Upcoming Parliamentary Business
What the House of Commons is debating, questioning, and scrutinising this week.
Monday, 27 April 202616 items
City of London (Markets) Bill: To consider the Bill
This is an oral evidence session for the City of London (Markets) Bill, where a Select or Joint Committee will hear testimony on proposed legislation affecting the City of London's historic markets. The bill likely addresses modernisation, regulation, or management of markets under City of London Corporation jurisdiction.
Work and Pensions (including Topical Questions)
This is a routine oral questions session for the Department for Work and Pensions, where MPs can question the Secretary of State and ministers on departmental matters including welfare policy, employment support, and related social security issues. Topical questions allow MPs to raise urgent, current issues affecting working people and benefit claimants.
Public Accounts Committee: Northern Powerhouse Rail
The Public Accounts Committee is taking oral evidence on Northern Powerhouse Rail, a major infrastructure project aimed at improving rail connectivity across the North of England. The committee will scrutinise spending, project management, and value for money as the scheme progresses.
Energy Security and Net Zero Committee: Revisiting the nuclear roadmap
The Energy Security and Net Zero Committee will take oral evidence on a revisiting of the UK's nuclear roadmap. This inquiry examines the government's strategic direction on nuclear power as part of meeting net-zero emissions targets and delivering energy security, likely assessing progress, timescales, funding, and policy changes since the previous roadmap was established.
First Delegated Legislation Committee: The draft Vaping Duty Stamps (Requirements, Reviews and Appeals) Regulations 2026
This committee debate examines draft regulations establishing the system for vaping duty stamps — the administrative and appeal procedures that will govern how vaping products are marked and taxed under the new vaping duty. The regulations set out requirements for duty stamp application, review processes, and appeals mechanisms for businesses affected by the scheme.
e-petition 736578 relating to animal testing
This Westminster Hall debate, sponsored by Labour MP Irene Campbell, will discuss e-petition 736578 on animal testing. The debate will examine public concerns about the use of animals in scientific and medical testing, exploring the balance between research needs and animal welfare protections.
Second Delegated Legislation Committee: The draft Warm Home Discount (Scotland) Regulations 2026
This General Committee will scrutinise draft regulations updating how the Warm Home Discount scheme operates in Scotland from 2026. The scheme helps low-income households with heating costs. The debate will examine the detailed rules governing eligibility, supplier obligations, and payment mechanisms under the new regulations.
Fourth Delegated Legislation Committee: The draft Conservation of Habitats and Species (Offshore Wind) (Amendment etc.) Regulations 2026
This delegated legislation committee will debate draft regulations amending UK conservation law to streamline environmental protections for offshore wind farms. The regulations modify the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations to remove barriers and reduce regulatory burdens on offshore wind development while maintaining environmental safeguards.
Third Delegated Legislation Committee: The draft First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) Fees (Amendment) Order 2026
This is a debate on a draft statutory instrument that would amend the fee structure for the First-tier Tribunal's Property Chamber, which handles disputes over leasehold property, housing standards, and residential tenancy matters. The committee will scrutinise whether the proposed fee changes are appropriate and whether they strike a fair balance between funding the tribunal and maintaining access to justice for property owners and tenants.
If necessary, Consideration of Lords message to the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill
This is a procedural session to consider any message sent from the House of Lords regarding the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill. If the Lords has proposed amendments or objections to the Bill, the Commons will need to decide whether to accept, reject, or amend those proposals before the legislation can receive Royal Assent.
Consideration of a carry-over motion relating to the Public Office (Accountability) Bill
Parliament is considering a carry-over motion for the Public Office (Accountability) Bill, which means requesting permission to continue work on this bill into the next parliamentary session. This procedural step is necessary because the bill did not complete its passage through Parliament before the end of the current session.
Consideration of Lords message to the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill
The House of Commons will consider amendments or other messages from the House of Lords regarding the Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill. This represents a key stage in the parliamentary process where the Commons reviews the Lords' proposed changes and decides whether to accept, reject, or further amend them before the Bill can proceed to Royal Assent.
Consideration of Lords message to the Crime and Policing Bill
The House of Commons is considering a message from the House of Lords regarding the Crime and Policing Bill. This represents the final stage of legislative scrutiny where the Lords have made amendments or objections that the Commons must address, either accepting, rejecting, or negotiating changes before the bill can receive Royal Assent.
