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.

Monday 7th October 2024 - 10 p.m.
Planning permission and telegraph poles
Tabled By: Laurence Turner (Labour - Birmingham Northfield)
Tuesday 8th October 2024 - 7 p.m.
Health services in Bridlington
Tabled By: Charlie Dewhirst (Conservative - Bridlington and The Wolds)
Wednesday 9th October 2024 - 7 p.m.
Higher education in Staffordshire
Tabled By: Adam Jogee (Labour - Newcastle-under-Lyme)
Thursday 10th October 2024 - 5 p.m.
Cost of rail fares
Tabled By: Will Forster (Liberal Democrat - Woking)
Monday 14th October 2024 - 10 p.m.
Nuclear industry in Cumbria
Tabled By: Josh MacAlister (Labour - Whitehaven and Workington)

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.

Monday 7th October - 2:30 p.m.

Department for Work and Pensions

First 5 Oral Questions
Ben Obese-Jecty (Conservative - Huntingdon)
What estimate she has made of the number of pensioners in poverty who will not be entitled to the Winter Fuel Payment in winter 2024-25.
Johanna Baxter (Labour - Paisley and Renfrewshire South)
What steps she is taking to reduce the time taken for Access to Work claims to be processed.
Will Forster (Liberal Democrat - Woking)
What assessment she has made of the effectiveness of the Child Maintenance Service in collecting payments.
Bradley Thomas (Conservative - Bromsgrove)
If she will make an assessment of the potential impact of means-testing for Winter Fuel Payment on people with medical conditions that are exacerbated by cold weather.
Polly Billington (Labour - East Thanet)
What recent assessment she has made of trends in the number of young people not in education, employment or training.

Tuesday 8th October - 11:30 a.m.

Department for Energy Security & Net Zero

First 5 Oral Questions
Simon Opher (Labour - Stroud)
What recent progress he has made on meeting his target to have a zero carbon electricity system by 2030.
Johanna Baxter (Labour - Paisley and Renfrewshire South)
What steps he is taking with his international counterparts to tackle climate change.
Gideon Amos (Liberal Democrat - Taunton and Wellington)
What steps he is taking to help increase levels of onshore wind energy production.
Mike Martin (Liberal Democrat - Tunbridge Wells)
What steps he is taking with Cabinet colleagues to help reduce emissions by increasing the use of public transport.
David Pinto-Duschinsky (Labour - Hendon)
What steps he is taking to improve energy security.
Wednesday 9th October 2024 - 11:30 a.m.
Women and Equalities (including Topical Questions)

Wednesday 9th October - noon

Tabled By: Keir Starmer (Labour - Holborn and St Pancras)

Cabinet Office

First 5 Oral Questions
Gagan Mohindra (Conservative - South West Hertfordshire)
If he will list his official engagements for Wednesday 9 October.
Sarah Coombes (Labour - West Bromwich)
If he will list his official engagements for Wednesday 9 October.
Shivani Raja (Conservative - Leicester East)
If he will list his official engagements for Wednesday 9 October.
Adam Jogee (Labour - Newcastle-under-Lyme)
If he will list his official engagements for Wednesday 9 October.
Jon Pearce (Labour - High Peak)
If he will list his official engagements for Wednesday 9 October.

Thursday 10th October - 9:30 a.m.

Department for Transport

First 5 Oral Questions
Neil Shastri-Hurst (Conservative - Solihull West and Shirley)
If she will take steps to help expedite the approval of additional trains to increase capacity on Chiltern Railways.
Jayne Kirkham (Labour (Co-op) - Truro and Falmouth)
What steps she is taking to help mitigate disruption to rail passengers travelling to the South West when construction of Old Oak Common Station begins.
Jake Richards (Labour - Rother Valley)
What steps she is taking to improve road safety.
Nigel Huddleston (Conservative - Droitwich and Evesham)
If she will meet stakeholders in the Midlands to discuss plans to build the Midlands Rail Hub.
Fabian Hamilton (Labour - Leeds North East)
What steps she is taking to support proposals for a tram system in Leeds and West Yorkshire.
Monday 14th October 2024 - 2:30 p.m.
Ministry of Defence
Tuesday 15th October 2024 - 11:30 a.m.
Department of Health and Social Care
Wednesday 16th October 2024 - 11:30 a.m.
Department for Science, Innovation & Technology
Wednesday 16th October 2024 - noon
Tabled By: Keir Starmer (Labour - Holborn and St Pancras) Cabinet Office
Thursday 17th October 2024 - 9:30 a.m.
Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport
Thursday 17th October 2024 - 10:10 a.m.
Questions to the Church Commissioners and House of Commons Commission
Monday 21st October 2024 - 2:30 p.m.
Home Department (including Topical Questions)
Tuesday 22nd October 2024 - 11:30 a.m.
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
Wednesday 23rd October 2024 - 11:30 a.m.
Northern Ireland Office
Wednesday 23rd October 2024 - noon
Tabled By: Keir Starmer (Labour - Holborn and St Pancras) Cabinet Office
Thursday 24th October 2024 - 9:30 a.m.
Cabinet Office

