Houses of Parliament Schedule by Type


Adjournment Debates

An adjournment debate is a half hour debate, on a topic tabled by a backbench MP, that occurs at the conclusion of the Parliamentary Day on Monday through Thursday. No vote is taken at the conclusion of the debate.

In short

Adjournment debates provide backbench MPs with an opportunity to raise an item of interest directly with a Government Minister, and receive a response from the Government on that issue.

The topic for Monday to Wednesday is chosen by ballot, the Thursday debate topic is selected by the Speaker.

The adjournment debate is proposed by a backbench MP, who opens the debate on the tabled issue. Other members may only speak with the permission of both the tabling MP, and the Minister responding. Opposition frontbenchers may not intervene or make speeches.

The debate is concluded by a speech from the Government Minister. No vote is taken at the conclusion of the debate.

Tuesday 19th March 2024 - 7 p.m.
Music education
Tabled By: Michael Ellis (Conservative - Northampton North)
Wednesday 20th March 2024 - 7 p.m.
Scrutiny of Secretaries of State in the House of Lords
Tabled By: Patrick Grady (Scottish National Party - Glasgow North)
Thursday 21st March 2024 - 5 p.m.
Trailer and towing safety
Tabled By: Karin Smyth (Labour - Bristol South)
Friday 22nd March 2024
Redevelopment of Kettering General Hospital
Tabled By: Philip Hollobone (Conservative - Kettering)
Monday 25th March 2024 - 10 p.m.
Government policy on the Taiwan Strait
Tabled By: Stewart Malcolm McDonald (Scottish National Party - Glasgow South)
Tuesday 26th March 2024 - 7 p.m.
Future of energy production in the South West
Tabled By: Ian Liddell-Grainger (Conservative - Bridgwater and West Somerset)

Backbench Business Debates

The Backbench Business Committee is allocated 35 days each sitting for debates of the Committee's choice. Typically two debate topics are chosen for each day used.

In short

Backbench MPs may propose debate topics and motions to the Backbench Business Committee, who hold weekly public sittings with applicants to assess the merit of their proposed debate. Backbenchers are encouraged to to have cross-party support for their application.

Debates may be on topics of general interest or following Select Committee activity.

The debate is opened by the backbench MP in whose name the motion was tabled, and concludes with speeches from Shadow and Government Ministers. Debates may conclude with a vote on the motion.

However, it must be understood that Parliament has no authority to compel the Government to act, legislate or direct the performance of statutory functions. The passage of a successful resolution may lead to an official response from the Government, but the Government are under no obligation to comply with resolutions of the House.

There no Backbench Business debates currently scheduled

Commons Oral Questions

On Monday - Thursday, the first event of the day is for a Government Department attend the Dispatch Box and face oral and topical questions from Shadow Ministers and backbench MPs.

The Prime Minister holds Questions each Wednesday at 12:00, which is typically the most well attended event in the House.

In short

A rota of Government departments is published around a month in advance, that ensures each Department will attend a question time at some point in the near future.

Members who wish to ask oral questions, are permitted to table one oral question for each occasion, which must be given at least 3 days in advance. Members who have a registered interest in the topic must indicate this in advance.

As the number of members who wish to ask questions greatly exceeds the time available, a random ballot is held to determine the order in which the questions appear on the Order Paper.

During the session, members do not recite the question, rather they refer to the question number on the Order Paper, i.e 'Question 5, Mr. Speaker.'

After the Minister has responded to the oral question, members are entitled to follow up supplementary question.

For Prime Minister's Question Time, a standard oral question 'if he will list his/her engagements for the day' is used, with all other questions being supplementary.

Shadow Cabinet and frontbench spokesmen are entitled to a set number of supplementary questions during Questions

The last 15 minutes of each Question session is usually set aside for Topical Questions. These follow the same format of PMQ's, with a standard opening question, all other questions being supplementary and not tabled in advance.

Tuesday 19th March - 11:30 a.m.

