Post: King’s speech unveils Energy Independence Bill

King’s speech unveils Energy Independence Bill

King Charles has given his annual speech for 2026. Delivered on 13 May the speech outlined a series of bills ministers want to pass in the next parliamentary session.

Noting that the government will “seek to reinforce the long-term energy, defence and economic security of the United Kingdom as an essential component of strength on the world stage”, two key bills were announced for the energy sector:

• given that “energy independence must be a long-term goal of national security and that the nation’s energy security requires long-term investment and reform, as demonstrated by recent events in the Middle East”, an Energy Independence Bill will be introduced. This will aim to scale-up “homegrown renewable energy”, introduce new energy efficiency requirements for rented homes, and give ministers new powers to target energy bill support at “low-income and vulnerable households”
• the government will also take forward recommendations of the Nuclear Regulatory Review and encourage a new era of British nuclear energy generation through a Nuclear Regulation Bill

Energy secretary Ed Miliband said: “After the second fossil fuel crisis in five years, it’s clear that clean power is the only route to energy security. The Energy Independence Bill is the next step in our mission: tackling the affordability crisis, creating thousands of jobs and delivering energy security.”