On Tuesday, parliament hosted the UK's first King's Speech in seven decades.
The speech, the king's first and the last before the next general election, set out 20 bills, covering issues including oil and gas licences, and football governance.
The speech effectively launched Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s bid to keep his Conservative Party in power at a general election expected next year.
As the Tories trail Keir Starmer’s Labour Party by about 20 points in opinion polls, the King’s Speech is one of the biggest remaining chances for Mr Sunak to persuade voters his government is pursuing policies they want.
Energy, crime and housing featured heavily as he tries to get his party on the front foot.
These are the 20 bills that were announced on Tuesday:
Economic Activities of Public Bodies (Overseas Matters) Bill
This bill, carried over from the last parliament, prevents public bodies from imposing their own direct or indirect boycotts, divestment or sanctions campaigns against other countries, which the government said disproportionately target Israel.
Coming during an upsurge in anti-Israel protests amid the Gaza war, it would outlaw campaigns that specifically deny the purchase of goods, services and investments.
It does not have universal support, with some MPs warning it could stoke community tensions and potentially breach international agreements.
Two Labour-led councils, Lancaster City and Leicester City, have previously passed motions to boycott goods from Israeli settlements on occupied territory.
A government representative said: “This bill will tackle the real risk to community cohesion posed by public institutions using taxpayer money to pursue their own foreign policy agenda and will ensure the UK speaks with one voice internationally.
“We will continue to engage with and listen to stakeholders, parliamentarians and communities across the UK throughout the passage of the bill.”
Offshore Petroleum Licensing Bill
This will mandate licences for oil and gas projects in the North Sea to be awarded annually.
The government has argued this would enhance the UK's energy security, but it also causes a headache for Labour, which has said it would ban new exploration licences to focus on renewable energy if it wins power.
On Monday, the Energy Secretary Claire Coutinho admitted the plan "wouldn't necessarily" bring down household bills.
"But it would, as I say, raise a significant amount of money that would help us, for example, fund public services, also fund transition into different forms of energy, for example, things like offshore wind and solar energy which more broadly and indirectly could help bring bills down," she added.
Football Governance Bill
Establishes a new independent football regulator, with the body set to have powers to step in and resolve how money flows from the Premier League down the pyramid.
The bill will reportedly "scrutinise owners and their financial resources, and also set a standard of fan engagement as part of the licensing regime".
Clubs will have to prove they have "sound finances" and ensure that assets, such as stadiums, are protected.
Holocaust Memorial Bill
This hybrid bill is also being brought back to support the building of a national Holocaust memorial in Victoria Tower Gardens next to parliament.
It updates a 1900 law that prevented the project from going ahead and allows the government to use public funding to build and operate the centre. The government has restated its efforts to tackle anti-Semitism in the wake of the Hamas attack on Israel last month.
Automated Vehicles Bill
Paves the way for the introduction of self-driving cars and buses on UK roads by putting in place a legal framework centred on safety and user protection, as part of the Prime Minister's plans to make the UK a world leader in emerging technology.
Investigatory Powers (Amendment) Bill
Provides a legal framework for intelligence agencies to access information they need to tackle threats.
Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill
Also known as Martyn's Law, the bill requires venues to take steps to be better prepared to respond in the event of a terrorist attack.
Pedicabs (London) Bill
Enables Transport for London to introduce fare controls and a licensing regime for pedicabs – the only form of unregulated transport on the capital's roads – and bar them from congested areas.
Trade (Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership) Bill
Enables the UK's formal accession to a major Indo-Pacific trade bloc of 11 nations after it signed an agreement earlier this year.
Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Bill
This Bill, which has been carried over from the last session, aims to make it harder for firms to trap people in unwanted subscription contracts, take action against fake reviews and drip pricing, and increase competition between big tech firms.
Data Protection and Digital Information Bill
Also making a return, this aims to update the UK's data protection laws post-Brexit and strengthen the regulator.
Media Bill
This will repeal a law requiring media outlets to pay all legal costs in libel cases, regardless of who won. It will also reduce regulatory burdens on commercial radio stations.
Streaming giants will be subject to a new video-on-demand code, which will be drafted and enforced by the media watchdog Ofcom.