Consideration of Lords message to the Pension Schemes Bill
The Commons will consider amendments and messages sent from the House of Lords to the Pension Schemes Bill. This is a technical parliamentary stage where the two chambers reconcile their positions on pension scheme regulations, likely covering contribution rates, scheme management, or benefit protections. The outcome determines the final form of pension rules affecting millions of workers and retirees.
Consideration of a carry-over motion relating to the Northern Ireland Troubles Bill
This is a procedural business item scheduled for the Commons on 27 April 2026. It provides time for consideration of any messages from the House of Lords, should they be necessary. Lords messages typically relate to amendments to bills or requests for further consideration of Commons decisions, and would be handled on an as-needed basis.
Contribution of Ernest Bevin
An Adjournment debate in the Commons Main Chamber on 27 April 2026 led by Matt Western (Labour MP for Warwick and Leamington) to discuss the historical contribution and legacy of Ernest Bevin, the influential 20th-century Labour politician and trade unionist who served as Foreign Secretary and other senior roles.
Tuesday, 28 April 202625 items
Foreign Affairs Committee: Work of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
The Foreign Affairs Committee will scrutinise the work and priorities of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). This oral evidence session examines the department's performance in managing UK foreign policy, international development, and diplomatic operations across its global network.
Education Committee: Screen Time and Social Media
The Education Committee is conducting oral evidence sessions to investigate the effects of screen time and social media on young people. This inquiry will examine how digital devices and social platforms impact children's wellbeing, development, and educational outcomes, and will likely explore what regulatory or policy measures should be considered.
Courts and Tribunals Bill: Further to consider the Bill
Parliament is continuing detailed scrutiny of the Courts and Tribunals Bill in General Committee. This stage allows MPs to examine the Bill's clauses in depth, propose amendments, and debate specific provisions affecting the court and tribunal system.
Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee: Work of the Department and its arm’s-length bodies
The Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee will hold an oral evidence session examining the work and performance of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) and its arm's-length bodies. This is a routine parliamentary accountability exercise where MPs scrutinise how the department is delivering its policy objectives across environmental protection, farming, food systems, and rural development.
Government support for park home owners
This Westminster Hall debate examines government support measures for park home owners in the UK. Park home owners face particular vulnerabilities including site rent increases, limited legal protections, and potential eviction risks, making this a targeted discussion on housing security and affordability for this specific residential sector.
Culture, Media and Sport Committee: Major events
The Culture, Media and Sport Committee is holding an oral evidence session to examine issues related to major events in the UK. This inquiry will likely explore how major sporting, cultural, and entertainment events are organized, funded, and regulated, and what challenges or opportunities exist in hosting such events.
Defence Committee: Defence in the High North
The Defence Committee is holding an oral evidence session to examine UK defence strategy and capabilities in the High North region, which encompasses Arctic and sub-Arctic areas including waters around Greenland, Iceland, and northern Scandinavia. This inquiry focuses on understanding military preparedness, NATO operations, and strategic challenges in this increasingly geopolitically significant area as Russia expands its Arctic presence.
City of London (Markets) Bill: To consider the Bill
The Commons is considering the City of London (Markets) Bill, which relates to the regulation and operation of markets within the City of London's jurisdiction. This oral evidence session before a select or joint committee will examine the bill's provisions, likely focusing on how market operations, trading rules, and regulatory oversight should be reformed or updated.
UK-India Technology Security Initiative
A Westminster Hall debate on the UK-India Technology Security Initiative, exploring enhanced technological and security cooperation between the UK and India. The debate will examine the strategic partnership's scope, implementation, and implications for both nations' technological sovereignty and defence capabilities.
Treasury (including Topical Questions)
This is a regular Treasury oral questions session where MPs question the Treasury minister on government spending, taxation, and economic policy. Topical Questions allow members to raise urgent current issues affecting public finances and the economy without advance notice.
International Development Committee: The UK’s development partnership with Nigeria
The International Development Committee will hear oral evidence on the UK's development partnership with Nigeria. This inquiry examines the nature, scope, and effectiveness of British development assistance to Nigeria, Africa's most populous country and a major regional economic power.
Home Affairs Committee: Violence Against Women and Girls strategy update
The Home Affairs Committee will receive oral evidence on the government's Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) strategy. This hearing will examine the current approach, progress, and effectiveness of policies and measures designed to prevent and respond to violence against women and girls, including domestic abuse, sexual assault, and harassment.
Women and Equalities Committee: Experiences of women in live comedy
The Women and Equalities Committee will hear oral evidence on the experiences of women in live comedy. This inquiry examines barriers, discrimination, and workplace conditions that women comedians face in the live performance sector, including issues of safety, harassment, pay equity, and opportunities for progression.
