech of this parliament as Mr Sunak will have to call a general election by the end of January 2025 at the latest.

That means it may also be his last chance to show both his party and the public what he stands for, following his first year of trying to steady the ship after the chaos surrounding last autumn's revolving door in Downing Street.

Hard to see how Rishi Sunak's first King's Speech won't be his last

Political editor

The King's Speech is supposed to be the landmark moment in the life of parliament.

It is the occasion for a prime minister to set down his or her mission for government, and outline the laws they will pass to try to achieve their goals.

But this year, the moment will belong to King Charles III, rather than Rishi Sunak, for two reasons.

First is the sheer symbolism of the new monarch delivering the first King's Speech in over seven decades.

An epoch-making moment, it reminds us all in the most formal of settings, laced with symbolism, that we have passed from the first Elizabethan era to the new Carolean age.

Second is the reality of Mr Sunak's predicament.

His first King's Speech in power will be less about landing a vision and more about holding position, for this is a prime minister running out of time and with little space to push through new ideas.

Read Beth Rigby's full analysis here

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Mr Sunak will also need to bring his MPs and members with him to ensure they back his leadership going into the looming general election, so he may choose to be cautious with his priorities - while throwing some red meat to please particular wings of the Conservative Party .

But the upcoming national poll also leaves questions over how much legislation the prime minister and his government can push through in a short space of time - during which MPs will also want to be out on the doorstep campaigning to keep their seats.

What will be in the speech?

While the spectacle of the speech is designed for a new legislative agenda to be proposed, the government can also "carry over" some bills from the previous session that it was unable to pass into law.

According to the House of Commons Library, five carry-over motions have been agreed for bills, giving them another 12 months to achieve royal assent, namely:

• Data Protection and Digital Information (No 2) Bill - which aims to update the UK's data protection laws post-Brexit

• Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Bill - which proposes new powers to improve competition between online businesses and new protections for consumers

• Economic Activity of Public Bodies (Overseas Matters) Bill - which would introduce a ban on public bodies, such as councils, from boycotting other countries, with a special status for Israel

• Victims and Prisoners Bill - which aims to improve support for victims of crime, along with reform of the parole system

• Renters (Reform) Bill - which features proposed changes to regulations covering the rented housing sector

Two so-called "hybrid" bills will also continue to be scrutinised in the next parliament - one on the future of the northern leg of HS2, which was scrapped by Mr Sunak at his party's conference , and one on a Holocaust memorial in Westminster.

The Commons' researchers have also highlighted several bills announced in the last session that were never officially introduced, meaning they could return under Mr Sunak.

They include the much-touted ban on conversion therapy - though some on the right of the party could influence Number 10 to chuck it out - as well as further measures to tackle modern slavery and a transport bill to bring in some of the HS2 replacement projects announced by the prime minister.

What new proposals are we expecting?

Ministers have already confirmed there will be a bill to phase out leaseholds, with all new houses in England and Wales having to be sold as freehold properties.

Mr Sunak's party conference announcement to raise the legal age for buying cigarettes in England by one year every year to phase out smoking is sure to get a showing too.

But reports suggest the major focus will be on crime , not just with existing plans being finalised - such as compelling criminals to attend sentencing - but with the introduction of bills to introduce tougher sentences for serious crimes, such as rape, and a scheme to rent prison space abroad.

The prime minister is also expected to accelerate his plans to disrupt existing net zero policies with the introduction of an annual system to award new oil and gas licences.

Meanwhile, the government could give its backing to establishing an independent football regulator .

By lunchtime on Tuesday, we will have the full list of what Mr Sunak has in store.

It could either be his springboard to winning the next election - or his last legislative dance while still holding the keys to Number 10.

Related Topics

• Conservatives
• Houses of Parliament
• Israel-Hamas war
• King's speech
• Rishi Sunak

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How to watch The King’s Speech 2023 on TV and online

The King’s Christmas message will see millions of Brits gather around the telly to watch the monarch’s traditional address to the nation. Here’s how to watch The King’s Speech.

While 2022 saw the first King’s Speech was the first broadcast in the UK since the 1950s, this will be the second instalment of King Charles III’s musings on December 25.

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While last year’s speech was somewhat focused on the recent passing of his mother Queen Elizabeth II, the 2023 version of the speech will likely focus on the challenges facing the nation following another tough year in the UK.

The ongoing cost of living crisis will mean a much leaner Christmas for many Brits, while Charles’ own passion pertaining to the thread of climate change is likely to receive a mention too. He could also touch on his own coronation as King earlier this year, while the King is expected to look forward to the year ahead.

Regardless of the contents, according to reports, Charles has taken a completely solo approach to penning the speech without help from his advisors.

How to watch The King’s Speech online

The tradition of Christmas speech from the King or Queen dates all the way back to Charles’ great grandfather, George V, who first delivered a radio address to the nation in 1932. These days, there are loads of ways to watch The King’s Speech on TV and online and listen to it on the radio.

