Slough’s MP has blasted the King’s Speech as the product of a government “out of steam and ideas.”

King Charles III delivered his speech today outlining government priorities for the coming months – including licensing of new oil and gas fields, toughening sentences for serious crime, and a phased ban on smoking.

It marked the first King’s Speech of both Charles’ reign and Rishi Sunak’s premiership. It is likely to be the last such address before the next general election.

But Labour MP for Slough Tan Dhesi lambasted the content of the speech, suggesting a government led by his party would have a different approach.

He said: “The King's Speech has laid bare the stark reality of a government out of steam and ideas.

“Labour is ready to step up with solid commitments that matter to our country. Reducing NHS waiting times, making home ownership accessible - especially for first-time buyers - and creating a dependable, home-grown energy supply with Great British Energy.

“These are practical, necessary steps towards a thriving, equitable Britain. It's time for a government that delivers on promises, not breaks them.”

Other measures announced in the King’s Speech included the introduction of the Advanced British Standard – a flagship education reform intended to bring A-levels and T-levels into one qualification – delivery of the NHS workforce plan and reform to the leasehold system.

Windsor MP Adam Afriyie reacted more postively to the policies announced in the King's Speech.

He said: “I’m over the moon that are able to stop live animal exports in the UK now that we have broken free of the EU.

"I am also happy to see the content on digital markets and artificial intelligence, and that we are clamping down youth vaping and tightening up on Labour’s lax sentencing laws which have meant that potentially dangerous criminals have been getting far too early.”

The King’s Speech forms part of the State Opening of Parliament ceremony, in which key forthcoming legislative priorities are announced.

However, the speech is not written by the monarch – it is instead drawn up by government ministers.

While this was Charles III’s first King’s Speech, he previously read out the Queen’s Speech in 2022 on his late mother’s behalf.

He opened his speech with a tribute to the “legacy of service and devotion” of Queen Elizabeth II.