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.

Monday 7th October 2024 - 2:30 p.m.
Building a closer relationship with the European Union
Tabled By: Lord Balfe (Conservative - Life peer)
Monday 7th October 2024
The national £2 cap on bus fares scheduled to end on 31 December
Tabled By: Lord Moylan (Conservative - Life peer)
Monday 7th October 2024
Diplomatic tensions between Ethiopia and Somalia
Tabled By: Lord Browne of Ladyton (Labour - Life peer)
Monday 7th October 2024
The report of the Commission on Justice in Wales, chaired by Lord Thomas of Cwmgiedd
Tabled By: Baroness Smith of Llanfaes (Plaid Cymru - Life peer)
Tuesday 8th October 2024 - 2:30 p.m.
UK's membership of Horizon Europe
Tabled By: Viscount Stansgate (Labour - Excepted Hereditary)
Tuesday 8th October 2024
Appointing an independent legal expert to review the seven allegations of child sex abuse against Sir Edward Heath left unresolved
Tabled By: Lord Lexden (Conservative - Life peer)
Tuesday 8th October 2024
Assessment of public bodies and services procuring professional services through processes which purport to be “onshoring” to firms which contract third parties outside the UK to do the work
Tabled By: Lord Harlech (Conservative - Excepted Hereditary)
Wednesday 9th October 2024
Increasing apheresis capacity in NHS hospitals in England
Tabled By: Baroness Ritchie of Downpatrick (Labour - Life peer)
Wednesday 9th October 2024
Impact on the UK economy caused by speculation about rises in Capital Gains Tax and other taxes
Tabled By: Lord Leigh of Hurley (Conservative - Life peer)
Wednesday 9th October 2024
Studying computer science at English universities
Tabled By: Lord Mackenzie of Framwellgate (Non-affiliated - Life peer)
Thursday 10th October 2024 - 11 a.m.
Assessment of the United Kingdom’s future combat air capability
Tabled By: Baroness Goldie (Conservative - Life peer)
Thursday 10th October 2024
Recognising Somaliland as an independent nation
Tabled By: Baroness Hoey (Non-affiliated - Life peer)
Thursday 10th October 2024
Implications of imposing VAT on school fees with effect from 1 January 2025
Tabled By: Lord Black of Brentwood (Conservative - 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.

There no Ten Minute Bills currently scheduled

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 8th October 2024
Wednesday 9th October 2024
Thursday 10th October 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.

Tuesday 8th October 2024
Debate on a Motion in the name of the Official Opposition.
Wednesday 16th October 2024
Debate on a Motion in the name of the Liberal Democrats

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 8th October 2024
Wednesday 9th October 2024

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.

Monday 7th October 2024
Tuesday 8th October 2024
Wednesday 9th October 2024
Thursday 10th October 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 14th October 2024
Tuesday 15th October 2024
Wednesday 16th October 2024
Tuesday 22nd October 2024
Wednesday 23rd October 2024
Monday 28th October 2024
Tuesday 29th October 2024
Wednesday 30th October 2024
Thursday 31st October 2024
Tuesday 5th November 2024
Wednesday 27th November 2024
Monday 2nd December 2024
Wednesday 4th December 2024
Thursday 12th December 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.

There are no Joint Committee meetings currently scheduled

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

Monday 7th October 2024
Tuesday 8th October 2024
Committee stage (Commons)
Wednesday 9th October 2024
2nd reading (Commons)
Money resolution
Ways and Means resolution
Thursday 10th October 2024
Committee stage (Commons)
Monday 14th October 2024
Committee stage (Lords)
Tuesday 15th October 2024
Committee stage (Commons)
Wednesday 16th October 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

There are no Private Members' Bill debates currently scheduled