King Charles opens new legislative year

King Charles III attended the session held at the House of Lords with Queen Camilla and family members for the opening of the new legislative year.

Following the King's command, the parliamentary official responsible for the conduct of sessions, known as Black Rod, went to the House of Commons to invite members of Parliament to listen to the King, as is tradition before the speech.

Members of Parliament, led by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and leader of the main opposition Labour Party Keir Starmer, walked in pairs to the House of Lords and listened to the speech standing.

Speaking at the ceremony, which marked the first time a king has opened a new legislative year in the country since 1951, Charles III stated that the country had been subjected to long-term challenges due to COVID-19 and the Ukraine-Russia War.

Explaining the steps the government will take on issues ranging from the economy and inflation to health, security, and energy, Charles III said, "New laws will strengthen the UK's energy security and reduce dependence on volatile international energy markets and hostile foreign states."

King Charles III drew attention to the "economic freedom" gained by the UK's departure from the European Union, emphasizing that ministers would work for trade agreements with more countries, more jobs, and greater economic growth.

Stating that the government's fight against illegal migration, child abuse, and antisemitism will continue, King Charles III also noted that the UK will continue to contribute to global security, underscoring that support for Ukraine and contributions to strengthening NATO will persist.

Criticizing Hamas's attacks on Israel, King Charles III also expressed that the UK will continue its humanitarian support for Gaza and work for peace and stability in the Middle East.

"Charles inherited the legacy of kings who invested in slavery"
The anti-monarchy group Republic, consisting of approximately 100 people, gathered along King Charles III's route to protest the King and the monarchy.

Carrying banners reading "Not my king," "Abolish the monarchy," and "This king is not naked," the group booed King Charles III and the royal family as they passed.

Republic group leader Graham Smith, in a statement to an AA reporter, emphasized that a democratic alternative must be implemented, saying, "The King opening Parliament does not represent us and is not our king. We need to get rid of the King, the monarchy, and the lords."

Smith stated that the monarchy symbolizes inequality and "a past that requires an apology," emphasizing that it does not reflect today's values.

Stating that support for the monarchy is declining, Smith said, "Many people have lost interest. Prince Harry and Meghan (Markle) and Prince Andrew have caused a lot of damage. For many people, the monarchy meant Queen Elizabeth. They were happy with her, but she is no longer here."

Smith expressed that citizens under the age of 40 are tired of inequality and poverty, noting that the monarchy controlled the slave trade in the past.

"Charles inherited the legacy of kings who invested in slavery tax-free last year," Smith said, noting that the younger members of the royal family no longer enjoy their former popularity.

News Source: AA