Arbitration Bill
Modernises the law, allowing arbitrators to kick out baseless claims quickly and strengthening the courts' supporting powers.
Draft Rail Reform Bill
Aims to modernise rail including by setting up the new Great British Railways public body. It was not expected in the speech as it was seen as a priority of former prime minster Boris Johnson but not for Mr Sunak. As a draft, it is unlikely to make it on to the statute books in this session.
Tobacco and Vapes Bill
Stops children turning 14 this year or younger from ever legally buying cigarettes or tobacco in England and aims to crack down on vaping among youngsters.
Leasehold and Freehold Bill
Brings forward much-delayed plans for leasehold reform, including capping ground rents and extending the length of leases from 90 to 990 years. But the proposals have been watered down, with leasehold banned for new houses but not new flats.
Renters (Reform) Bill
The Bill, which had provoked the ire of some Tory MPs, has also been carried over. It includes a long-awaited ban on "no-fault" evictions but only after stronger possession grounds for landlords and a new court process are in place. It also strengthens powers to evict antisocial tenants and ends a blanket ban on pets.
It also axes plans to require landlords to meet energy efficiency targets by from 2025, as part of the Prime Minister's rollback of a string of green measures announced in September.
Animal Welfare (Livestock Exports) Bill
Permanently bans the live export of cattle, sheep, goats, pigs and horses for slaughter and fattening from England. Does not include measures to outlaw the importing of hunting trophies as promised in the 2019 Tory manifesto.
Sentencing Bill
Mandates courts to hand down a whole-life order in the worst cases of murder, with judges having discretion to impose a shorter tariff only in exceptional circumstances.
The legislation will also ensure that rapists and serious sexual offenders serve the whole of their sentence behind bars, without being released early on licence.
Criminal Justice Bill
Forces criminals to attend their sentencing hearings, after serial baby killer Lucy Letby's refusal to leave her cell. It also gives police powers to enter a property without a court warrant to seize stolen goods such as phones tracked through GPS location-tracking technology, while criminalising the sharing of intimate images.
Victims and Prisoners Bill
Continuing its progress in the Commons, the Bill gives ministers the power to block parole for the worst offenders and ban them from marrying in prison.
The State Opening of Parliament - in pictures
UK-EU trade at a glance
EU fishing vessels guaranteed access to UK waters for 12 years
Co-operation on security initiatives and procurement of defence products
Youth experience scheme to work, study or volunteer in UK and EU countries
Smoother border management with use of e-gates
Cutting red tape on import and export of food
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
UPI facts
More than 2.2 million Indian tourists arrived in UAE in 2023
More than 3.5 million Indians reside in UAE
Indian tourists can make purchases in UAE using rupee accounts in India through QR-code-based UPI real-time payment systems
Indian residents in UAE can use their non-resident NRO and NRE accounts held in Indian banks linked to a UAE mobile number for UPI transactions
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Saturday's schedule at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
GP3 race, 12:30pm
Formula 1 final practice, 2pm
Formula 1 qualifying, 5pm
Formula 2 race, 6:40pm
Performance: Sam Smith
The specs
Engine: 5.0-litre supercharged V8
Transmission: Eight-speed auto
Power: 575bhp
Torque: 700Nm
Price: Dh554,000
On sale: now
LAST 16
SEEDS
Liverpool, Manchester City, Barcelona, Paris St-Germain, Bayern Munich, RB Leipzig, Valencia, Juventus
PLUS
Real Madrid, Tottenham, Atalanta, Atletico Madrid, Napoli, Borussia Dortmund, Lyon, Chelsea
PREMIER LEAGUE FIXTURES
Saturday (UAE kick-off times)
Watford v Leicester City (3.30pm)
Brighton v Arsenal (6pm)
West Ham v Wolves (8.30pm)
Bournemouth v Crystal Palace (10.45pm)
Sunday
Newcastle United v Sheffield United (5pm)
Aston Villa v Chelsea (7.15pm)
Everton v Liverpool (10pm)
Monday
Manchester City v Burnley (11pm)
More from Neighbourhood Watch:
Gothia Cup 2025
4,872 matches
1,942 teams
116 pitches
76 nations
26 UAE teams
15 Lebanese teams
2 Kuwaiti teams
EGYPT SQUAD
Goalkeepers: Ahmed El Shennawy, Mohamed El Shennawy, Mohamed Abou-Gabal, Mahmoud Abdel Rehem "Genesh"
Defenders: Ahmed Elmohamady, Ahmed Hegazi, Omar Gaber, Ali Gazal, Ayman Ahsraf, Mahmoud Hamdy, Baher Elmohamady, Ahmed Ayman Mansour, Mahmoud Alaa, Ahmed Abou-Elfotouh
Midfielders: Walid Soliman, Abdallah El Said, Mohamed Elneny, Tarek Hamed, Mahmoud “Trezeguet” Hassan, Amr Warda, Nabil Emad
Forwards: Ahmed Ali, Mohamed Salah, Marwan Mohsen, Ahmed "Kouka" Hassan.
