The King’s Speech 2026: what was said, what was not, and what it means

Black Rod once again today led the pomp and circumstance for the Government to reopen parliament. A 15th century tradition bringing the Crown, Peers and MPs together to set out what ministers want to pass in the next parliamentary session. Energy, defence and economic security for the longer term were the main key themes, but what do we know at this stage and what may be important to employers?

Economic issues:

• New trading opportunities from strengthening ties with Europe will be of significant interest. Politically challenging, but navigating a successful outcome could generate dramatic economic improvement.
• An Energy Independence Bill will be for homegrown renewable energy. No mention of drilling in the North Sea will continue to frustrate the oil and gas industry, although not an unexpected position.
• A cyber security bill will bring data centres into scope of the UK’s cyber security reporting regime.
• Late payments – the Government has stated it will legislate to tackle late B2B payments, seeking to avoid businesses closing.

Employment issues:

• Further endorsement of apprenticeships may make this route from education to qualification more attractive for both employees and employers.
• Digital IDs could help for pre-employment checks, if the bill can be passed.
• They will champion the rights of women and girls to promote their full economic potential. An encouraging position, but no mention yet as to how this will be achieved.
• Mandatory ethnicity and disability pay gap reporting for employers with 250 or more employees is contained in draft legislation currently before Parliament.

Training issues

• Government will consider the Milburn Review (Young People and Work Report). Launched in late 2025 by former Health Secretary Alan Milburn, it is an independent Government inquiry into the rising number of 16-24 year-olds not in education, employment, or training (NEET) in the UK.
• Introduction of reforms in school with a focus on special education needs.
• It sounds like there’s a definite attempt to address youth unemployment and training, which in turn can help employers as well as the workforce.

There was no specific mention of increased cost to employers, which will be a relief to all, given the already endured increases in employer National Insurance costs and the National Minimum Wage.

The speech gave an outline of 37 bills, including 8 previously introduced. The detail will follow.

The King’s work is done for today and now it’s the turn of the MPs to debate what gets passed into legislation or not.

If the King’s Speech has raised any questions about what the changes may mean for your business, our team is here to help.

Get in touch with us today.