The traditional home of BBC One will likely be where most people tune in at 3:00pm UK time on December 25. It’s also on BBC Two, online at BBC iPlayer and on BBC Radio Four (and the extension BBC Sounds app. Viewers can also tune in on ITV 1 and Sky 1 in the UK.

Channel 4, as usual, will broadcast an alternative Christmas message. This week the broadcaster announced it’ll be delivered by the beloved actor, comic and writer Stephen Fry.

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King Charles III, Climate Advocate, Delivers Speech at Odds With His Beliefs

In keeping with tradition, he outlined the priorities of the prime minister at the opening of Parliament — including, this year, more fossil fuel extraction.

King Charles III Opens Parliament For the First Time as Monarch

King charles outlined the british government’s legislative priorities during his opening address of parliament..

My lords, pray be seated. My lords and members of the House of Commons, it is mindful of a legacy of service and devotion to this country set by my beloved mother, the late queen, that I deliver this, the first “King’s Speech” in over 70 years. The impact of Covid and the war in Ukraine have created significant long-term challenges for the United Kingdom. That is why my government’s priority is to make the difficult, but necessary, long-term decisions to change this country for the better.

By Stephen Castle

Reporting from London

For a lifelong supporter of environmental causes, a plan to expand oil and gas drilling in the North Sea was probably not what King Charles III had hoped to announce when he opened Britain’s Parliament for the first time as monarch.

But on Tuesday the new king outlined this and 20 of the government’s other legislative priorities in a tradition-steeped ceremony that required a display of the deadpan political neutrality for which his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, was famous.

Drafted by the prime minister, Rishi Sunak, but delivered by King Charles, the centerpiece speech is a constitutional oddity — and one with a particular twist this year, as the new sovereign read out a list of government bills that included policies likely to be sharply at variance with his personal views.

Among those were Mr. Sunak’s plan to exploit more of Britain’s oil and gas reserves in the North Sea. Although the Conservative government argues that it will still meet its targets for Britain to become a net-zero emitter of carbon dioxide by 2050, the decision to license more fossil fuel extraction has angered campaigners against climate change — a cause close to the king’s heart for decades.

King Charles made his first major speech about the environment in 1970, at age 21, and in recent years has been an increasingly vocal advocate for climate action. In a speech in France in September, he urged the world to “strive together to protect the world from our most existential challenge of all : that of global warming, climate change and the catastrophic destruction of nature.”

Still, wearing the heavy, jewel-encrusted Imperial State Crown and seated on a throne, King Charles on Tuesday showed the poker face expected of a British monarch as he delivered the “King’s Speech,” an occasion famous less for politics than for protocol, elaborate royal regalia and intricate choreography.

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King Charles Says the Christmas Story Reminds Us of the Importance of Protecting the Earth

The King delivered his second Christmas Broadcast from the Centre Room at Buckingham Palace, with the Palace balcony in the background.

King Charles has long advocated for the importance of protecting our planet. And today, he used his second Christmas speech as monarch to point out that the message of living in harmony with nature and protecting the Earth can also be found in the Christmas story.

“During my lifetime I have been so pleased to see a growing awareness of how we must protect the Earth and our natural world as the one home which we all share,” the King said during his speech. “I find great inspiration now from the way so many people recognize this—as does the Christmas story, which tells us that angels brought the message of hope first to shepherds. These were people who lived simply amongst others of God’s creatures. Those close to nature were privileged that night.”

Produced by ITV, the King's broadcast also featured footage of members of the royal family carrying out official engagements and making public appearances throughout the year. Included in the footage were Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, shown volunteering at a Scout hut with their parents in May and attending Kate’s Westminster Abbey carol service in December .

The King’s Coronation was mentioned in the broadcast, although only briefly, with the King saying, “My wife and I were delighted when hundreds of representatives of that selfless army of people—volunteers who serve their communities in so many ways and with such distinction—were able to join us in Westminster Abbey for the Coronation earlier this year. They are an essential backbone of our society. Their presence meant so much to us both and emphasized the meaning of Coronation itself: above all, a call to us all to serve one another; to love and care for all.”

Instead of focusing on his Coronation , Charles chose to emphasize the themes of faith and service. “Because out of God’s providence we are blessed with much, and it is incumbent on us to use this wisely,” he said. “However, service to others is but one way of honoring the whole of creation which, after all, is a manifestation of the divine. This is a belief shared by all religions. To care for this creation is a responsibility owned by people of all faiths and of none. We care for the Earth for the sake of our children’s children.”

The final image of the broadcast was the King giving a final wave to the public from the Palace balcony after the Coronation.

Read the King’s 2023 Christmas Broadcast in full:

Many of the festivals of the great religions of the world are celebrated with a special meal. A chance for family and friends to come together across generations; the act of sharing food adding to conviviality and togetherness. For some, faith will be uppermost in their hearts. For others, it will be the joy of fellowship and the giving of presents.

It is also a time when we remember those who are no longer with us and think also of those whose work of caring for others continues, even on this special day. This care and compassion we show to others is one of the themes of the Christmas story, especially when Mary and Joseph were offered shelter in their hour of need by strangers, as they waited for Jesus to be born.

