Parliament does not sit all year round. During periods called recesses, Members can carry out their other duties.
Recess dates are announced in the House of Commons by the Leader of the House of Commons. In the House of Lords recess dates are announced by the Chief Whip. This page is updated when any announcements are made.
The exact pattern of recesses can change and is normally slightly different for the two Houses.
House of Commons
Recess dates 2012-13 (Note: All recess dates are provisional)
State Opening: 9 May 2012
|
Recess |
House rises |
House returns |
| Whitsun |
24 May 2012 |
11 June 2012 |
| Summer |
17 July 2012 |
3 September 2012 |
| Conference |
18 September 2012 |
15 October 2012 |
| Autumn |
13 November 2012 |
19 November 2012 |
| Christmas |
20 December 2012 |
7 January 2013 |
House of Lords
Recess dates 2012-13 (Note: All recess dates are provisional)
State Opening 9 May 2012
|
Recess |
House rises |
House returns |
| The Queen's Diamond Jubilee |
30 May 2012 |
11 June 2012 |
| Summer |
25 July 2012 |
8 October 2012 |
| Autumn |
14 November 2012 |
19 November 2012 |
| Christmas |
20 December 2012 |
8 January 2013 |