Courts and Tribunals Bill: Further to consider the Bill
Parliament is reconvening in General Committee to continue detailed examination of the Courts and Tribunals Bill. This is the second or further consideration of the Bill, where MPs scrutinise specific clauses, amendments, and provisions affecting the court system and tribunal structures across the UK.
Justice Committee: Work of the Ministry of Justice
The Justice Committee will conduct oral evidence sessions examining the overall work and performance of the Ministry of Justice. This is a routine parliamentary oversight hearing where the committee will scrutinise the department's operations, policy delivery, budget allocation, and departmental priorities across its areas of responsibility including courts, prisons, legal aid, and sentencing.
City of London (Markets) Bill: To consider the Bill
The Commons is considering the City of London (Markets) Bill, which will regulate markets under the jurisdiction of the City of London Corporation. This is likely to address the governance, operation, and modernisation of traditional markets in the City of London, potentially affecting market traders, vendors, and the historic market infrastructure in central London.
Business and Trade Committee: Industrial Strategy
This is a private meeting of the Business and Trade Committee, a select committee responsible for scrutinising government policy and performance on business, trade, and enterprise matters. The committee examines issues affecting the UK's economic competitiveness, trade relationships, and business environment.
International parental child abduction
This Westminster Hall debate, sponsored by Rachel Gilmour MP, examines the issue of international parental child abduction—when one parent unlawfully removes a child across international borders. The debate will explore how the UK can better protect children caught in cross-border family disputes and improve coordination with international authorities and legal frameworks.
Funding for fire and rescue services
Matt Vickers is raising concerns about funding for fire and rescue services in a Westminster Hall debate. This forum allows MPs to highlight issues and seek accountability from government on specific topics without requiring legislation, giving Vickers an opportunity to press the Labour government on firefighter resources, service adequacy, and budget allocation.
Potential merits of a national accident prevention strategy
This Westminster Hall debate explores whether the UK should adopt a national accident prevention strategy to reduce injuries and deaths across the population. Sir Andrew Mitchell is sponsoring discussion on how a coordinated, cross-government approach to accident prevention could save lives and reduce the burden on NHS and emergency services.
Consideration of Lords messages
This is a procedural Commons business item scheduling consideration of messages from the House of Lords. Lords messages typically relate to amendments or responses to legislation that has passed through the Commons. Without details of which specific bills or amendments are being considered, this represents routine parliamentary procedure for handling Lords communications.
Houses in multiple occupation
This adjournment debate, sponsored by Reform UK MP Lee Anderson, addresses the policy and regulation of houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) — residential properties occupied by unrelated people sharing facilities. The debate will examine issues surrounding HMO licensing, management standards, and their impact on local communities and housing supply.
Local Area Energy Plans
This is a procedural Ten Minute Rule Motion by Labour MP James Naish seeking permission to introduce a new Bill under Standing Order No. 23. The specific details of the proposed Bill have not yet been provided, so the subject matter and policy intent cannot be determined from this notice alone.
Consideration of Lords message to the Pension Schemes Bill
The Commons is considering amendments or objections sent back by the House of Lords to the Pension Schemes Bill. This is a key stage in the legislative process where the two chambers reconcile their positions on pension reforms before the Bill can receive Royal Assent.
If necessary, Consideration of Lords message to the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill
The Commons will consider a message from the House of Lords regarding the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill. This procedure occurs when the Lords has made amendments or objections to legislation passed by the Commons, requiring the lower house to decide whether to accept, reject, or further amend the Lords' position. The bill aims to devolve powers to local communities and regions in England.
Wednesday, 29 April 202614 items
Transport Committee: Supercharging the EV transition
This is a private meeting of the House of Commons Transport Committee scheduled for April 2026. The committee will discuss matters within its remit, which typically includes rail, roads, aviation, buses, maritime transport, and broader transport policy. As a private meeting, specific agenda items are not disclosed in advance.
Health and Social Care Committee: Food and Weight Management
The Health and Social Care Committee will take oral evidence on food and weight management policy. This inquiry will examine approaches to addressing obesity, nutrition, and related health outcomes through evidence from witnesses with expertise in food systems, public health, and weight management interventions.
Impact of the Community Infrastructure Levy on private homeowners
This Westminster Hall debate examines how the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) — a tax on new development — affects private homeowners. Sir Jeremy Hunt is raising concerns about the impact of CIL on residential property owners, likely exploring whether the levy is being fairly applied, whether it increases housing costs, and how it affects affordability and development incentives.
