TOUGHER SENTENCES FOR SERIOUS OFFENDERS ANNOUNCED IN KING’S SPEECH

Tougher sentences for the most serious offenders and a crackdown on grooming have been announced during the first King’s Speech for 72 years.

King Charles paid tribute to his mother, the late Queen Elizabeth II, as he took part in the state opening of parliament for the first time as monarch.

The King said prime minister Rishi Sunak’s Sentencing Bill would be brought forward. Further measures announced included giving police more power to ‘prevent new and complex crimes’ and child sexual abuse.

The government’s aim to create a ‘smoke-free generation’ were also announced, with the sale of tobacco set to be restricted so that children who are now aged 14 or younger can never buy a cigarette.

The new oil and gas licenses plans were also confirmed, with the aim of the UK being net-zero by 2050.