What happens after State Opening
After the Monarch has delivered their speech to Parliament.
After the Monarch has delivered the speech, setting out the government's agenda for the new session, the representatives of the state, including members of both Houses of Parliament, the Church, the judiciary and invited guests, leave the Lords chamber.
Parliament's work begins
Once the Monarch leaves, it's back to business as usual for the House of Lords and the House of Commons.
Debating the Monarch’s Speech
Each House meets separately, in the afternoon, to begin debating the government's programme of legislation and policies and to consider an 'Address in Reply to His Majesty's Gracious Speech'.
The Lords meets slightly later than the Commons. The additional time allows the chamber of the House of Lords to be rearranged - returning it to its usual format.
In both Houses, different subject areas are debated for several days following the ceremony. After the King's Speech in 2026, the following subjects for debate were announced in each House:
House of Commons:
- Debate on the Address
- Getting Britain working again
- Backing business to create economic growth
- Energy security
- Defence readiness
House of Lords:
- Economic growth, trade, and EU partnership
- Justice, home affairs, and the union
- Education, culture, technology, and energy security
- Health, housing, and transport
- Foreign affairs, international relations, and defence
Parliamentary programme
After these days of general debates, the programme of work to turn what is outlined in the Monarch’s Speech into legislation begins. Bills start to be introduced in both Houses as Parliament gets back to business.
Find out more about the role and work of the House of Lords and House of Commons: