When is the Government summer recess 2024? House of Commons to be dismissed for holidays
Sir Keir Starmer’s Government has only recently taken office and the Conservative opposition is selecting a new leader — but Parliament is about to wind down.
The newly elected Labour administration has just had its King’s Speech read and announced its policies for the term ahead with the first (prime minister’s questions) PMQs being held on Wednesday (July 24).
But new MPs have not had long to become familiar with their offices and benches with the House of Commons soon to be dismissed for the summer.
Having already survived one rebellion over the two-child benefit cap, Sir Keir is set to go off on his holidays after a successful early summer.
Meanwhile, a three-month process to select a new Conservative Party leader has begun after Rishi Sunak announced he was standing down following his party’s mauling at the general election. Tom Tugendhat and James Cleverly have both already put their names forward.
But what is the recess and when will it be in 2024?
What is the Government’s summer recess?
The Government's summer recess in the UK is a period during which Parliament is not in session, and MPs and peers (members of the House of Lords) are typically away from Westminster.
Parliament has no debates, votes, or committee meetings during this time. The summer recess usually takes place from late July to early September, allowing MPs and peers a break to engage with their constituencies, take vacations, or attend to other duties.
It means there will not be another PMQs until September.
Parliament works in yearly terms but observes clearly defined breaks when it will not meet.
During the parliamentary year, the House of Commons and House of Lords will periodically close for a break, with neither meeting to discuss Government matters.
There are six parliamentary recesses: February, Whitsun, Summer, Conference, November, and Christmas.
When is the House of Commons recess for 2024-25?
The 2024-25 session began with the State Opening of Parliament on July 17.
Summer recess will begin on Tuesday, July 30, and end on Monday, September 2 — a very similar timeframe to the school summer holidays.
Conference season will be from September 12 to October 7.
The dates for the summer recess can vary yearly and are announced in advance by the Leader of the House of Commons.
What do MPs do when they are away from Parliament?
During the summer recess, MPs engage in various activities outside their official duties in Westminster.
Here are some common activities they might undertake:
Constituency work: MPs spend time in their constituencies addressing the concerns and needs of their constituents. This can include holding surgeries (regular meetings where constituents can bring up issues), attending local events, visiting schools and businesses, and meeting with local councils and organisations.
Casework: MPs often deal with individual cases brought to them by constituents, such as problems with housing, immigration, and benefits. The summer recess gives them more time to focus on these matters without the pressures of parliamentary sessions.
Community engagement: MPs may participate in or organise community events, charity functions, and local festivals. This helps them stay connected with the people they represent and understand local issues better.
Policy work: Some MPs use the recess to work on policy research, draft new proposals, and prepare for upcoming parliamentary sessions. This can involve meeting with experts, stakeholders, and interest groups to gather information and develop their ideas.
Party activities: MPs might also engage in activities related to their political party, such as attending party conferences, strategy meetings, and supporting election campaigns for local government positions.
International duties: Some MPs have roles that require international travel, such as participating in delegations, attending conferences, or engaging in diplomatic activities.
Media and public appearances: MPs often give interviews, write articles, and make media appearances to communicate their work and views to the public.
Party conferences are typically held after the summer break. All MPs are expected to attend these.
