UK Parliament Recall: Why and How MPs Return from Recess

This episode examines the concept of recalling the UK Parliament and its devolved legislatures when they are on a break or recess. We'll learn why recalls happen, often for urgent matters like national crises, legislation, or tributes. The procedure for triggering a recall differs between the House of Commons, House of Lords, and the Scottish, Welsh, and Northern Ireland Parliaments. We'll also touch on the costs involved and historical examples, including calls for changing the system in the UK Parliament.

Key Takeaways

• Parliament (House of Commons and House of Lords) can be called back from a break (recess).
• In the House of Commons, the Speaker decides on a recall, but only after government ministers ask and the Speaker agrees it's in the public interest.
• There have been suggestions and proposals to allow MPs or the Speaker, not just the government, to request a recall.
• MPs' necessary travel costs for attending a recall are paid by the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (IPSA).
• The House of Lords also has a recall procedure, led by the Lord Speaker after consulting the government, and usually happens when the Commons is recalled.
• Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland have their own rules for recalling their legislatures, which differ from the UK Parliament.
• Reasons for recall vary widely, from urgent laws like the Steel Industry Bill in 2025 to debates on international events or public disorder.
• Sitting on a Saturday is very unusual for the House of Commons, but it can happen if the House is recalled.

Important Definitions and Concepts

• Recall of Parliament: The process of bringing the House of Commons or House of Lords back into session during a period when they are adjourned or in recess.
• Standing Orders: The permanent rules that govern the procedures and conduct of business within the House of Commons or other legislatures.

Source: Recall of Parliament
Research Briefing
Published Tuesday, 27 May, 2025

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No outside chatter: source material only taken from Hansard and the Parliament UK website.

Contains Parliamentary information repurposed under the Open Parliament Licence v3.0....