Over this past year my heart has been warmed by countless examples of the imaginative ways in which people are caring for one another—going the extra mile to help those around them simply because they know it is the right thing to do: at work and at home; within and across communities.

My wife and I were delighted when hundreds of representatives of that selfless army of people—volunteers who serve their communities in so many ways and with such distinction—were able to join us in Westminster Abbey for the Coronation earlier this year. They are an essential backbone of our society. Their presence meant so much to us both and emphasized the meaning of Coronation itself: above all, a call to us all to serve one another; to love and care for all.

Service also lies at the heart of the Christmas story—the birth of Jesus who came to serve the whole world, showing us by his own example how to love our neighbor as ourselves. Throughout the year, my family have witnessed how people of all ages are making a difference to their communities. This is all the more important at a time of real hardship for many, when we need to build on existing ways to support others less fortunate than ourselves.

Because out of God’s providence we are blessed with much, and it is incumbent on us to use this wisely. However, service to others is but one way of honoring the whole of creation which, after all, is a manifestation of the divine. This is a belief shared by all religions. To care for this creation is a responsibility owned by people of all faiths and of none. We care for the Earth for the sake of our children’s children.

During my lifetime I have been so pleased to see a growing awareness of how we must protect the Earth and our natural world as the one home which we all share. I find great inspiration now from the way so many people recognize this—as does the Christmas Story, which tells us that angels brought the message of hope first to shepherds. These were people who lived simply amongst others of God’s creatures. Those close to nature were privileged that night...

And at a time of increasingly tragic conflict around the world, I pray that we can also do all in our power to protect each other. The words of Jesus seem more than ever relevant: ‘do to others as you would have them do to you.’ Such values are universal, drawing together our Abrahamic family of religions, and other belief systems, across the Commonwealth and wider world. They remind us to imagine ourselves in the shoes of our neighbors, and to seek their good as we would our own.

So on this Christmas Day my heart and my thanks go to all who are serving one another; all who are caring for our common home; and all who see and seek the good of others, not least the friend we do not yet know. In this way, we bring out the best in ourselves. I wish you a Christmas of ‘peace on Earth and goodwill to all’, today and always.

Town & Country Contributing Editor Victoria Murphy has reported on the British Royal Family since 2010. She has interviewed Prince Harry and has travelled the world covering several royal tours. She is a frequent contributor to Good Morning America. Victoria authored Town & Country book The Queen: A Life in Pictures , released in 2021. 

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The King's Speech 2024

His Majesty’s most gracious speech to both Houses of Parliament.

The King’s Speech

My Lords and Members of the House of Commons, My Government will govern in service to the country.

My Government’s legislative programme will be mission led and based upon the principles of security, fairness and opportunity for all.

Stability will be the cornerstone of my Government’s economic policy and every decision will be consistent with its fiscal rules. It will legislate to ensure that all significant tax and spending changes are subject to an independent assessment by the Office for Budget Responsibility [Budget Responsibility Bill]. Bills will be brought forward to strengthen audit and corporate governance, alongside pension investment [Draft Audit Reform and Corporate Governance Bill, Pension Schemes Bill].

Securing economic growth will be a fundamental mission. My Government will seek a new partnership with both business and working people and help the country move on from the recent cost of living challenges by prioritising wealth creation for all communities. My Ministers will establish an Industrial Strategy Council. It is my Government’s objective to see rising living standards in all nations and regions in the United Kingdom.

My Ministers will get Britain building, including through planning reform, as they seek to accelerate the delivery of high quality infrastructure and housing [Planning and Infrastructure Bill]. They will also pursue sustainable growth by encouraging investment in industry, skills and new technologies.

My Government is committed to making work pay and will legislate to introduce a new deal for working people to ban exploitative practices and enhance employment rights [Employment Rights Bill]. It will seek to establish the appropriate legislation to place requirements on those working to develop the most powerful artificial intelligence models.

My Government believes that greater devolution of decision making is at the heart of a modern dynamic economy and is a key driver of economic growth and my Ministers will introduce an English Devolution Bill [English Devolution Bill]. Legislation will be introduced to give new powers to metro mayors and combined authorities. This will support local growth plans that bring economic benefit to communities.

A Bill will be introduced to allow local leaders to take control of their local bus services [Better Buses Bill]. My Ministers will bring forward legislation to improve the railways by reforming rail franchising, establishing Great British Railways and bringing train 8 operators into public ownership [Passenger Railway Services (Public Ownership) Bill, Rail Reform Bill].

Taken together these policies will enhance Britain’s position as a leading industrial nation and enable the country to take advantage of new opportunities that can promote growth and wealth creation.

My Government recognises the urgency of the global climate challenge and the new job opportunities that can come from leading the development of the technologies of the future. It is committed to a clean energy transition which will lower energy bills for consumers over time. A Bill will be introduced to set up Great British Energy, a publicly owned clean power company headquartered in Scotland, which will help accelerate investment in renewable energy such as offshore wind [Great British Energy Bill]. Legislation will be brought forward to help the country achieve energy independence and unlock investment in energy infrastructure. A Bill will be introduced to support sustainable aviation fuel production [Sustainable Aviation Fuel (Revenue Support Mechanism) Bill]. My Government recognises the need to improve water quality and a Bill will be introduced to strengthen the powers of the water regulator [Water (Special Measures) Bill].