HM Treasury

First 5 Oral Questions
Giles Watling (Conservative - Clacton)
What fiscal steps he is taking to support creative industries.
Chi Onwurah (Labour - Newcastle upon Tyne Central)
What recent assessment he has made of the strength of the economy.
Mick Whitley (Labour - Birkenhead)
What recent fiscal steps he has taken to help reduce regional economic inequalities.
Paul Blomfield (Labour - Sheffield Central)
What recent assessment he has made of the potential impact of his tax policies on living standards.
Martyn Day (Scottish National Party - Linlithgow and East Falkirk)
What assessment he has made of the potential impact of the Spring Budget 2024 on levels of block grant funding for Scotland.
Wednesday 20th March 2024 - 11:30 a.m.
Women and Equalities (including Topical Questions)

Wednesday 20th March - noon

Tabled By: Rishi Sunak (Conservative - Richmond (Yorks))

Cabinet Office

First 5 Oral Questions
Giles Watling (Conservative - Clacton)
If he will list his official engagements for Wednesday 20 March.
Nickie Aiken (Conservative - Cities of London and Westminster)
If he will list his official engagements for Wednesday 20 March.
Sheryll Murray (Conservative - South East Cornwall)
If he will list his official engagements for Wednesday 20 March.
Edward Leigh (Conservative - Gainsborough)
If he will list his official engagements for Wednesday 20 March.
Layla Moran (Liberal Democrat - Oxford West and Abingdon)
If he will list his official engagements for Wednesday 20 March.

Thursday 21st March - 9:30 a.m.

Department for Transport

First 5 Oral Questions
Matt Hancock (Independent - West Suffolk)
What his planned timetable is for the upgrading of Haughley and Ely rail junctions.
Kerry McCarthy (Labour - Bristol East)
What recent assessment he has made of the adequacy of bus service levels in England.
Charlotte Nichols (Labour - Warrington North)
What recent assessment he has made of the adequacy of seafarer welfare standards on P&O Ferries’ fleet.
Michael Fabricant (Conservative - Lichfield)
What steps he is taking to help local authorities improve local transport in the West Midlands.
Karl Turner (Labour - Kingston upon Hull East)
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what recent assessment he has made of seafarer welfare standards on P&O Ferries’ fleet.
Monday 25th March 2024 - 2:30 p.m.
Ministry of Defence
Tuesday 26th March 2024 - 11:30 a.m.
Ministry of Justice
Monday 15th April 2024 - 2:30 p.m.
Home Office
Tuesday 16th April 2024 - 11:30 a.m.
Department for Energy Security & Net Zero
Wednesday 17th April 2024 - 11:30 a.m.
Department for Science, Innovation & Technology
Wednesday 17th April 2024 - noon
Tabled By: Rishi Sunak (Conservative - Richmond (Yorks)) Cabinet Office
Thursday 18th April 2024 - 9:30 a.m.
Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport
Thursday 18th April 2024 - 10:10 a.m.
Church Commissioners and House of Commons Commission and Public Accounts Commission and Restoration and Renewal Client Board and Speaker’s Committee on the Electoral Commission
Monday 22nd April 2024 - 2:30 p.m.
Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities
Tuesday 23rd April 2024 - 11:30 a.m.
Department of Health and Social Care
Wednesday 24th April 2024 - 11:30 a.m.
Northern Ireland Office
Wednesday 24th April 2024 - noon
Tabled By: Rishi Sunak (Conservative - Richmond (Yorks)) Cabinet Office
Thursday 25th April 2024 - 9:30 a.m.
Cabinet Office
Monday 29th April 2024 - 2:30 p.m.
Department for Education
Tuesday 30th April 2024 - 11:30 a.m.
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
Wednesday 1st May 2024 - 11:30 a.m.
Scotland Office
Wednesday 1st May 2024 - noon
Tabled By: Rishi Sunak (Conservative - Richmond (Yorks)) Cabinet Office
Thursday 2nd May 2024 - 9:30 a.m.
Department for Business and Trade
Tuesday 7th May 2024 - 11:30 a.m.
HM Treasury
Wednesday 8th May 2024 - 11:30 a.m.
Wales Office
Wednesday 8th May 2024 - noon
Tabled By: Rishi Sunak (Conservative - Richmond (Yorks)) Cabinet Office
Thursday 9th May 2024 - 9:30 a.m.
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Thursday 9th May 2024 - 10:10 a.m.
Attorney General

Lords Oral Questions

On Monday - Thursday, the House of Lords holds a 30 minute Oral Questions session, with up to four questions being tabled for Government repsonse.