Ferrari 12Cilindri specs
Engine: naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12
Power: 819hp
Torque: 678Nm at 7,250rpm
Price: From Dh1,700,000
Available: Now
Match info
Bournemouth 0
Liverpool 4 (Salah 25', 48', 76', Cook 68' OG)
Man of the match: Andrew Robertson (Liverpool)
It
Director: Andres Muschietti
Starring: Bill Skarsgard, Jaeden Lieberher, Sophia Lillis, Chosen Jacobs, Jeremy Ray Taylor
Three stars
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Empire of Enchantment: The Story of Indian Magic
John Zubrzycki, Hurst Publishers
Read more about the coronavirus
Results
Light Flyweight (49kg): Mirzakhmedov Nodirjon (UZB) beat Daniyal Sabit (KAZ) by points 5-0.
Flyweight (52kg): Zoirov Shakhobidin (UZB) beat Amit Panghol (IND) 3-2.
Bantamweight (56kg): Kharkhuu Enkh-Amar (MGL) beat Mirazizbek Mirzahalilov (UZB) 3-2.
Lightweight (60kg): Erdenebat Tsendbaatar (MGL) beat Daniyal Shahbakhsh (IRI) 5-0.
Light Welterweight (64kg): Baatarsukh Chinzorig (MGL) beat Shiva Thapa (IND) 3-2.
Welterweight (69kg): Bobo-Usmon Baturov (UZB) beat Ablaikhan Zhussupov (KAZ) RSC round-1.
Middleweight (75kg): Jafarov Saidjamshid (UZB) beat Abilkhan Amankul (KAZ) 4-1.
Light Heavyweight (81kg): Ruzmetov Dilshodbek (UZB) beat Meysam Gheshlaghi (IRI) 3-2.
Heavyweight (91kg): Sanjeet (IND) beat Vassiliy Levit (KAZ) 4-1.
Super Heavyweight ( 91kg): Jalolov Bakhodir (UZB) beat Kamshibek Kunkabayev (KAZ) 5-0.
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Tips for job-seekers
- Do not submit your application through the Easy Apply button on LinkedIn. Employers receive between 600 and 800 replies for each job advert on the platform. If you are the right fit for a job, connect to a relevant person in the company on LinkedIn and send them a direct message.
- Make sure you are an exact fit for the job advertised. If you are an HR manager with five years’ experience in retail and the job requires a similar candidate with five years’ experience in consumer, you should apply. But if you have no experience in HR, do not apply for the job.
David Mackenzie, founder of recruitment agency Mackenzie Jones Middle East
Global state-owned investor ranking by size
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China
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UAE
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Japan
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5
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Norway
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Canada
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South Korea
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ESSENTIALS
The flights
Emirates flies from Dubai to Phnom Penh via Yangon from Dh2,700 return including taxes. Cambodia Bayon Airlines and Cambodia Angkor Air offer return flights from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap from Dh250 return including taxes. The flight takes about 45 minutes.
The hotels
Rooms at the Raffles Le Royal in Phnom Penh cost from $225 (Dh826) per night including taxes. Rooms at the Grand Hotel d'Angkor cost from $261 (Dh960) per night including taxes.