My Government will seek to strengthen the border and make streets safer. A Bill will be introduced to modernise the asylum and immigration system, establishing a new Border Security Command and delivering enhanced counter terror powers to tackle organised immigration crime [Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill]. Legislation will be brought forward to strengthen community policing, give the police greater powers to deal with anti social behaviour and strengthen support for victims [Crime and Policing Bill, Victims, Courts and Public Protection Bill].

Measures will be introduced to improve the safety and security of public venues and help keep the British public safe from terrorism [Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill]. My Government will bring forward plans to halve violence against women and girls.

My Ministers will seek to raise educational standards and break down barriers to opportunity. Action will be taken to get people back in employment following the impact of the pandemic. A Bill will be introduced to raise standards in education and promote children’s wellbeing [Children’s Wellbeing Bill]. Measures will be brought forward to remove the exemption from Value Added Tax for private school fees, which will enable the funding of six and a half thousand new teachers. My Government will establish Skills England which will have a new partnership with employers at its heart [Skills England Bill], and my Ministers will reform the apprenticeship levy.

Legislation will be introduced to give greater rights and protections to people renting their homes, including ending no fault evictions and reforming grounds for possession 9 [Renters’ Rights Bill]. Draft legislation will be published on leasehold and commonhold reform [Draft Leasehold and Commonhold Reform Bill].

A Bill will be introduced to establish an independent football regulator to ensure greater sustainability in the game and strengthen protections for fans [Football Governance Bill].

My Government will improve the National Health Service as a service for all, providing care on the basis of need regardless of the ability to pay. It will seek to reduce the waiting times, focus on prevention and improve mental health provision for young people. It will ensure mental health is given the same attention and focus as physical health. My ministers will legislate to modernise the Mental Health Act so it is fit for the twenty first century [Mental Health Bill]. A Bill will be introduced to progressively increase the age at which people can buy cigarettes and impose limits on the sale and marketing of vapes [Tobacco and Vapes Bill]. My Ministers will also legislate to restrict advertising of junk food to children along with the sale of high caffeine energy drinks to children. A draft Bill will be brought forward to ban conversion practices [Draft Conversion Practices Bill].

My Government will take steps to help rebuild trust and foster respect. Legislation will be brought forward to introduce a duty of candour for public servants [Hillsborough Law]. A Bill will be introduced to establish a statutory Armed Forces Commissioner to act as a strong independent champion for our gallant Armed Forces and their families [Armed Forces Commissioner Bill].

Legislation on race equality will be published in draft to enshrine the full right to equal pay in law [Draft Equality (Race and Disability) Bill].

My Government will strengthen its work with the devolved governments in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland so that the best outcomes possible are delivered for citizens across the United Kingdom. My Ministers will establish a new Council of the Nations and Regions to renew opportunities for the Prime Minister, heads of devolved governments and mayors of combined authorities to collaborate with each other.

My Government will continue to support the political institutions and devolved government in Northern Ireland. In consultation with all parties, measures will be brought forward to begin the process of repealing and replacing the Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023 [Northern Ireland Legacy Legislation].

Measures to modernise the constitution will be introduced including House of Lords reform to remove the right of hereditary peers to sit and vote in the Lords [House of Lords (Hereditary Peers) Bill]. My ministers will strengthen the integrity of elections and encourage wide participation in the democratic process.

The Government will propose a modernisation committee of the House of Commons which will be tasked with driving up standards, improving work practices and reforming procedures.

My Government will ensure a strong defence based on the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation’s common values of individual liberty, democracy, human rights and the rule of law. Its commitment to NATO will remain unshakeable. It will maintain a strong Armed Forces, including the nuclear deterrent. To ensure that the United Kingdom’s defence capabilities are matched to the changing nature of global strategic threats, my Government will conduct a Strategic Defence Review.

My Government will continue to give its full support to Ukraine and its people and it will endeavour to play a leading role in providing Ukraine with a clear path to NATO membership.

My Government will seek to reset the relationship with European partners and work to improve the United Kingdom’s trade and investment relationship with the European Union. My Ministers will seek a new security pact to strengthen cooperation on the mutual threats faced by the United Kingdom and the European Union.

My Government will play its part in trying to secure long term peace and security in the Middle East. It is committed to a two state solution with a safe and secure Israel alongside a viable and sovereign Palestinian state.

Later this week, my Government will host the European Political Community meeting at Blenheim Palace. The Queen and I look forward to our Visit to Samoa alongside the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in October, and our Visit to Australia.

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.

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King's Speech

The King's Speech is part of the State Opening of Parliament, the formal beginning of each new session of parliament.

The next King's Speech, which will mark the State Opening of the first session of parliament following the election , is scheduled for 17 July 2024. 

