The week in Westminster: May 17th – May 21st
MPs are back in Westminster as the new parliament begins its work – but the formalities are far from dispensed with.
All MPs will have to be sworn in, a process which will take up most of the week. It follows the election for the Speaker on Tuesday.
Parliament sat for the last time on April 8th when MPs, many of whom did not return, completed the ‘wash-up’ process in which 14 bills were rushed through in just two days.
The 12-day interval between the election and parliament’s return is a week longer than has previously been the case. This followed a 2007 report from the Commons’ modernisation committee, which found that the extra time would be useful to help new MPs make the transition to their new life.
The state opening of parliament takes place on May 25th, when the Queen’s Speech will outline the coalition government’s legislative agenda.
Commons
Tuesday
Election of the Speaker
Wednesday and Thursday
Swearing-in of members
Lords
Tuesday and Wednesday
Swearing-in of peers
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