UK Parliament opens with Charles III speech as Starmer fights to survive

King Charles III formally laid out the British government's legislative program for the coming year during the State Opening of Parliament on Wednesday, a centuries-old ceremonial ritual that proceeded despite uncertainty over Prime Minister Keir Starmer's political future.

Starmer faces growing calls to resign from within his own Labour Party and from the public following rising discontent with government policies. The speech, delivered by the monarch, outlined the administration's priorities but the prime minister's ability to implement them remains in question as senior party figures position themselves as potential successors.