What is a King's Speech and when is it delivered?

The King’s Speech is part of the State Opening of Parliament, the formal beginning of each new session of parliament. No substantive parliamentary business in either the House of Commons or House of Lords can usually occur until after the speech is delivered. Known formally as the ‘Speech from the Throne’, it was previously referred to as the Queen’s Speech, but following the death of Queen Elizabeth II on 8 September 2022 the State Opening of Parliament is now conducted by the King.

Sessions of parliament usually last for around a year, meaning that a Queen’s, or now King’s, Speech tends to be held annually. However, an unusual two-year-long session in 2010/12 meant there was no Queen’s Speech in 2011, and the two-year 2017/19 session meant that no Queen’s Speech was held in 2018.

Following the December 2019 general election, a Queen’s Speech was held to mark the first session of the new parliament. That session lasted until April 2021, and the last session began with a Queen’s Speech on 11 May 2021. The 2021/22 session ended with the prorogation of parliament on 28 April, and the Queen’s Speech, conducted by the then-Prince Charles, was held on 10 May 2022.

Due to Covid restrictions, some ceremonial aspects of the 2021 Queen's Speech were different from usual – for example, there were fewer people present.

Why is the King's Speech important?

Procedurally, the ‘Speech from the throne’ allows parliament to begin a new session and start its business. It is also symbolic of the role of the monarch in the constitution.

Politically, the King’s Speech is important because it is a test of a government’s ability to command the confidence of the Commons – especially if it is at the beginning of a new parliament, or if a new government has recently taken over. If a government has a majority in the Commons, then a King’s Speech is unlikely to cause it many headaches; but for governments with only narrow majorities, or who are governing as minorities, it can be more of a test. Historically, passing the vote following the speech and the subsequent debates was an important test of whether a government commanded confidence in the Commons.

The King’s Speech also matters because it allows the government to set out its priorities and programme for the coming session, including the legislation that it intends to pass.

Who writes the King's Speech and what does it contain?

The speech is written for the sovereign by the government. Customarily, it is delivered by the sovereign in a neutral tone, so as not to convey any sense of their views. It is also generally expected that the speech will be listened to by MPs and peers in silence.

The speech lists the legislation that the government intends to introduce to parliament, and reference is also usually made to “other measures” that the government will bring forward – this is to give the government flexibility to introduce other bills as the session goes on.

The sovereign will also list any state visits that they plan to make, and any overseas heads of state who have been invited to the UK over the course of the session.

Can anybody other than the King deliver the speech?

Yes. Prior to 2022, Queen Elizabeth II was not present at two openings of parliament in 1959 and 1963 – in both cases as she was in the late stages of pregnancy. On these occasions, the speech was read on the Queen’s behalf by the lord chancellor and the opening of parliament happened through a royal commission appointed by the sovereign.

On 9 May 2022 it was announced that the Queen would not be present at the opening of parliament the following day. However, the way that the Queen’s absence was dealt with in 2022 differed from previous occasions on which she was unable to attend.  

For the opening of parliament on 10 May 2022, the then-Prince of Wales delivered the speech and took part in the ceremonial aspects of the day, along with the then-Duke of Cambridge Prince William. They did this as ‘counsellors of state’, a position held by a small number of senior royals to whom the Monarch can delegate certain functions. For the Prince of Wales to exercise the specific function of opening parliament, Letters Patent were issued under the terms of the 1937 Regency Act. Under the terms of the Regency Act, counsellors of state are required to act in pairs, and for this reason Prince William accompanied his father to the opening of parliament.

This was the first time a counsellor of state opened a new session of parliament – although counsellors of state have previously been delegated other responsibilities, for example while the Queen was on a visit to Malta in 2016.

Enabling the Prince of Wales to open parliament as a counsellor of state meant that the ceremonial aspects of the day were changed far less than they would have been if parliament were opened through a royal commission.

Separately, on other occasions during the Queen’s reign, ceremonial aspects of the day were scaled back for other reasons – for example, during the Covid pandemic.

What happens before the speech?

The day of the King’s Speech traditionally begins with the Yeoman of the Guard – effectively the sovereign’s bodyguard – conducting a ceremonial search of the basement of the Houses of Parliament, a tradition that dates back to the 16th century ‘gunpowder plot’ of Guy Fawkes. 

On the morning of the speech, the monarch processes to the Houses of Parliament from Buckingham Palace. On arrival, he uses an entrance specially reserved for the monarch – the Sovereign’s Entrance – and heads to the Robing Room, where he dons the crown and robe of state. The King then leads a procession to the throne in the House of Lords, passing through the Royal Gallery where guests are watching.

A parliamentary official known as Black Rod is then sent to the House of Commons to summon MPs to go to the Lords and watch the speech. Traditionally, the door of the Commons is shut in the face of Black Rod, who bangs the door three times before they are allowed in. This dates to the era of the Civil War, and symbolises the independence of the Commons from the monarch.

Once Black Rod has been allowed into the Commons chamber, MPs are summoned to the Lords, and process through parliament to stand at the Bar of the House in the Lords (a point beyond which non-members of the Lords cannot cross).

