The King’s Speech Debate

On 20 May 2026, was the last day for debates on the King’s Speech. Any topic relating to the speech can be debated, the Speaker of House of Commons selected three amendments to the speech from the Conservatives, Liberal Democrats and Reform.

The following Conservative amendment was not agreed (Ayes 104, Noes 317):

to add ‘but respectfully regret the absence of a Defence Readiness Bill from the Gracious Speech, and the 10 month delay to the publication of the Defence Investment Plan; call on the Government to bring forward both as a matter of urgency; further call on the Government to raise defence spending to 3% of GDP by the end of this Parliament; further regret that the Gracious Speech commits to re-starting inquests into Northern Ireland veterans; and also call on the Government not to progress with the Northern Ireland Troubles Bill and the Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023 (Remedial) Order 2025 to protect veterans and improve the morale of all who serve in the armed forces.’.

The Liberal Democrat amendment was not agreed (Ayes 78, Noes 408):

to add ‘but respectfully regret that the Gracious Speech fails to outline proposals to negotiate a UK-EU Customs Union; and call on the Government to open negotiations with the EU on creating a UK-EU Customs Union, to start fixing the damage done to the British economy by the Trade and Cooperation Agreement.’.

The final opposition amendment from Reform was also not agreed (Ayes 104, Noes 316):

to add ‘but respectfully regret that the Gracious Speech does not include a commitment to grant new oil and gas exploration licenses in the North Sea which would boost energy security, and instead restricts the UK to existing drilling operations; believe that it fails to defend the right to trial by jury, which is a cornerstone of justice with origins stretching back to the Magna Carta; further regret that it includes proposals for digital identification; also regret that there are no protections for brave British veterans who served for Queen and country in Northern Ireland; further believe it fails to protect small businesses from rising energy costs and business rates, and fails to attract new investment in high streets; regret that it allows for greater alignment with the EU which betrays the democratic result of the referendum in 2016 and betrays the fishing industry and the agricultural sector; and note that it does not explicitly include SEND provisions to preserve access to an appropriate range of placements to support families and schools whilst ensuring parental oversight.’.

The main question, that the following humble address be presented to His Majesty, was put:

Most Gracious Sovereign,

We, Your Majesty’s most dutiful and loyal subjects, the Commons of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, in Parliament assembled, beg leave to offer our humble thanks to Your Majesty for the Gracious Speech which Your Majesty has addressed to both Houses of Parliament.

The House divided and the question was agreed: Ayes 307, Noes 171. The address is to be presented to His Majesty by MPs who are in the Privy Council or members of His Majesty’s Household.