The first three questions can be tabled up to a month in advance, and the fourth 'topical' question is selected by Ballot.

In short

No Lord may have more than one question scheduled in the Lords at any one time, and may only ask four oral questions during the course of a Parliament.

As in the Commons, supplementary questions may be asked once the answer to the oral question has been given.

Tuesday 19th March 2024
Assistance provided to the developers of advanced modular reactors to enable them to conduct criticality tests
Tabled By: Viscount Hanworth (Labour - Excepted Hereditary)
Tuesday 19th March 2024
Reviewing the level of support given in schools to special needs pupils
Tabled By: Lord Touhig (Labour - Life peer)
Tuesday 19th March 2024
Making electronic point-of-sale payment devices accessible for those with a visual impairment, such as via tactile keypad
Tabled By: Lord Blunkett (Labour - Life peer)
Tuesday 19th March 2024
Impact of current levels of home insulation on health and mortality rates
Tabled By: Baroness Blake of Leeds (Labour - Life peer)
Wednesday 20th March 2024 - 3 p.m.
Additional funded childcare provisions
Tabled By: Baroness Twycross (Labour - Life peer)
Wednesday 20th March 2024
The relocation of children’s cancer services away from The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation
Tabled By: Baroness Bloomfield of Hinton Waldrist (Conservative - Life peer)
Wednesday 20th March 2024
The audit arrangements for the Teesworks project
Tabled By: Baroness Taylor of Stevenage (Labour - Life peer)
Wednesday 20th March 2024
The recent remarks by a head teacher in Southampton criticising the quality of school meals for children
Tabled By: Lord Brooke of Alverthorpe (Labour - Life peer)
Thursday 21st March 2024
Impact of ending the Household Support Fund on children's bed poverty
Tabled By: Lord Bishop of Manchester (Bishops - Bishops)
Thursday 21st March 2024
Improving the enforcement of national minimum wage legislation
Tabled By: Lord Sahota (Labour - Life peer)
Thursday 21st March 2024
Implementing Lord Etherton’s recommendations on financial redress in the LGBT veterans independent review
Tabled By: Lord Cashman (Labour - Life peer)
Monday 25th March 2024 - 2:30 p.m.
Asylum claims currently waiting to be determined
Tabled By: Lord Dubs (Labour - Life peer)
Monday 25th March 2024
The revised version of the Cabinet Manual
Tabled By: Viscount Stansgate (Labour - Excepted Hereditary)
Monday 25th March 2024
The Patient Safety Commissioner’s report on those harmed by sodium valproate and pelvic mesh
Tabled By: Baroness Cumberlege (Conservative - Life peer)
Monday 25th March 2024
Planned improvements to rail services and implementing changes to train operating company contracts
Tabled By: Baroness Randerson (Liberal Democrat - Life peer)
Tuesday 26th March 2024 - 2:30 p.m.
Requiring credit card issuers to provide a full description of goods or services provided on their customer invoices
Tabled By: Baroness Hodgson of Abinger (Conservative - Life peer)
Tuesday 26th March 2024
Improving food security
Tabled By: Baroness McIntosh of Pickering (Conservative - Life peer)
Tuesday 26th March 2024
Cost to public funds of the arms and ammunition supplied to Ukraine so far
Tabled By: Lord Trefgarne (Conservative - Excepted Hereditary)
Wednesday 27th March 2024 - 11 a.m.
Treatment and care for those of working age affected by strokes
Tabled By: Baroness Wheeler (Labour - Life peer)
Wednesday 27th March 2024
Surplus emissions from the Third Carbon Budget in light of the advice of the Committee on Climate Change
Tabled By: Lord Krebs (Crossbench - Life peer)
Wednesday 27th March 2024
Protection of regional arts organisations and facilities funded by local authorities
Tabled By: Earl of Clancarty (Crossbench - Excepted Hereditary)
Monday 15th April 2024 - 2:30 p.m.
Port Talbot's steel works blast furnace closure and the impact on the surrounding communities
Tabled By: Lord Roberts of Llandudno (Liberal Democrat - Life peer)
Monday 15th April 2024
Retaining training and knowledge for special educational needs in the school and college system
Tabled By: Lord Addington (Liberal Democrat - Excepted Hereditary)
Monday 15th April 2024
The conduct of the police in their treatment of former mayor of Liverpool Joe Anderson
Tabled By: Lord Heseltine (Non-affiliated - Life peer)
Monday 15th April 2024
The state of preparedness for the next pandemic
Tabled By: Baroness Deech (Crossbench - Life peer)

