Parliament Matters Bulletin: Our weekly analysis of what’s coming up in Parliament
Latest edition: 18-21 May 2026
Westminster is always buzzing with political drama and rumours, but whatever the daily gossip or latest crisis, law-making and parliamentary scrutiny carries on regardless. That’s why it’s crucial to stay informed about what’s happening in Parliament each week. The Parliament Matters Bulletin is our weekly analysis of what’s coming up in the House of Commons and House of Lords, as a complement to our weekly Parliament Matters Podcast.
18-21 May 2026
Both Houses will continue debating the King’s Speech, with proceedings in the Commons due to conclude on Wednesday and in the Lords on Thursday. The Private Members’ Bill ballot will take place with the 20 successful MPs gaining the opportunity to present the first PMBs of the session. In the Commons, MPs will debate a new bill to bring steel undertakings into public ownership. MPs will also elect a chair of the Backbench Business Committee for the remainder of the parliament. Al Carns, the Armed Forces Minister, will give evidence to the National Security Committee on the protection of undersea cables. The Governor of the Bank of England will appear before the Treasury Committee to discuss monetary policy, and the Government’s preferred candidate to chair Ofcom will face a pre-appointment hearing.
13-14 May 2026
Parliament returns on Wednesday with the State Opening and the King’s Speech marking the start of a new parliamentary session. Many traditions will be observed, including presentation of the Outlawries Bill and the Select Vestries Bill and an order instructing the Metropolitan Police to prevent “stoppages in the street”. In the Commons, the Speaker will remind MPs of their duties and responsibilities, before debate begins on the Loyal Address. The Education Committee will take evidence on the benefits of children reading for pleasure, and the Home Affairs Committee will consider responses to antisemitism.
27-30 April 2026
Ahead of prorogation, the Foreign Affairs Committee will question Morgan McSweeney and Sir Philip Barton about Lord Mandelson’s appointment as Ambassador to Washington. The week will be dominated by legislative “ping-pong” on four Bills: the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill, the Pensions Schemes Bill, the Crime and Policing Bill, and the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill. MPs will also consider carry-over motions for the Northern Ireland Troubles Bill and the Public Office (Accountability) Bill. Chancellor Rachel Reeves and Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden will face MPs’ questions. Peers will debate agricultural payment reforms, while select committees examine national security, social media harms, and environmental oversight. Proceedings may be curtailed by prorogation bringing an end to the Session on Wednesday.
20-24 April 2026
The Prime Minister will make a statement on recent revelations concerning the security vetting of Peter Mandelson. The Foreign Affairs Committee may hear from Olly Robbins, the civil servant who headed the Foreign Office who was sacked last week. Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper is also set to face oral questions from MPs. Legislative “ping-pong” between the two Houses continues on the English Devolution, Victims and Courts, Pension Schemes, Crime and Policing, Children’s Wellbeing and Schools, and Tobacco and Vapes Bills. The assisted dying bill reaches its final scheduled day of debate before the Session ends. There are general debates in the Commons on allied health professionals and on reform of the DVLA, and in the Lords on clean energy and rural communities and on cancer outcomes. The Joint Committee on Human Rights will question the Northern Ireland Secretary on the Northern Ireland Troubles Bill.
9-12 February 2026
2-6 February 2026
26-30 January 2026
19-23 January 2026
12-16 January 2026
5-9 January 2026
15-18 December 2025
8-12 December 2025
1-5 December 2025
24-27 November 2025
17-21 November 2025
10-14 November 2025
3-5 November 2025
27-31 October 2025
20-24 October 2025
13-16 October 2025
15-19 September 2025
8-12 September 2025
1-5 September 2025
21-24 July 2025
14-18 July 2025
7-11 July 2025
30 June - 4 July 2025
23-27 June 2025
10-14 March 2025
3-7 March 2025
24-28 February 2025
10-14 February 2025
3-7 February 2025
27-31 January 2025
20-24 January 2025
13-17 January 2025
6-10 January 2025
16-20 December 2024
9-13 December 2024
2-6 December 2024
25-29 November 2024
18-22 November 2024
11-15 November 2024
4-8 November 2024
28 October-1 November 2024
21-25 October 2024
14-18 October 2024
7-11 October 2024
9-13 September 2024
2-6 September 2024
29 July-2 August 2024
22-26 July 2024
Parliament Matters Bulletin
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Parliament Matters Podcast
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