King’s Speech: Key announcements and programme for government
King Charles has outlined the UK Government's plans for the following parliamentary session. This is the second King’s Speech under the current UK Government, following the Monarch at the State Opening of Parliament in 2024, and announces thirty-five bills as part of the continuing programme for government.
Key announcements for the Scottish convenience sector include:
Digital Access to Services Bill will deliver powers to develop new voluntary digital ID scheme to access public services.
Other UK, or non-Scotland announcement:
A European Partnership Bill provides new powers to fast-track legislation enabling the process of a series of new agreements with the EU.
A Small Business Protections (Late Payments) Bill will rise penalties for companies that fail to pay suppliers on time.
Police Reform Bill (England & Wales) will deliver a wide range of changes to policing, including deploying more officers into local neighbourhoods, tackling everyday crime and antisocial behaviour impacting local communities.
A Competition Reform Bill will aim to speed up reviews by the competition regulator (CMA).
Read the UK Government press release here.
For details on all the policy and Bills announced, read the full King's Speech 2026 document.
SGF will continue to engage with the UK Government and members of the House of Commons on the key issues that impact our Sector. These include several matters not raised in the King Speech, such as the Deposit Return Scheme & Extended Producer Responsibility, the Tobacco & Vapes Act, the National Living Wage, National Insurance, Corporation Tax and Access to Cash.