Ten Minute Bills

Ten Minute Bills are an opportunity for backbenchers to give a 10 minute speech as the First Reading for a proposed Bill.

They are scheduled for immediately after Question Time to give the largest possible attendence.

In short

The first reading of a Bill marks the formal introduction of a bill before the house (though a detailed text is not required). Typically, this is a brief formality without any speeches being made.

However, on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, backbench MPs are allocated 10 minutes to make a speech outlining the reasons for their proposed legislation. The relevant Minister is expected to be present.

This event typically occurs immediately after Questions, to ensure as great an audience as possible.

However, Ten Minute Bill's no not receive any legislative priority, and are unlikely to become enacted into law as primary legislation.

Tuesday 19th March 2024
Illegal And Unsustainable Fishing (Due Diligence)
Tabled By: Chris Grayling (Conservative - Epsom and Ewell)
Wednesday 20th March 2024
Standards in Public Life (Code of Conduct)
Tabled By: Debbie Abrahams (Labour - Oldham East and Saddleworth)
Tuesday 26th March 2024
Details to be provided
Tabled By: Paul Bristow (Conservative - Peterborough)
Tuesday 16th April 2024
Details to be provided
Tabled By: Theresa Villiers (Conservative - Chipping Barnet)
Wednesday 17th April 2024
Details to be provided
Tabled By: Holly Lynch (Labour - Halifax)
Tuesday 23rd April 2024
Dyslexia Screening and Teacher Training
Tabled By: Matt Hancock (Independent - West Suffolk)

Westminster Hall Debates

Westminster Hall is a forum for Parliamentary debates to occur outside the Main Chamber.

As with Adjournment Debates, issues are tabled by backbench MPs, and a Government Minister will respond without a vote being taken.

In short

Monday - A 3 hour debate begins at 4.30pm, and relating to Petitions or e-Petitions.

Tuesday and Wednesday - Debates occur throughout the day, and are selected by Ballot

Thursday - A 3 hour debate determined by the Backbench Business Committee or Liason Committee

The Westminster Hall debates are Chaired by members of the Panel of Chairs (a group of experienced MPs), rather than the Speaker or a Deputy Speaker.

Tuesday 19th March 2024
Wednesday 20th March 2024
Thursday 21st March 2024
Monday 25th March 2024
Tuesday 26th March 2024
Tuesday 16th April 2024
Thursday 18th April 2024
Monday 22nd April 2024
Tuesday 23rd April 2024
Monday 29th April 2024

Opposition Day Debates

Opposition Days are 20 designated days each session, where Opposition parties (rather than the Government) can table a motion for debate.

In short

Opposition Days typically consist of two debates selected by either the Official Opposition (17 days allocated) or minor parties (3 days allocated).

Opposition Day debates are usually led by a motion expressing criticism of the Government on a particular topic, to which the Government tables an amendment expressing support of the Government.

However, it must be understood that Parliament has no authority to compel the Government to act, legislate or direct the performance of statutory functions. The passage of a successful resolution may lead to an official response from the Government, but the Government are under no obligation to comply with resolutions of the House.

Since 2017, the Government has taken the position of abstention from voting on Opposition Day debates, so as to prevent MPs being recorded as officially objecting to politically popular motions.

