New Civil Engineer
Thomas Johnson
13 May 2026
King Charles has given his annual speech for 2026 in which several bills have been put forward to support both airport expansion and the construction of transport infrastructure.
The speech reopens parliament after its recess but is also used as an opportunity to talk about what the UK can expect from the next term of government.
This year’s speech included many welcome signs for the built environment.
“The United Kingdom’s economic security depends upon world class infrastructure,” said King Charles.
“Legislation will be introduced to unlock the benefits of airport expansion [Civil Aviation Bill]; enable roads to be built at pace including the Lower Thames Crossing (LTC) [Highways (Financing) Bill]; and deliver a fair deal for the North of England through Northern Powerhouse Rail [Northern Powerhouse Rail Bill]...
