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 1st September 2025 - 10 p.m.
Potential merits of Government support for a memorial to the Lisbon Maru in Scotland
Tabled By: Kirsteen Sullivan (Labour (Co-op) - Bathgate and Linlithgow)
Tuesday 2nd September 2025 - 7 p.m.
Large scale solar development in Newark constituency
Tabled By: Robert Jenrick (Conservative - Newark)
Wednesday 3rd September 2025 - 7 p.m.
Diabetes in sport
Tabled By: Chris Bloore (Labour - Redditch)
Thursday 4th September 2025 - 5 p.m.
Future of the BBC Monitoring Service
Tabled By: Julian Lewis (Conservative - New Forest East)
Monday 8th September 2025 - 10 p.m.
Government support for remote coastal communities
Tabled By: Perran Moon (Labour - Camborne and Redruth)

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 1st September 2025 - 2:30 p.m.
Department for Work and Pensions
Tuesday 2nd September 2025 - 11:30 a.m.
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
Wednesday 3rd September 2025 - 11:30 a.m.
Women and Equalities (including Topical Questions)
Wednesday 3rd September 2025 - noon
Tabled By: Keir Starmer (Labour - Holborn and St Pancras) Cabinet Office
Thursday 4th September 2025 - 9:30 a.m.
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Thursday 4th September 2025 - 10:10 a.m.
Attorney General
Monday 8th September 2025 - 2:30 p.m.
Ministry of Defence
Tuesday 9th September 2025 - 11:30 a.m.
HM Treasury
Wednesday 10th September 2025 - 11:30 a.m.
Department for Science, Innovation & Technology
Wednesday 10th September 2025 - noon
Tabled By: Keir Starmer (Labour - Holborn and St Pancras) Cabinet Office
Thursday 11th September 2025 - 9:30 a.m.
Department for Transport
Monday 15th September 2025 - 2:30 p.m.
Home Office
Tuesday 16th September 2025 - 11:30 a.m.
Ministry of Justice
Monday 13th October 2025 - 2:30 p.m.
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
Tuesday 14th October 2025 - 11:30 a.m.
Department for Energy Security & Net Zero
Wednesday 15th October 2025 - 11:30 a.m.
Northern Ireland Office
Wednesday 15th October 2025 - noon
Tabled By: Keir Starmer (Labour - Holborn and St Pancras) Cabinet Office
Thursday 16th October 2025 - 9:30 a.m.
Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport
Thursday 16th October 2025 - 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 20th October 2025 - 2:30 p.m.
Department for Education
Tuesday 21st October 2025 - 11:30 a.m.
Department of Health and Social Care
Wednesday 22nd October 2025 - 11:30 a.m.
Scotland Office
Wednesday 22nd October 2025 - noon
Tabled By: Keir Starmer (Labour - Holborn and St Pancras) Cabinet Office
Thursday 23rd October 2025 - 9:30 a.m.
Cabinet Office
Monday 27th October 2025 - 2:30 p.m.
Department for Work and Pensions
Tuesday 28th October 2025 - 11:30 a.m.
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
Wednesday 29th October 2025 - 11:30 a.m.
Wales Office
Wednesday 29th October 2025 - noon
Tabled By: Keir Starmer (Labour - Holborn and St Pancras) Cabinet Office
Thursday 30th October 2025 - 9:30 a.m.
Department for Business and Trade
Monday 3rd November 2025 - 2:30 p.m.
Ministry of Defence
Tuesday 4th November 2025 - 11:30 a.m.
HM Treasury
Wednesday 5th November 2025 - 11:30 a.m.
Women and Equalities (including Topical Questions)
Wednesday 5th November 2025 - noon
Tabled By: Keir Starmer (Labour - Holborn and St Pancras) 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.

Tuesday 2nd September 2025 - 2:30 p.m.
To be confirmed
Wednesday 10th September 2025 - 3 p.m.
To be confirmed
Tuesday 16th September 2025 - 2:30 p.m.
To be confirmed.

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 2nd September 2025
Babies and Infants (Allergy Guidance)
Tabled By: Becky Gittins (Labour - Clwyd East)
Wednesday 3rd September 2025
Methanol Poisoning (Travel Advice)
Tabled By: Laura Trott (Conservative - Sevenoaks)
Tuesday 9th September 2025
[details to be provided]
Tabled By: Jon Pearce (Labour - High Peak)
Wednesday 10th September 2025
That leave be given to bring in a Bill under SO No. 23 [details to be provided].
Tabled By: Will Forster (Liberal Democrat - Woking)

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 2nd September 2025
Wednesday 3rd September 2025
Thursday 4th September 2025
    1:30 p.m.
    The Adoption and Special Guardianship Support Fund The subjects for these debates were determined by the Backbench Business Committee. The sitting will be suspended and time added if divisions take place in the main Chamber (Standing Order No. 10(3)).
    Tabled By: Alison Bennett (Liberal Democrat - Mid Sussex)
Tuesday 9th September 2025
Thursday 11th September 2025

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.

Wednesday 3rd September 2025
Opposition Day (10th Allotted Day)

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

Monday 1st September 2025
Tuesday 2nd September 2025

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 1st September 2025
    6 p.m. - Room 10, Palace of Westminster
      Pension Schemes Bill: Programming Sub Committee - Private Meeting

Tuesday 2nd September 2025
    9:25 a.m. - The Boothroyd Room, Portcullis House
      Pension Schemes Bill - Oral evidence
      Subject: To consider the Bill

Thursday 4th September 2025
Monday 8th September 2025
Tuesday 9th September 2025
Thursday 11th September 2025
Monday 15th September 2025
Tuesday 16th September 2025
Tuesday 7th October 2025
Thursday 16th October 2025
Monday 20th October 2025
Wednesday 22nd October 2025
Thursday 23rd October 2025
Monday 27th October 2025
Tuesday 28th October 2025

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.

Tuesday 2nd September 2025
    10:30 a.m. - To be confirmed
Wednesday 3rd September 2025
Tuesday 9th September 2025
Wednesday 10th September 2025
Thursday 11th September 2025
Tuesday 16th September 2025
Wednesday 17th September 2025
Tuesday 21st October 2025
Tuesday 28th October 2025
Wednesday 29th October 2025

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

Monday 1st September 2025
Tuesday 2nd September 2025
Committee stage (Commons)
Wednesday 3rd September 2025
3rd reading (Lords)
Thursday 4th September 2025
Committee stage (Commons)
Consideration of Lords amendments (Commons)
Monday 8th September 2025
Tuesday 9th September 2025
Wednesday 10th September 2025
Thursday 11th September 2025
Monday 15th September 2025
Tuesday 16th September 2025
Wednesday 17th September 2025
Thursday 18th September 2025

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

Friday 5th September 2025
Friday 12th September 2025
2nd reading
Ten Minute Rule Bill
2nd reading
Ballot Bill
Friday 17th October 2025
2nd reading
Ten Minute Rule Bill
Friday 24th October 2025
Friday 31st October 2025
Friday 7th November 2025
Friday 14th November 2025
Friday 5th December 2025
Friday 12th December 2025
Friday 9th January 2026
Friday 16th January 2026
Friday 23rd January 2026
Friday 30th January 2026
Friday 6th February 2026
Friday 13th February 2026
Friday 20th February 2026
Friday 27th February 2026
Friday 6th March 2026
Friday 13th March 2026
Friday 20th March 2026
Friday 27th March 2026
Friday 17th April 2026
Friday 24th April 2026
Friday 29th May 2026