The tours
A cyclo architecture tour of Phnom Penh costs from $20 (Dh75) per person for about three hours, with Khmer Architecture Tours. Tailor-made tours of all of Cambodia, or sites like Angkor alone, can be arranged by About Asia Travel. Emirates Holidays also offers packages.
Origin
Dan Brown
Doubleday
Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
MATCH INFO
World Cup qualifier
Thailand 2 (Dangda 26', Panya 51')
UAE 1 (Mabkhout 45 2')
The%20specs
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Charlotte Gainsbourg
Rest
(Because Music)
Types of fraud
Phishing: Fraudsters send an unsolicited email that appears to be from a financial institution or online retailer. The hoax email requests that you provide sensitive information, often by clicking on to a link leading to a fake website.
Smishing: The SMS equivalent of phishing. Fraudsters falsify the telephone number through “text spoofing,” so that it appears to be a genuine text from the bank.
Vishing: The telephone equivalent of phishing and smishing. Fraudsters may pose as bank staff, police or government officials. They may persuade the consumer to transfer money or divulge personal information.
SIM swap: Fraudsters duplicate the SIM of your mobile number without your knowledge or authorisation, allowing them to conduct financial transactions with your bank.
Identity theft: Someone illegally obtains your confidential information, through various ways, such as theft of your wallet, bank and utility bill statements, computer intrusion and social networks.
Prize scams: Fraudsters claiming to be authorised representatives from well-known organisations (such as Etisalat, du, Dubai Shopping Festival, Expo2020, Lulu Hypermarket etc) contact victims to tell them they have won a cash prize and request them to share confidential banking details to transfer the prize money.
* Nada El Sawy
Will the pound fall to parity with the dollar?
The idea of pound parity now seems less far-fetched as the risk grows that Britain may split away from the European Union without a deal.
Rupert Harrison, a fund manager at BlackRock, sees the risk of it falling to trade level with the dollar on a no-deal Brexit. The view echoes Morgan Stanley’s recent forecast that the currency can plunge toward $1 (Dh3.67) on such an outcome. That isn’t the majority view yet – a Bloomberg survey this month estimated the pound will slide to $1.10 should the UK exit the bloc without an agreement.
New Prime Minister Boris Johnson has repeatedly said that Britain will leave the EU on the October 31 deadline with or without an agreement, fuelling concern the nation is headed for a disorderly departure and fanning pessimism toward the pound. Sterling has fallen more than 7 per cent in the past three months, the worst performance among major developed-market currencies.
“The pound is at a much lower level now but I still think a no-deal exit would lead to significant volatility and we could be testing parity on a really bad outcome,” said Mr Harrison, who manages more than $10 billion in assets at BlackRock. “We will see this game of chicken continue through August and that’s likely negative for sterling,” he said about the deadlocked Brexit talks.
The pound fell 0.8 per cent to $1.2033 on Friday, its weakest closing level since the 1980s, after a report on the second quarter showed the UK economy shrank for the first time in six years. The data means it is likely the Bank of England will cut interest rates, according to Mizuho Bank.
The BOE said in November that the currency could fall even below $1 in an analysis on possible worst-case Brexit scenarios. Options-based calculations showed around a 6.4 per cent chance of pound-dollar parity in the next one year, markedly higher than 0.2 per cent in early March when prospects of a no-deal outcome were seemingly off the table.
Bloomberg
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if you go
The flights Fly Dubai, Air Arabia, Emirates, Etihad, and Royal Jordanian all offer direct, three-and-a-half-hour flights from the UAE to the Jordanian capital Amman. Alternatively, from June Fly Dubai will offer a new direct service from Dubai to Aqaba in the south of the country. See the airlines’ respective sites for varying prices or search on reliable price-comparison site Skyscanner.
The trip
Jamie Lafferty was a guest of the Jordan Tourist Board. For more information on adventure tourism in Jordan see Visit Jordan. A number of new and established tour companies offer the chance to go caving, rock-climbing, canyoning, and mountaineering in Jordan. Prices vary depending on how many activities you want to do and how many days you plan to stay in the country. Among the leaders are Terhaal, who offer a two-day canyoning trip from Dh845 per person. If you really want to push your limits, contact the Stronger Team. For a more trek-focused trip, KE Adventure offers an eight-day trip from Dh5,300 per person.