State Opening of Parliament 2024
4 July 2024
The State Opening of Parliament took place on Wednesday 17 July marking the formal start of the parliamentary year and setting out the government’s agenda for the 2024-25 session.
The King's Speech
The speech was read in the House of Lords chamber by the King. The speech is written by the government and contains an outline of its policies and proposed legislation for the new parliamentary session.
What is State Opening?
The State Opening of Parliament is the main ceremonial event in the parliamentary calendar. It marks the start of a parliamentary year.
Ceremonial search
The State Opening of Parliament starts with a ceremonial search of the cellars in the Houses of Parliament. This commemorates Guy Fawkes' ‘gunpowder plot' of 1605.
The ceremony begins in the Prince’s Chamber in the House of Lords. The search is conducted by the Yeomen of the Guard, the King’s Bodyguard.
Down to work
After the speech, a new parliamentary session starts and Parliament gets down to work. Members of both Houses debate the content of the speech.
House of Lords debate
The House of Lords debates the different subject areas of the speech over six days, starting on Thursday 18 July. After which, bills are introduced and the Lords returns to work shaping laws, holding the government to account and investigating important issues of the day.
Debate topics
Thursday 18 July: energy, the environment and housing.
Friday 19 July: education, early years and health care.
Monday 22 July: economic growth, infrastructure and employment.
Tuesday 23 July: constitution and devolution.
Wednesday 24 July: justice and home affairs.
Thursday 25 July: foreign affairs and defence.
House of Commons debate
Members of the House of Commons debate the planned legislative programme for several days, starting on Thursday 18 July, looking at different subject areas. The King's Speech is voted on by the Commons.
