FIRST KING’S SPEECH TO PARLIAMENT IN OVER SEVENTY YEARS ATTRACTS MIXED REACTIONS, AND THE HIDDEN OPPORTUNITIES FOR AFRICA.
Wall Street Journal bestselling author and internationally acclaimed government and corporate adviser, Professor Chris Imafidon was in parliament with his AI tools (Fred@FireFlies.ai) for this historic event. If you want your copy of the Speech and commentary in any language as transcribed by AI, DM @ChrisImafidon.
A few hours after arriving from Kenya, Africa, and the royal party embarked on the grandest journey by horse and carriage to move from Buckingham palace to Westminster. Some commentators dubbed it Coronation mark II due to the similarity between the 6th May Coronation and this ceremonial opening of the new legislative year. It was in the morning of Tuesday, 7th November, 2023, King Charles III made a grand ceremonious entry to the palaces of Westminster to deliver his first King’s Speech at the State Opening of Parliament. The long anticipated speech outlined the government’s legislative agenda for the next session of Parliament. Most observers remarked that this was his “first” day at work. This is due to the fact that he came to Westminster as head of the monarchy and head of state, interacting with the House of Lords, while members of parliament, and executive cabinet acted as observers.
The King’s Speech was significant for many reasons. First, it was the first King’s Speech to be delivered by a British male monarch in over 70 years. Second, the speech came at a time of great uncertainty for the UK, as the country is still grappling with economic turmoil, the effects of Brexit and post-pandemic realities. Third, the speech was delivered against the backdrop of global military conflicts. Although it is called the “King’s speech, it should be noted that the King never wrote a word of the entire speech, and could not change a single word of the speech. This is because as a constitutional monarchy, the King is not allowed to meddle in politics. Therefore, the speech was ironically written by the Prime Minister Rishi Sunak who had to stand throughout the ceremony, while the king sat comfortably on his throne.
In the speech, King Charles III outlined some priorities for the government, including:
- Tackling the cost of living crisis: The King acknowledged the challenges that many people are facing as a result of the rising cost of living. He pledged that the government would take steps to help people with the cost of energy bills, food, and other essentials.
- Investing in public services: The King said that the government would invest in public services such as the NHS, education, and social care. He said that these services were vital for building a stronger and more prosperous society.
- Supporting businesses: The King said that the government would support businesses by cutting taxes, reducing regulation, and investing in infrastructure. He said that a strong economy was essential for creating jobs and raising living standards.
- Leveling up: The King said that the government would continue to invest in disadvantaged areas of the UK to level up the country. He said that everyone deserved to have the same opportunities, regardless of where they lived.
- Protecting the environment: The King said that the government would take action to protect the environment, including investing in renewable energy and reducing carbon emissions. He said that it was important to leave a sustainable world for future generations.
The King’s Speech also announced a number of bills that will be introduced in the next session of Parliament. These bills include:
- A bill to reform the NHS: The bill will aim to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the NHS.
- A bill to improve education: The bill will aim to improve the quality of education in England.
- A bill to reduce crime: The bill will aim to reduce crime and make communities safer.
- A bill to protect the environment: The bill will aim to protect the environment and reduce carbon emissions.
Implications for Africa
The UK is a major trading partner and donor of development aid to Africa. The UK’s legislative agenda and government policies will therefore have a significant impact on Africa.
Some of the key areas that are likely to be of interest to Africa include:
- Trade: The King’s Speech announced a number of measures to support free trade and investment. These measures are likely to benefit African countries by increasing access to UK markets and investment.
- Development aid: The UK government has committed to spending 0.7% of its gross national income (GNI) on development aid. The King’s Speech did not mention development aid specifically, but it is likely that the UK will continue to be a major donor of development aid to Africa.
- Climate change: The King’s Speech announced a number of measures to tackle climate change. These measures are likely to benefit Africa, as the continent is particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change.
Challenges and Opportunities
The UK’s new legislative agenda and government policies present both challenges and opportunities for Africa.
On the one hand, the UK’s focus on free trade and investment could create new opportunities for African businesses. Additionally, the UK’s commitment to tackling climate change is likely to benefit Africa.
On the other hand, the UK’s focus on cutting taxes and reducing regulation could lead to a decrease in government spending on public services. This could have a negative impact on development aid to Africa. Additionally, the UK’s decision to leave the European Union (EU) could make it more difficult for African businesses to access UK markets.
Conclusion
The UK’s new legislative agenda and government policies will have a significant impact on Africa. It is important for African countries to be aware of these changes and to develop strategies to maximize the benefits and mitigate the risks.
Specific Recommendations for African Countries
African countries can take a number of steps to maximize the benefits of the UK’s new legislative agenda and government policies:
- Improve the investment climate: African countries can make themselves more attractive to foreign investors by improving their infrastructure, reducing corruption, and
CONTINUED NEXT WEEK
Professor Chris Imafidon is chair, ExcellenceinEducation.org.uk, an alliance of inner-city educational charities and institutions that mentors youths, women and professionals in the commonwealth. He is a multi-Guinness World record holder; internationally renowned adviser to monarchs, governments, presidents and corporate leaders; Mentor to multi-millionaire tech entrepreneurs & many world record holders. His Artificial Intelligence, and other research or innovation have been recognised internationally, winning multiple awards. Professor Imafidon is 5X International Bestselling author; Mentor to New York Times Bestellers and a Sunday Times Op-ed author, a Wall Street Journal BestSelling author and a regular contributor to British and international media;. [Twitter @ChrisImafidon; Instagram @CoImafidon; Facebook/Linkedln/ClubHouse –Professor Chris Imafidon
