Charles III condemns Hamas in first speech to open Parliament

The British Parliament officially opened Tuesday morning, with King Charles III delivering the first king’s speech for the occasion in over 70 years. The office of United Kingdom Prime Minister Rishi Sunak wrote the address, highlighting the Conservative government’s economic and social legislative initiatives for the next parliamentary session. The speech specifically focused on building the British economy in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and during continued unrest in Ukraine. Charles also voiced unwavering support for Israel, condemning “barbaric acts of terrorism” committed by Hamas.

What initiatives is the government backing? The King previewed legislation that would expand oil and gas fields in the North Sea to reduce reliance on volatile markets and “hostile foreign regimes.” He also discussed legislation meant to decrease inflation, lower the cost of living, and reform the housing market. Charles also spoke on strengthening the United Kingdom’s borders against terrorists and illegal immigrants.

Dig deeper: Read Collin Garbarino’s report on Britain losing its most prominent defender of the Christian faith in the death of Queen Elizabeth.