There no Opposition Day debates currently scheduled

Secondary Legislation Debates

Secondary (or Delegated) Legislation under the affirmative procedure requires Parliamentary approval before it can be made (enacted) into law.

This requirement for approval is frequently discharged by a Delegated Legislation Committee, who consider the legislation and vote to approve it.

In short

Certain secondary legislation requires the assessment and approval of Parliament, which is performed by Delegated Legislation Committees.

For more details on this complex topic, read our glossary article: Secondary Legislation

Tuesday 19th March 2024
    Fifth Delegated Legislation Committee - Debate
    The draft Strategy and Policy Statement for Energy Policy in Great Britain
    9:25 a.m. - Room 11, Palace of Westminster
    Fifth Delegated Legislation Committee - Debate
    The draft Strategy and Policy Statement for Energy Policy in Great Britain
    9:25 a.m. - Room 11, Palace of Westminster

Commons Select Committee Meetings

Select Committees are groups of backbench MPs tasked with oversight of the Government Departments, or areas of constitutional concern.

In short

Select Committees typically undertake a programme of inquiries through the duration of a Parliament. Committees hold regular public evidence sessions with Ministers and senior Civil Servants to scrutinise each Department, or members of the public relevant to a particular inquiry.

Inquiries typically conclude with the publication of a report, to which the Government may publish a response.

Tuesday 19th March 2024
Wednesday 20th March 2024
Thursday 21st March 2024
Monday 25th March 2024
    3:30 p.m. - Physical meeting
      Public Accounts Committee - Oral evidence
      Subject: Value for Money from Legal Aid
      At 4:00pm: Oral evidence
      Antonia Romeo - Permanent Secretary at Ministry of Justice
      Jane Harbottle - CEO at Legal Aid Agency
      Jason Latham - Development Director at HM Courts and Tribunals Service
      Jerome Glass - Director General Policy and Strategy Group at Ministry of Justice


Tuesday 26th March 2024
    9:30 a.m. - Physical meeting
      Culture, Media and Sport Committee - Oral evidence
      Subject: Grassroots music venues
      At 10:00am: Oral evidence
      Jon Collins - Chief Executive at LIVE
      Mark Davyd - Chief Executive at Music Venue Trust
      John Drury - Chair at National Arenas Association, and Vice-President and General Manager at OVO Arena Wembley
      At 10:45am: Oral evidence
      Stuart Galbraith - Vice-Chair at Concert Promoters Association, and Chief Executive at Kilimanjaro Live
      Anna Moulson - Co-Chair at Association of Independent Promoters
      Witness - tbc at PRS for Music
      At 11:30am: Oral evidence
      Lily Fontaine - vocalist, English Teacher
      Kwame Kwaten - Vice Chair at Music Managers Forum
      David Martin - Chief Executive at Featured Artists Coalition


    9:30 a.m. - Room 15, Palace of Westminster
      Education Committee - Oral evidence
      Subject: Children’s social care
      At 10:00am: Oral evidence
      John Pearce - President at Association of Directors of Children’s Services
      Roger Gough - Children’s Services Spokesperson at County Councils Network
      Stuart Ashley - Director of Children’s Services at Hampshire County Council
      At 11:00am: Oral evidence
      Dan Turnbull - Senior Director for Markets at Competitions and Markets Authority
      Mr Andrew Isaac - Chair at Children’s Services Development Group
      Dr Mark Kerr
      Ms Lucy Croxton - Policy, Public Affairs and Campaigns Manager at Together Trust


    2:45 p.m. - To be confirmed
      Defence Committee - Oral evidence
      Subject: One-off session with the Secretary of State for Defence
      At 3:15pm: Oral evidence
      Rt Hon Grant Shapps MP - Secretary of State at Ministry of Defence


Tuesday 2nd April 2024
Monday 15th April 2024
    3:30 p.m. - Fully physical meeting
      Public Accounts Committee - Oral evidence
      Subject: Asylum Accommodation and UK-Rwanda partnership
      At 4:00pm: Oral evidence
      Sir Matthew Rycroft KCMG CBE - Permanent Secretary at Home Office
      Simon Ridley - Second Interim Permanent Secretary at Home Office
      Dan Hobbs - Director General, Migration and Borders Group at Home Office
      Joanna Rowland - Director General, Customer Services Group at Home Office


Tuesday 16th April 2024
Wednesday 17th April 2024
Tuesday 23rd April 2024
Tuesday 30th April 2024
Tuesday 7th May 2024
Tuesday 14th May 2024
Tuesday 21st May 2024
Tuesday 4th June 2024
Tuesday 11th June 2024

Lords Select Committee Meetings

Select Committees are groups of Lordstasked with oversight of the Government Departments, or areas of constitutional concern.