Separately, it is tradition that one government MP – usually a whip who bears the title of Vice Chamberlain of the Household – is ‘held hostage’ in Buckingham Palace while the King is in parliament, to ensure the monarch’s safe return.

What happens after the speech?

After listening to the speech in the Lords, MPs return to the Commons, and both Houses of Parliament take a short break until later that afternoon. When they resume sitting, the Speaker in each House formally reports on the King’s Speech and orders the text of it to be printed into the official record.

Each House then proceeds to give a purely symbolic formal first reading to two specific bills: the Outlawries Bill in the Commons, and the Select Vestries Bill in the Lords. Neither of these bills are ordered to be printed or to proceed to their second reading, as they are not actually intended to ever become laws nor to serve any practical purpose. Instead, they are designed to show that each House can consider other matters before it turns to debating the King’s Speech – another way of emphasising their independence from the sovereign.

How is the King's Speech debated and voted on?

Debate over the content of the King’s Speech formally occurs on a humble address to the King, thanking him for his speech – usually referred to as ‘the Loyal Address’. The debate begins after the speech is delivered, and usually continues for several days.

In the Commons, a motion is moved and seconded by two government backbenchers who are, traditionally, from very different constituencies and parliamentary intakes. Their short speeches are, by tradition, humorous and non-contentious. The leader of the opposition then makes a speech, at which point the more substantive part of the debate begins. The prime minister responds, and gives more detail on the government’s plans.

In the Lords, a motion making the address to the King is also moved and seconded. The leader of the opposition in the Lords then moves a motion to adjourn the debate, which peers use to hold a general, short discussion on the content of the King’s Speech.

Both Houses then adjourn, or break, until the next sitting day, when debate on the address continues.

Subsequent days

In recent years, debate over the King's Speech in the Commons has tended to take place over six sitting days. Each subsequent day’s debate centres around a theme, such as foreign affairs or health, which is usually chosen by the leader of the opposition.

Debate is opened and closed each day by the relevant ministers and shadow ministers. Debates on subsequent days in the Lords also focus on a different theme each day as chosen by the opposition.

The King’s Speech: What does it reveal about Keir Starmer’s priorities for government?

Register now for our webinar on Wednesday 17 July discussing what Starmer’s legislative agenda tells us about Labour's plans for government, with Chris White, Alex Thomas, Jill Rutter and Hannah White.

Can the Loyal Address be amended or voted down?

Yes – it is possible for the address to the King to be amended.

In the Commons

Any MP can table an amendment to the address, or sign an amendment tabled by another MP in order to show their support. These can only be debated and voted on during the final two days of debate, as set out in Standing Order No. 33 of the Commons’ rules, with the Speaker able to choose a maximum of four amendments for debate.

One amendment, usually in the name of the official opposition, is usually debated and voted on during the penultimate day of debate. Up to three further amendments can then be selected by the Speaker on the final day of debate. One of these will be tabled by the opposition; once that has been dealt with, any remaining amendments are voted on ‘forthwith’ – meaning without debate. This procedure came into formal operation in 2014, when Standing Order No.33 was changed following the Speaker’s controversial decision, the previous year, to allow three amendments on the final day of debate, where previously only a maximum of two had ever been selected.

Sometimes, even the threat of an amendment can be enough to force the government to change course. In 2017, an amendment tabled by Labour MP Stella Creasy, with cross-party support, led to the government changing its stance on women from Northern Ireland seeking abortions in England. The government did this before the amendment was formally voted on.

In the Lords

Although the House of Lords may also debate the address for several days, it is customary that no votes are held at the end of their debates. This means that the Lords have no opportunity to amend or vote down the address.

What happens if the government is defeated?

The King's Speech can be voted down. This would be of major political significance, as it would clearly call into question the ability of the government to command the confidence of parliament. Historically, a defeat on the address has been treated as an implicit loss of confidence in a government as it suggests that there is no majority to be found in the Commons for its programme for government.

It is rare for the government to be defeated on the address in the Commons – as governments usually have a majority in the House. But it has happened – most recently in 1924, when Stanley Baldwin’s minority government was defeated. Baldwin then resigned as prime minister, and the opposition went on to form a new government.

What happens to other parliamentary business while the Loyal Address is being debated?

Substantive parliamentary business cannot begin until the new session has formally opened, following the delivery of the King’s Speech.

In the Commons, ministers can make statements, the regular schedule of oral questions can begin, and the government can begin to introduce bills. Secondary legislation can also be considered – but the time allocated to the debate on the address takes precedence. However, the debate on the address can be temporarily postponed in order to deal with urgent business – which last happened in 2006 with an emergency bill relating to Northern Ireland – or interrupted by an emergency debate held under Standing Order Number 24.

However, ways and means motions, which relate to money, and Westminster Hall debates cannot be held until the end of debates on the address unless MPs vote to suspend existing rules. This means that a budget cannot be held until after the debate on the address has finished.

