King’s Speech 2026: Devolved affairs

Approximate read time: 20 minutes

The government has set out a range of policy proposals in devolved affairs, including reforms to the operation of intergovernmental relations and the role of UK‑wide collaborative bodies. In Northern Ireland, the government is bringing forward legislation to amend the Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023, alongside related measures arising from court judgments identifying human rights incompatibilities. The government has also committed to changing the time limits that apply to scrutiny arrangements under the Windsor Framework. In addition, the briefing highlights proposals to extend powers elsewhere in the UK, including new discretionary powers for local and regional authorities in England to introduce a visitor levy, and steps to expand the Welsh government’s role in youth justice and probation services.

This briefing has been prepared to assist members of the House of Lords in the debates on the King’s Speech. It draws upon material from the public domain and does not constitute official information about the government’s intentions or provide a complete list of bills to be announced.