The Know Daily - Tuesday 7 November 2023

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Love a pub quiz? Come along to The Know’s! We’re hosting our much-loved news quiz IRL on Wednesday 22 November at AllBright’s gorgeous space in central London (the ticket includes a welcome drink and everyone will leave with a prize). Whether you’re teaming up with friends or coming solo, it’s a great opportunity to meet like-minded readers 🥰

One of Europe’s “largest and most ambitious” nature restoration schemes has just taken a great step forward, said The Guardian. The Great Fen scheme in Cambridgeshire recently acquired a plot of land that will connect two separate areas of rewilded countryside - and the hope is that it will encourage the return of creatures such as voles and kingfishers. 

👑 The King's Speech

King Charles III will today give his first King’s Speech as monarch, as part of the State Opening of Parliament. But what does it all mean? 

What is the King’s Speech?
While the speech may be delivered by the monarch, it is devised by the prime minister and provides the government with an opportunity to outline its legislative agenda for the year ahead. 

The speech is a central part of the State Opening of Parliament - an “almost annual event” that sees “pomp and pageantry at every turn”, said Sky News.

What will be included in today’s speech?
Criminal justice will be “at the heart” of the King’s Speech, the government has said, with proposed legislation including longer sentences for the most violent crimes and mandatory jail terms for shoplifting.

Other laws likely to be introduced this year include a gradual smoking ban and making it harder for councils to introduce 20mph zones. Plans to outlaw gay and transgender conversion practices are expected to be left out, despite the Conservative Party promising such legislation five years ago.

And as this is likely the final speech before the next general election, the government is also expected to “open up key dividing lines with Labour” on issues including net zero, said The Guardian.

What happens after?
Around two hours after King Charles delivers the speech, MPs will reassemble in the House of Commons to begin debating its contents.

While there is a vote at the end of the debate, it is normally seen as “symbolic”, said the BBC. “It is extremely rare for a government to lose it.”

If you’re looking to tune in, the King’s Speech is set to take place around 11:30am today.