Publications / Guides

Procedural and constitutional guides

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Guides / How is Parliament recalled?

If a crisis or major national event occurs during a period when Parliament is adjourned, there are often demands from MPs, the media and the public for Parliament to be ‘recalled’. But the House of Commons Standing Orders stipulate that only Government Ministers - in reality, the Prime Minister - can ask the Speaker to recall the House. In recent years the House of Lords has generally been recalled at the same time as the House of Commons.

07 Aug 2024
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Guides / The Parliament Act 1911: A procedural guide

The Parliament Act 1911 is one of the UK's most important constitutional laws. It removed the veto of the House of Lords over legislation (subject to certain conditions) and has been central ever since to the centuries-old debate about the proper role of the House of Lords in our democratic system.

24 Mar 2024
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Guides / What is the debate on the ‘Address’?

After the King's Speech has been delivered, each House must respond to it. This response takes the form of a 'humble Address' from the House to the King, thanking him for the Speech. The debate on this motion is properly called the 'Debate on the Address'. The debate lasts for several days in each House and provides an occasion for a wide-ranging and constitutionally significant discussion about the Government's policies and programme.

06 Nov 2023
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Guides / The King’s Speech and State Opening of Parliament: A procedural and constitutional guide

State Opening, with the King’s Speech at its centre, is the key ceremonial and constitutional event at the start of a new Session of Parliament. Our 3 short guides below set out what the occasion is, what happens on the day, and how the King’s Speech is then debated.

06 Nov 2023
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Guides / What is the King’s Speech?

The King’s Speech is the vehicle through which the Government sets out its legislative programme for a new Session of Parliament. The Speech is the central element of the State Opening of Parliament. The King’s Speech may also be referred to as the 'Gracious Speech'. It is written by the Government; the Monarch simply reads it out. However, the references which the Monarch makes in the Speech to 'my Government' reaffirm the constitutional fact that, formally, the Government is the King's Government and is appointed by him.

06 Nov 2023
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Guides / How is Parliament recalled?

07 Aug 2024
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Guides / What is the King’s Speech?

06 Nov 2023
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Guides / What is the Finance Bill?

12 Mar 2023
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Guides / Can MPs amend the Budget?

12 Mar 2023
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Guides / What is the Budget?

11 Mar 2023
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Guides / What is the Estimates cycle?

07 Mar 2023
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Guides / What are Estimates?

07 Mar 2023
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Guides / What is a Money Bill?

07 Mar 2023
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Guides / What is a Ballot Bill?

13 Dec 2019
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Guides / What is a Presentation Bill?

13 Dec 2019
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Guides / Private Members' Bills (PMBs)

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