Recesses

The following is a guide to normal recess dates:

Christmas and New Year/Winter festivals – normally the last two weeks in December and the first week in January
February half-term – normally one week in mid-February
Easter – normally two weeks around Easter
Whit recess – normally one week at the end of May
Summer – normally about seven weeks from mid-July to the first week in September
Conference recess – normally the last week in September and the first week in October

Traditionally, the Government has not given MPs recess dates more than a few months in advance, as knowing how for long Parliament will sit can aid opposition parties. Recent modernisation has seen dates announced for the coming year, with the caveat that they are subject to the progress of Parliamentary business.

In addition to the dates announced, there is always a brief recess prior to the State Opening of Parliament after prorogation. This normally lasts about a week.