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King's Speech 2026: Defence

Approximate read time: 15 minutes

The government appears unlikely to include new primary legislation on defence in the King’s Speech 2026. The Armed Forces Bill—introduced in the 2024–26 session—is the subject of a carry-over motion to avoid the bill falling and enable scrutiny of it to continue in the next session. There had also been speculation that ministers would introduce a ‘defence readiness bill’ in the King’s Speech, but according to recent press reporting this will not now be the case.

A defence readiness bill would have implemented some of the recommendations contained within the 2025 ‘Strategic defence review’ (SDR), the wide-ranging analysis of the threats facing the UK and the ability of the armed forces and the UK state to meet those dangers in a complex and dangerous world. The government has committed to implementing the recommendations from the SDR in full. However, whilst progress has been made in a number of areas, outstanding issues—particularly the continued absence of a defence investment plan (DIP)—has drawn significant criticism, including from the authors of the SDR. The government maintains that it is working to publish a DIP as soon as it is ready and that it is not waiting for the DIP to act, highlighting commitments in several areas such as defence innovation.

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.