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Watch CBS News

On the March on Washington's 60th anniversary, watch how CBS News covered the Civil Rights protest in 1963

By Kerry Breen

Updated on: August 26, 2023 / 11:02 PM EDT / CBS News

On Aug. 28, 1963, Walter Cronkite began his evening news broadcast with a vivid description of the March on Washington. The day would come to be a watershed moment in the equal rights movement for Black Americans.

"They called it the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom," said Cronkite. "They came from all over America. Negroes and Whites, housewives and Hollywood stars, senators and a few beatniks, clergymen and probably a few Communists. More than 200,000 of them came to Washington this morning in a kind of climax to a historic spring and summer in the struggle for equal rights." 

One of those clergymen was the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., who made his famed "I Have A Dream" speech on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial on the afternoon of Aug. 28. He spoke for 16 minutes in a rallying cry for all to have equal rights.

What was the March on Washington? 

The March on Washington for Freedom and Jobs was meant to support the Civil Rights Act, which President John F. Kennedy was attempting to pass through Congress. The act called for an expanded Civil Rights Commission, the desegregation of public schools and other locations and voting rights protections for Black Americans.

On the day of the march, more than 250,000 people walked from the Washington Monument to the Lincoln Memorial. Cronkite remarked that the march sometimes looked "more like a parade of signs than of people," as marchers carried signs calling for equality and the end of police brutality.

Along the parade route was CBS News correspondent Dave Dugan. He called the enthusiasm of the march "contagious," with older attendees "taking it rather relaxed and calmly" and younger marchers singing freedom songs like "We Shall Overcome," bubbling with energy and "exuberance." 

The Civil Rights Act was signed into law by President Lyndon B. Johnson on July 2, 1964, after Kennedy's assassination in Dallas in November of 1963. It outlawed discrimination based on race, sex and other protected classes, prohibited discrimination against voters of color and racial segregation in schools. It would be one of the most important legislative bills passed in American history. 

Who led the March on Washington? 

There were 10 main leaders of the march, according to a list of biographical information held by the JFK Presidential Library. The director of the march was A. Philip Randolph, who was 74 at the time. He organized Black workers across America and was key in convincing President Harry Truman to integrate the U.S. military after World War II. 

Other major leaders included Eugene Carson Blake, a minister and former pastor to President Dwight D. Eisenhower, and Walter Reuther, a union organizer and presidential adviser. Also involved in leading the march was James Farmer, who created the Congress of Racial Equity and organized the Freedom Rides of 1961. Farmer was in jail at the time of the march after being arrested at a protest in Louisiana. 

Also leading the march was John Lewis , who was arrested dozens of times in pursuit of equal rights and would go on to be a senator in Georgia, and King, who would make his iconic "I Have a Dream" speech as part of his duties that day. 

The other leaders included Whitney Young, Matthew Ahmann, Roy Wilkins and Rabbi Joachim Prinz. 

After the march, the leaders met with Kennedy, spending about 75 minutes with him and other officials. Kennedy released a statement praising the march and its leaders. 

After the meeting in the White House, the civil rights leaders addressed media outside the presidential residence. King told assembled reporters that the president had made it "very clear that" they would need "very strong bipartisan support" to pass civil rights legislation that year. 

"The job ahead is to get some of the individuals in both parties who are still a little on the fence to come over in a positive way and support this legislation," said King. "It must have bipartisan support if it is to get through." 

How is the 60th anniversary of the March on Washington being observed? 

One of the major observations of the 60th anniversary of the March on Washington was an assembly at the Lincoln Memorial on Saturday, as thousands of people came to the monument to pay homage to King, marching from the Lincoln Memorial to the King Memorial.

"Let's not give up, let's not give in, let's not give out, we must move forward," his son, Martin Luther King III told the crowd. 

Rev. Al Sharpton also addressed those gathered, telling them, "We're the children of the dream, let us march in the name of the dreamers."

"Martin Luther King said then, give us the ballot, and then he moved up and said, 'I have a dream,' but he gave his life for that dream," said 91-year-old civil rights leader Andrew Young, an aide to Dr. King and former congressman and United Nations ambassador.  

Jacquelyn Bond Shropshire told CBS News she took part in the original march as a teenager. 

"Well, it was much like today, except it was shoulder to shoulder, people, we could barely walk, and we could not stay in hotels because they were segregated at that time," Shropshire said.

Monday marks the exact anniversary of the March on Washington. King III and his family are expected to meet with President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris to commemorate the occasion.

CBS will also produce a half-hour special that will air at 8 p.m. EDT on Monday, Aug. 28 on BET, BET HER, BET+, and Paramount+. The special, titled "America in Black: The March on Washington 60 years later," will be anchored by Mark Lamont Hill and will feature archival CBS News footage and new interviews looking at the next generation of people carrying on King's legacy. 

The March on Washington special will re-air on CBS News Streaming at 8 p.m. EDT on Tuesday, Aug. 29.

How did CBS News cover the March on Washington in 1963?  

