Parliament summer break
The summer break is coming to an end, which means it’s time for Parliament to get back to business.
But what does that mean for you? Well, as always, we have a few tips and tricks that will help ensure your summer break isn’t interrupted:
-Don’t forget to take care of yourself! It’s easy to get so caught up in work that you forget to do anything else. Take some time off from work and focus on what matters most: you!
-Keep up with the latest news in politics. Check out our blog posts, or even better—join us on Discord (we’ll be posting links there) so you can discuss it with other people who are passionate about politics!
-If you’re looking for something new to read, check out our recommended reading list!
History of parliament summer break
Miles Taylor, professor in modern history at the University of York, told i the concept of recess dates back to the 18th century when the parliamentary calendar was tied to the aristocratic social calendar of London.
“Parliament met between February and August each year, when the social elite were in London as opposed to at their country estates or overseas travelling. The King’s Speech started the session, usually in February.
“As a rule, Parliament finished on 12 August because it was the beginning of the shooting season. That was pretty much the way it was through to the early 20th century,” Prof Taylor says.
In 1927, then Prime Minister Stanley Baldwin proposed Parliament should begin in autumn because there was so much legislation to get through. “It was the beginning of the modern system,” Prof Taylor tells i.
Summer recess is pretty much set in stone unless there is a general election, which would take precedence.
Professor Taylor said the last few weeks leading up to recess can be a busy time for MPs.
“Legislation has to be [dealt] with in the Parliamentary year – if Bills are not passed into Acts of legislation by the time of recess then they fall and [MPs] have to start again. There is pressure to get legislation through in final weeks before recess.”
When is parliament summer break?
The House of Commons recess for summer begins on 21 July, ending on 5 September, the date the Conservative Party is set to announce its new leader.
Boris Johnson will at some point tender his resignation to the Queen, most likely on 5 September.
The Queen will then formally appoint his successor, making them prime minister, allowing them to begin in the role.
Are there any circumstances in which Parliament would meet?
Yes – but it would have to involve a major event of national importance.
Parliament can be recalled, but for this to happen, the Government must pass its request to the Commons Speaker – currently Sir Lindsay Hoyle – who makes the final decision.
The Speaker must decide whether it is in the public interest to agree to a recall. He can also decide what days the House of Commons should sit during the recall.
However, the Speaker cannot decide to recall the House of Commons without being asked to do so by the Government.
Parliament was last recalled on 18 August 2021 to discuss the crisis in Afghanistan following the fall of Kabul to the Taliban.