London: British King’s speech, which annually sets out the parliamentary agenda of the UK government, was on Wednesday overshadowed by growing speculation of a ministerial coup against Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
King Charles III and Queen Camilla rode a horse-drawn carriage from Buckingham Palace to the Palace of Westminster in London as part of the customary pageantry associated with the State Opening of the British Parliament.
However, Starmer’s second outing as PM for the royal occasion since he led the Labour Party to a resounding victory in the 2024 general election may just prove to be his last.
Allies close to UK Health Secretary Wes Streeting have indicated that he is preparing to resign from the Cabinet to formally launch his bid for the top job, after days of infighting following Labour’s disastrous local election last week.
“An increasingly dangerous and volatile world threatens the United Kingdom, with the conflict in the Middle East only the most recent example. Every element of the nation’s energy, defence and economic security will be tested,” Charles said in his speech.
“My government will respond to this world with strength and aim to create a country that is fair for all. My ministers will take decisions that protect the energy, defence and economic security of the United Kingdom for the long-term.
“They will defend the British values of decency, tolerance and respect for difference under our common flag, and they will harness the potential of the pride felt across this country for its communities,” he said.
The speech set out the Starmer-led government’s plans to table over 35 bills in the House of Commons over the next year, targeted bolstering the country’s economic, energy, national security.
“The British people expect the government to get on with the job of changing our country for the better. Cutting the cost of living, bringing down hospital waiting lists and keeping our country safe in an increasingly dangerous world,” said Starmer, in a defiant pre-speech statement.
“Britain stands at a pivotal moment: to press ahead with a plan to build a stronger, fairer country or turn back to the chaos and instability of the past. My government will deliver on the promise of change for the British people,” he said.
However, it followed an ominous 16-minute meeting between Starmer and Streeting at 10 Downing Street, seen as a sign that the senior Cabinet minister and frontrunner in a Labour leadership contest will mount his challenge soon.
Under party rules, a challenge is triggered when a candidate publicly declares his intention with the backing of at least 20 per cent of the parliamentary party – which adds up to 81 MPs.
“Under Labour, NHS [National Health Service] waiting lists are falling, ambulances are arriving faster, there are more GPs, and higher patient satisfaction,” Streeting said in a social media post, highlighting his record at the helm of the Department of Health and Social Care.
“Lots done, lots to do. The Health Bill will boost the impact of our investment and modernisation: cutting bureaucracy to invest in patient care,” he said.
While Starmer has pledged to carry on and prove his doubters wrong, junior ministerial resignations have continued to throw his future at 10 Downing Street in doubt.
“I think we should rally behind the Prime Minister. We should let him get on with doing his job because he is a serious politician and these are very, very serious times,” urged Hilary Benn, UK Secretary of State for Northern Ireland.
“I think we should back the Prime Minister and I will remain of that view. And I would say to my colleagues, think about what really matters for the future of the country.
“And we’re less than two years in, less than two years in. We’ve made a start, we’ve got a lot more to do. Let’s get on with the task,” he said.