Government support for agriculture
This Westminster Hall debate will examine government support for agriculture, likely covering farm funding, subsidies, and rural economic policy. Richard Foord (Lib Dem MP for Honiton and Sidmouth) is raising concerns about how the Labour government is supporting the farming sector, which faces ongoing challenges around profitability, workforce, and post-Brexit trade conditions.
Women and Equalities (including Topical Questions)
This is a scheduled oral question session for the Women and Equalities department, where MPs can pose topical questions to government ministers about women's rights, gender equality, and equalities policy. The session allows parliamentarians to scrutinise the department's work on issues spanning workplace discrimination, reproductive rights, violence against women, and equal pay, with topical questions allowing MPs to raise urgent or contemporary issues.
Commons - Main Chamber Sir Keir Starmer
Prime Minister's Question Time is the weekly parliamentary session where the Prime Minister (Sir Keir Starmer) answers questions from MPs about government business and policy. This scheduled session on 29 April 2026 is a routine fixture of parliamentary procedure where backbench and opposition MPs can hold the PM to account on any matter of public concern.
Environmental Audit Committee: Risks and opportunities to the sustainability of data centres in the UK
The Environmental Audit Committee is gathering oral evidence on the sustainability risks and opportunities presented by data centres in the UK. Data centres consume significant energy and resources, raising questions about their environmental impact and how they can be made more sustainable as digital demand grows.
Government support for children developing essential skills
This Westminster Hall debate, sponsored by Labour MP Peter Swallow, examines government support for helping children develop essential skills. The debate will explore what skills children need for future employment and economic success, and what role government should play in ensuring all children have access to opportunities to develop these capabilities.
Procedure Committee: Written Parliamentary Questions
The Procedure Committee is conducting oral evidence sessions to examine how Written Parliamentary Questions (WPQs) work in the House of Commons. This is an inquiry into the procedures and practices governing how MPs submit questions to ministers and receive answers, looking at whether the current system is functioning effectively and meeting parliamentary and public expectations.
Government support for human rights in Burma
This Westminster Hall debate, sponsored by Labour MP Rushanara Ali, will examine UK government policy and support for human rights protections in Burma (Myanmar). The debate will scrutinise what measures the government is taking to promote human rights and address concerns about the political and humanitarian situation in the country, particularly following the 2021 military coup.
Water quality in Kent
This Westminster Hall debate examines water quality issues affecting Kent, raised by Tony Vaughan MP. The debate will explore current problems with water standards in the region and what action is needed to address them.
Impact of HS2 on communities
This adjournment debate, tabled by Conservative MP Joy Morrissey, examines the impact of the HS2 high-speed rail project on local communities. The debate will explore the effects of the rail infrastructure development on affected areas, including concerns about disruption, land acquisition, and community wellbeing during construction and operation of the network.
Consideration of Lords messages
This is a procedural Commons sitting to consider messages received from the House of Lords. Lords messages typically concern amendments to bills, requests for Commons reconsideration, or other formal communications between the two chambers. Without specific bill details provided, this represents standard parliamentary business managing the legislative process between chambers.
In-Person Banking Services
This is a procedural motion under Standing Order No. 23 to seek permission to introduce a Bill. The specific details of the proposed legislation are not yet provided. Alan Mak, Conservative MP for Havant, is sponsoring a Ten Minute Rule Motion to gain leave to bring forward a Bill, which will be outlined during the debate.
Thursday, 30 April 20264 items
Business and Trade (including Topical Questions)
This is a parliamentary question session where MPs quiz the Business and Trade Secretary on current departmental matters affecting UK commerce, industry, and trade policy. Topical questions allow MPs to raise urgent or emerging issues without advance notice, making this an opportunity to scrutinise government action on business competitiveness, trade deals, investment, and sector support.
Health and social care in Hertfordshire
This is an adjournment debate focused on health and social care services in Hertfordshire, sponsored by Labour MP Matt Turmaine. Adjournment debates allow MPs to raise specific local issues for government response; this session will examine the state of health and social care provision in Hertfordshire, likely covering NHS performance, social care capacity, funding challenges, or service delivery concerns in the county.
Business Questions to the Leader of the House
This is a procedural parliamentary session where MPs ask Business Questions to the Leader of the House about the government's parliamentary business, priorities, and scheduling. It is a regular fixture that allows backbenchers to raise concerns about Commons timetabling and government plans.