According to Cronkite, it was a "balmy" 77 degrees on the day of the March on Washington , and the crowd had a "picnicking, holiday" spirit as the numbers swelled from tens of thousands to more than 250,000 attendees. The camera cut to a reporter standing with entertainer Lena Horne and the Rev. Fred Shuttlesworth, active members of the civil rights movement. 

Horne called the day "intense, to put it mildly." 

"This is the beginning again, another beginning," she said. 

Shuttlesworth, a civil rights activist from Birmingham, Alabama, said he saw the events of the day as the first step, not the end of the fight for equal rights. 

"I think if anything, this does say, it is there ought to be little Washingtons all over, in every nook and cranny of this country," he said. "We are thinking at this time about organizing a march through the Black belt of Alabama and Mississippi, because until the people in the Black belt … can be free, then Americans on the best streets can't be free. … I think the message to the country is 'Free yourself by freeing us.'" 

Soon, the march was underway, though it started earlier than expected, causing its leaders to have to run to catch up. The members of the march chanted slogans and carried signs. 

"All of the demands underlined the word 'Now,'" Cronkite said. "A mood clearly expressed, that there is no more time. Now is the time to act." 

After a few more moments of the marchers, the camera returned to Cronkite in the studio to talk about the political backdrop of the march. The march didn't immediately resonate with members of Congress, according to correspondent Robert Pierpoint, who reported from the U.S. Capitol. Instead, Congress was "preoccupied with a bill to settle the railroad controversy," Pierpoint said, referring to a narrowly averted railroad strike . 

Sen. Strom Thurmond, who represented South Carolina for over 48 years after one term as the state's governor, even said in an interview with Pierpoint that he believed the march would "not" help the cause. He was a Democrat at the time of the interview, but joined the Republican party in September 1964. Thurmond was a longstanding opponent of civil rights legislation, saying that Black Americans were not at any disadvantage and not in need of the Civil Rights Act. 

Meanwhile, Sen. Philip Hart, a Democrat who represented Michigan for over 16 years and was known as "the Conscience of the Senate," called the march an "excellent thing" that could motivate politicians to act. 

"Much of what was said and done in this city today was directed at Congress but much of Congress simply was not paying attention," Pierpoint said. Most Congressmen "had strong views on the march, depending largely on whether they were for or against the president's civil rights programs, but almost all agreed on one essential point: The march itself would not influence many, if any, congressman's votes. Only the reactions of the voters at home for the march would do that, and they have yet to be heard from." 

Cronkite then spoke of the meeting between leaders of the march and Kennedy, before ending the broadcast with a reflection on the progress the civil rights movement had made in less than a decade. 

"As the multitude stood today at the marble feet of Abraham Lincoln, its members might have reflected that it has been 100 long years since the Great Emancipator proclaimed the Negroes free. It has been only eight short years since a group of determined and daring Negroes in Montgomery, Alabama boycotted that city's busses and protested against back of the bus segregation," Cronkite said. 

"That was the first public demonstration that by today had swelled to this March on Washington. The momentum of change seems to be accelerating, and in the hearts of 21 million American Negroes and untold millions of sympathetic Whites, there beat tonight the hope that the dream of Negro equality was at last overtaking the reality of history." 

• Walter Cronkite
• Civil Rights
• Martin Luther King
• Washington D.C.

Kerry Breen is a news editor at CBSNews.com. A graduate of New York University's Arthur L. Carter School of Journalism, she previously worked at NBC News' TODAY Digital. She covers current events, breaking news and issues including substance use.

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Biden Bashes 'Real Estate Developer' Trump For Not Building 'A Damn Thing'

President Joe Biden slammed former President Donald Trump for not building “a damn thing” during his presidency.

Biden’s handling of the economy is one concern many voters have as they consider whom to pick on the ballot next year. In a Labor Day speech on Monday to Sheet Metal Workers’ Local 19 in his native state of Pennsylvania, Biden sought to address that concern as he compared his presidency to Trump’s, referring to him multiple times as the “last guy.”

“Guess what? The great real estate builder, the last guy, he didn’t build a damn thing. Under my predecessor, infrastructure week became a punchline. On my watch, infrastructure has been a decade, and it’s a headline.”

(In November 2021, Biden signed a $1 trillion bipartisan infrastructure deal into law that funds projects for years to come.)

Without mentioning Trump by name, Biden has previously taken a jab at his predecessor for not building infrastructure .

“How many times have we heard, ‘This is Infrastructure Week,’ over the last four years?” Biden said in April 2021 . “About every second week is ‘Infrastructure Week,’ but no infrastructure was built.”

In his speech Monday, Biden continued to take aim at Trump.

“The guy who held this job before me was just one of two presidents in history ... who left office with fewer jobs in America than when he got elected to office,” Biden said. “By the way, you know who the other one was? Herbert Hoover. Isn’t that kind of coincidental?”

Biden went on to say that the country’s economy is “stronger” than other countries’.

“All I hear from my friends on the other side is what they say is wrong with America,” Biden said. “They keep telling us America’s failing. They’re wrong. I’ve got news for them: America has the strongest economy in the world right now, today.”

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