King's Speech 'surreal' amid PM turmoil, say NI MPs

MPs from Northern Ireland have described the King's Speech being held during the leadership turmoil facing Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer as "surreal".

A bill to "strengthen ties" with the European Union was among the government's plans outlined by King Charles as part of the State Opening of Parliament.

No specific mention of Northern Ireland was made, but his speech said Downing Street would "continue to work closely with the devolved governments".

The government's Troubles legacy legislation was also listed among the more than 35 pieces of legislation ministers will seek to pass in the new parliamentary session.

The day of pomp and ceremony came as Starmer faces continuing pressure from dozens of Labour MPs to stand down after bruising election results last week.

The Labour leader has vowed to get on with governing and remain as prime minister.

Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) leader Gavin Robinson said the government was "in a mess" after "72 hours of chaos".

"It is embarrassing to bring His Majesty the King here to outline a legislative programme and we have no idea whether any of it will be delivered," he added.

The East Belfast MP said Labour needed to "restore trust and confidence".

"I'm not sure if the current leader is capable of commanding support even amongst his own colleagues to deliver his agenda."

Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) MP Robin Swann warned if Westminster "goes into its bubble" then the "rest of the country gets forgotten about".

"I think that's the real threat to Northern Ireland," he told BBC News NI.

"Although sometimes we feel as if we're sitting on the edge, when this place goes into that bubble and starts looking at itself we definitely get forgotten about."

In his speech, King Charles said his government believes "improved trading relations are vital for the United Kingdom's economic security".

"My ministers will introduce legislation to take advantage of new trading opportunities, including a bill to strengthen ties with the European Union," he said.

The European Partnership bill will include a Sanitary and Phytosanitary deal aimed at avoiding trade barriers and costs on agri-food goods moving between Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

Traditional Unionist Voice (TUV) leader Jim Allister accused the government of attempting "by stealth to get us back into the EU".

The Brexit-backing MP for North Antrim described the idea as "absolute folly" and the "very antithesis of democracy".

Allister added: "It's rather surreal today that we're having the King's Speech setting out the programme of this government - a government that's teetering on the brink, and may not be here to implement this programme."

While there was no specific mention of Northern Ireland in the King's Speech, he did speak about the government working closely with the devolved regions.

"My government is committed to the strength and integrity of the union of the United Kingdom and will continue to work closely with the devolved governments to deliver for citizens across the whole of the nation," he said.

The Northern Ireland Troubles Bill was also listed among the government's legislative plans.

Labour has faced pressure from veterans and some MPs who have said the legislation does not go far enough on protections for veterans.

The bill will include provisions for a reformed Legacy Commission, which will have the powers to investigate and "fact find" for families affected by the Troubles.

The government said the bill will provide "new lawful protections for veterans" aimed at ensuring security force personnel are "treated with dignity and respect" if asked to give information.

It will also ensure veterans are not subjected to "needless duplication of previous investigations".

On information disclosure, it will ensure the "maximum possible information" will be made public to families "without risking life or national security".

The bill will include an independent commission for information retrieval "jointly with the Irish government".

It is not clear when the bill will be progressed, but the government has already confirmed that it plans to bring forward dozens of amendments.

Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn said the government was "committed to delivering the Troubles Bill to address the legacy of that terrible period of our history".

"It is the only viable way to generate confidence across communities, enable information sharing by the Irish authorities, and put in place safeguards for our former service personnel," he said.

Benn said the King's Speech had set out the government's "ambitious legislative plan to support a stable and prosperous Northern Ireland".

"The government's focus is on economic growth and prosperity, removing barriers facing businesses and working to create more jobs, investment and innovation here in Northern Ireland, while protecting the UK internal market," he added.

"We will continue our partnership with the Northern Ireland Executive to support institutional stability, deliver better public services, and invest in Northern Ireland's economic future."