Consideration of Lords messages
The Commons will consider messages received from the House of Lords on legislative matters. This is a procedural stage where the Commons reviews Lords amendments, requests, or communications on bills that have been through the Upper House, deciding whether to accept, reject, or amend them further.
Tuesday, 5 May 20262 items
Justice (including Topical Questions)
This is a scheduled oral question session for the Justice Department, allowing MPs to quiz the Justice Secretary and ministerial team on a range of justice-related matters. Questions may cover courts, sentencing, prisons, criminal justice reform, legal aid, or related policy areas. Topical questions allow MPs to raise urgent or newsworthy issues without advance notice.
That leave be given to bring in a Bill under SO No. 23 [details to be provided]
Matt Bishop (Labour MP for Forest of Dean) is requesting permission under Standing Order No. 23 to introduce a Private Member's Bill. The specific details of the proposed legislation are not yet provided, so the precise policy content cannot be determined from this procedural notice alone.
Wednesday, 6 May 20262 items
Science, Innovation and Technology (including Topical Questions)
This is a general oral question session with topical questions focused on science, innovation and technology policy. MPs will question the Science, Innovation and Technology department on current priorities, government strategy, and emerging issues in these areas. Topical questions allow MPs to raise urgent, timely matters without advance notice.
Commons - Main Chamber Sir Keir Starmer
Prime Minister's Question Time is the weekly parliamentary session where the Prime Minister (Sir Keir Starmer) answers questions from MPs. This is a routine procedural event where the opposition and backbenchers quiz the government on current issues, policies, and performance. It is the main weekly accountability mechanism for the Prime Minister in Parliament.
Thursday, 7 May 20263 items
Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (including Topical Questions)
This is a scheduled question time session for the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), where MPs can pose oral questions to government ministers on environmental policy, food standards, and rural affairs. The session includes topical questions allowing MPs to raise urgent, timely issues. This is a regular accountability mechanism for scrutinising the government's environmental and agricultural strategy.
Attorney General (including Topical Questions)
This is a regular oral questions session where MPs question the Attorney General on matters of legal policy, law enforcement, and the administration of justice. Topical questions allow MPs to raise urgent, current issues affecting the legal system and access to justice. The session tests government accountability on law enforcement priorities and legal matters.
Business Questions to the Leader of the House
This is a routine procedural session where MPs can ask the Leader of the House questions about the government's forthcoming parliamentary business, priorities, and scheduling. Sir Alan Campbell, the Labour MP for Tynemouth, is sponsoring the session, which allows backbenchers to hold the government accountable on how it manages Commons time and legislative planning.
Wednesday, 13 May 20261 item
Thursday, 14 May 20262 items
Public Accounts Committee: Shared services
The Public Accounts Committee is conducting oral evidence sessions to examine how shared services are operating across government. This inquiry will assess whether public sector organisations are effectively pooling resources and capabilities to deliver services more efficiently and cost-effectively, and identify any barriers to better coordination.
Business Questions to the Leader of the House
This is a procedural session where MPs can ask the Leader of the House questions about the business of Parliament. Sir Alan Campbell, the Labour MP for Tynemouth, is sponsoring this item. MPs typically use Business Questions to query the government on parliamentary timetable, scheduling of debates, and conduct of Commons business.
Monday, 18 May 20262 items
Home Office (including Topical Questions)
This is a scheduled oral question session directed at the Home Office, where MPs question the Home Secretary on departmental policy and operations. Topical questions allow members to raise urgent or current issues affecting the department's remit, which typically covers policing, immigration, borders, counter-terrorism, and domestic security.
Public Accounts Committee: Large business tax compliance
The Public Accounts Committee will examine how large businesses comply with their tax obligations in the UK. This scrutiny session will investigate whether major corporations are paying the taxes they owe and whether HM Revenue & Customs is effectively enforcing tax rules against big business.
Tuesday, 19 May 20261 item
Wednesday, 20 May 20262 items
Scotland
This is a scheduled oral questions session focused on Scotland, where MPs will pose questions to the Scotland Office or relevant Scottish affairs minister. Oral questions allow backbenchers to scrutinise government policy and decisions affecting Scotland, covering devolved and reserved matters depending on the nature of questions tabled.
Commons - Main Chamber Sir Keir Starmer
Prime Minister's Question Time (PMQs) is the weekly parliamentary session where the Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, answers questions from MPs on the government's policies and actions. This is a standard governance procedure where the opposition and backbenchers can hold the government to account on current issues and priorities.