WednesdayUpcoming
20 May 2026 — 17 items
Energy Security and Net Zero Committee: International climate policy
The Energy Security and Net Zero Committee will take oral evidence on international climate policy. This scrutiny session examines how the UK engages with global climate negotiations, agreements, and commitments—exploring areas like the Paris Agreement, international carbon markets, and climate finance. The focus is understanding the UK's diplomatic strategy and obligations as it transitions to net zero while maintaining energy security.
Science, Innovation and Technology Committee: Pre-appointment hearing for the Chair of Ofcom
The Science, Innovation and Technology Committee will hold a pre-appointment hearing to scrutinise the candidate nominated to chair Ofcom, the UK's communications regulator. The hearing allows MPs to question the appointee on their plans for regulating telecommunications, broadcasting, and postal services before the government formally confirms their appointment. This is a standard parliamentary check on major public appointments.
Scottish Affairs Committee: Connectivity in Scotland: Fixed links
The Scottish Affairs Committee is holding oral evidence sessions on fixed links connectivity in Scotland—examining physical infrastructure and network connections that enable reliable broadband and telecommunications access across the country. The inquiry focuses on how Scotland's geography, sparse population in rural areas, and existing infrastructure gaps affect the rollout and quality of fixed-line services to homes and businesses.
Health and Social Care Committee: The work of NHS England
The Health and Social Care Committee will take oral evidence on the work and performance of NHS England, the operational delivery arm of the health service. This scrutiny session examines how NHS England is managing the health system, delivering care, and responding to current pressures across hospitals, general practice, and community services.
Work and Pensions Committee: Youth employment, education and training
The Work and Pensions Committee will hear oral evidence on youth employment, education and training. This inquiry examines how young people transition from school into work or further study, and whether current support systems—including apprenticeships, training schemes, and job support—are effective at reducing youth unemployment and improving economic opportunity.
Transport Committee: HS2: progress update
A private meeting of the Transport Committee scheduled for May 2026. The committee will conduct internal business—likely reviewing ongoing inquiries, planning future investigations, or discussing procedural matters—rather than holding a public evidence session or debate. The specific agenda is not disclosed in this notice.
Science, Innovation and Technology (including Topical Questions)
MPs will pose oral questions to the Science, Innovation and Technology department about current priorities and policy challenges in scientific research, technological development, and innovation. The session includes topical questions, allowing MPs to raise urgent or emerging issues affecting the sector. This is a routine accountability mechanism for holding the department to account on its performance and strategic direction.
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.
Commons - Main Chamber Sir Keir Starmer
Prime Minister's Question Time is a weekly parliamentary session in which Sir Keir Starmer, the Prime Minister, answers oral questions from MPs on any matter of government policy or administration. MPs table questions on topics ranging from the economy and public services to foreign policy and constituency issues. The PM and opposition leader lead the exchanges, setting the tone for wider parliamentary and media debate on the government's record and priorities.
Environmental Audit Committee: Air Pollution in England
The Environmental Audit Committee will take oral evidence on air pollution across England. This inquiry examines the extent and causes of air quality problems, their effects on public health, and the effectiveness of current government policy and enforcement in tackling pollution. The hearing will establish the evidence base for the committee's subsequent report and recommendations.
Treasury Committee: Bank of England Monetary Policy Reports
The Treasury Committee will take oral evidence on the Bank of England's Monetary Policy Reports. These reports, published twice yearly, set out the Bank's assessment of inflation, economic growth, and interest rate decisions. The committee will scrutinise the Bank's reasoning on these critical decisions and their implications for UK households and businesses.
Business and Trade Sub-Committee on Economic Security, Arms and Export Controls: Critical minerals
A Business and Trade Sub-Committee meeting to examine economic security policy, military and defence exports, and arms control frameworks. The committee will scrutinise how the UK manages the intersection of trade, national security, and export regulation—particularly in sensitive sectors like defence technology and dual-use goods that can serve both civilian and military purposes.
Procedure Committee: Written Parliamentary Questions
The Procedure Committee will take oral evidence on how Written Parliamentary Questions—a core mechanism for holding government to account—function in practice. MPs use written questions to request information and explanations from ministers, and the committee is examining whether the system works effectively, promptly, and fairly. This inquiry will explore rules, timescales, ministerial compliance, and whether reform is needed.
Third Delegated Legislation Committee: The draft Hampshire and the Solent Combined County Authority Regulations 2026
Parliament will debate draft regulations establishing a combined county authority for Hampshire and the Solent region. This is a delegated legislation measure that sets out the governance, powers, and operational framework for a new mayoral combined authority, bringing together multiple local authorities under a single elected leader to coordinate economic development, transport, and strategic planning across the area.
Criteria for establishing banking hubs
Graham Leadbitter raises the criteria and policy framework for establishing banking hubs—dedicated spaces in communities where multiple banks share facilities to provide in-person banking services. This adjournment debate addresses gaps in rural and underserved areas where individual bank branch closures have left residents and small businesses without accessible banking infrastructure, and seeks clarity on the government's standards for deciding where hubs should be located and how they are funded.
Conclusion of the debate on the King’s Speech on defence readiness
Parliament concludes its debate on the King's Speech, specifically focused on defence readiness. The debate allows MPs to discuss the government's defence priorities, military capability, and strategic preparedness. This is the final speech day devoted to defence, after which the debate concludes and the House moves on.