In short

Select Committees typically undertake a programme of inquiries through the duration of a Parliament. Committees hold regular public evidence sessions with Ministers and senior Civil Servants to scrutinise each Department, or members of the public relevant to a particular inquiry.

Inquiries typically conclude with the publication of a report, to which the Government may publish a response.

Monday 25th March 2024
Tuesday 26th March 2024
    1 p.m. - To be confirmed
      Communications and Digital Committee - Oral evidence
      Subject: The future of news: impartiality, trust and technology
      At 1:15pm: Oral evidence
      David Rhodes - Executive Chairman EMEA at Sky News
      Jonathan Levy - Managing Editor and Executive Director at Sky News
      At 2:10pm: Oral evidence
      Angelos Frangopoulos - Chief Executive Officer at GB News Limited


    4 p.m. - To be confirmed
      European Affairs Committee - Oral evidence
      Subject: UK-EU data adequacy
      At 4:00pm: Oral evidence
      Ms Eleonor Duhs - Eleonor Duhs, Partner and Head of Data & Privacy, Bates Wells LLP at Bates Wells LLP
      Joe Jones - Research and Insights Director at International Association of Privacy Professionals


Wednesday 27th March 2024
Tuesday 16th April 2024
Wednesday 17th April 2024
Thursday 18th April 2024
Monday 22nd April 2024
Tuesday 23rd April 2024
Tuesday 30th April 2024
Wednesday 1st May 2024
Wednesday 12th June 2024

Joint Committee Meetings

Joint Committees comprise members of both the House of Commons, and the House of Lords

In short

Select Committees typically undertake a programme of inquiries through the duration of a Parliament. Committees hold regular public evidence sessions with Ministers and senior Civil Servants to scrutinise each Department, or members of the public relevant to a particular inquiry.

Inquiries typically conclude with the publication of a report, to which the Government may publish a response.


General Committee Meetings

General Committees typically meet to consider legislation currently at the Committee Stages.

There are no General Committee meetings currently scheduled

Grand Committee Meetings

Grand Committees in the House of Lords consider legislation outside the main chamber, for which there will be no contested divisions.

Grand Committees in the House of Commons debate issues or legislation relating to a devolved administrative region of the United Kingdom (Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland).

There are no Grand Committee meetings currently scheduled

Government Bill Debate Schedule

Government Bills currently scheduled for debate before Parliament.

In short

For more information on Bill Process and Government Bills, read our glossary articles: Process of a Bill and Government Bills

Tuesday 19th March 2024
Committee stage (Commons)
Wednesday 20th March 2024
Thursday 21st March 2024
Committee stage (Commons)
Monday 25th March 2024
Committee stage (Lords)
Tuesday 26th March 2024
Committee of the whole House (Commons)
Report stage (Commons)
Wednesday 27th March 2024
Monday 15th April 2024
Wednesday 17th April 2024

Private Members Bill Debate Schedule

Dates have been set for the following Private Members Bill debates

In short

Private Members Bills are proposed items of legislation tabled by backbench MPs. Only around 7 will become law each Session, and most will not progress beyond the initial stages.

For more information, read our glossary articles: Process of a Bill and Private Members Bills

Wednesday 20th March 2024
Friday 22nd March 2024
2
2nd reading
Starting in the House of Lords
6
2nd reading
Presentation Bill
Friday 19th April 2024
Friday 26th April 2024
Friday 17th May 2024
Friday 7th June 2024
2nd reading
Ten Minute Rule Bill
Friday 14th June 2024
Friday 21st June 2024