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Lords debates King's Speech

16 November 2023

The King reads the Speech from the Throne in the House of Lords

Following the State Opening of Parliament on Tuesday 7 November, the House of Lords debated the content of the King's Speech over five days. 

King's Speech  

The King's Speech is written by the government. It sets out the government's legislative agenda for the new parliamentary session.   

House of Lords debate  

The House of Lords debates the different subject areas of the speech over five days. 

Day one: Wednesday 8 November  

Members debated home affairs, crime and justice, and devolution.

Day two: Thursday 9 November  

Members debated housing, health, local communities and public services.

Day three: Monday 13 November  

Members debated the economy, transport, energy and the environment. 

Day four: Tuesday 14 November 

Members debated science, technology, media and culture. 

Day five: Wednesday 15 November

Members debated foreign affairs and defence. 

Research and resources  

Read House of Lords Library briefings on the different subject areas for each day of the debate.

After the debates  

Following the debates, bills (draft laws) are introduced and members get down to work shaping laws, holding the government to account and investigating public policy. 

Image: House of Lords / Roger Harris

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Lords Enquiry Service and FAQs

House of Lords FAQs

The Lords Enquiry Service provides information on the role, work and membership of the House of Lords.

  • Telephone: 0800 223 0855 (Freephone) or 020 7219 3107
  • Email: hlinfo@parliament.uk
  • Text Relay: 18001 7219 3107

The telephone enquiry service is open from 10am - 5pm Monday to Thursday, and 10am - 4pm on Fridays. During recess, the hours are 10am - 1pm and 2pm - 4pm Monday to Friday.