This Friday will mark the first anniversary of the death of her late majesty Queen Elizabeth II, which of course also means the first anniversary of the accession to the throne of His Majesty the King.  My understanding is that there will be no formal events to mark this, but I would expect that many people will silently reflect on the passing of a year since these historic events.  While the anniversary of the accession to the throne is of course tinged with sadness, I would like to congratulate His Majesty on reaching this first milestone in his reign. 

Our monarchy continues to have strong public support and I would argue this is well-earned, due to what they do to support our nation and its people.  I also believe that our King and Royal Family are a unifying force for our country, with people from all backgrounds able to unite around our apolitical head of state, with none of the political arguments that we see in countries with an elected presidential system.

Amongst his busy schedule, the King’s first State Opening of Parliament is due to take place in two months’ time on Tuesday 7 November.  He will deliver his first King’s Speech, reading out the Government’s legislative agenda, and be the last State Opening of Parliament before the next general election.  

This will be Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s opportunity to set his own direction for future legislation, building upon the government’s five priorities that he set out at the beginning of this year.  They are halving inflation this year to ease the cost of living and give people financial security, growing the economy creating better-paid jobs and opportunity right across the country, reducing debt so that we can secure the future of public services, to cut waiting lists so people will get the care they need more quickly, and to stop the boats so if you come to the country illegally, you’re detained and swiftly removed.

I believe the Conservative Government’s five priorities echo what Crawley residents want to see and I’m optimistic that the King’s Speech will too.     

Councillor Duncan Crow, Leader of Crawley Borough Council Conservative Group

6th September 2023