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Parliament Matters Bulletin: Our weekly analysis of what's coming up in Parliament

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Latest edition: 20-24 January 2025

Westminster is always buzzing with political drama and rumours, but whatever the daily gossip or latest crisis, law-making and parliamentary scrutiny carries on regardless. That’s why it’s crucial to stay informed about what’s happening in Parliament each week. The Parliament Matters Bulletin is our weekly analysis of what's coming up in the House of Commons and House of Lords, as a complement to our weekly Parliament Matters Podcast.

20-24 January 2025

The projected costs of the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill will be considered by MPs, and the Public Bill Committee examining the Bill will meet to decide its schedule of work. Backbench debates focus on the impact of food and diet on obesity; financial education; and Holocaust Memorial Day. MPs will consider the Armed Forces Commissioner Bill and the Bank Resolution (Recapitalisation) Bill. Peers will consider amendments to the Data (Use and Access) Bill. The Home Affairs Committee will hear from Professor Alexis Jay, chair of the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse.

13-17 January 2025

MPs will consider proposed amendments to the Renters’ Rights Bill. The Foreign Secretary and Home Secretary will face oral questions from MPs. Backbenchers will lead a debate on hospice and palliative care, intended to inform the wider debate about the assisted dying bill. Several Cabinet Ministers, including the Leader of the House of Commons, will appear before select committees. The Financial Assistance to Ukraine Bill will complete all its stages in the House of Lords in a day. Peers will commence Committee stage scrutiny of the Mental Health Bill.

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6-10 January 2025

MPs return from recess to debate the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill and the Crown Estate Bill. Backbenchers will lead discussions on seizing Russian assets, NHS backlogs, and violence against women and girls. Peers will consider the legislation to increase employer National Insurance contributions and the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill. Electoral Commission officials will give evidence to the Public Administration Committee's review of the 2024 general election, and the Deputy Prime Minister and Communities Secretary Angela Rayner faces her departmental select committee. MPs will also debate the 3-million-signature e-petition demanding a new general election.

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16-20 December 2024

MPs will review five Bills, including the Water (Special Measures) Bill and debate two E-Petitions on Israel and Palestine, one on halting arms exports to Israel, raising sub judice concerns. Six Select Committees will see membership changes following front bench reshuffles and Peers will consider proposals for four new 2025 inquiry committees.The Defence Committee Chair will raise concerns about poor service accommodation, while Angela Rayner, Yvette Cooper, Shabana Mahmood, Wes Streeting, and Michael Gove face Select Committees.

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9-13 December 2024

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2-6 December 2024

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25-29 November 2024

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18-22 November 2024

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11-15 November 2024

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4-8 November 2024

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28 October-1 November 2024

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21-25 October 2024

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14-18 October 2024

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7-11 October 2024

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The Palace of Westminster. ©Adobe Stock

9-13 September 2024

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2-6 September 2024

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29 July-2 August 2024

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Palace of Westminster and Portcullis House (UK Houses of Parliament). © UK Parliament

22-26 July 2024

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Parliament Matters Bulletin

Subscribe to our newsletter to get this weekly ‘look ahead’ at what’s happening in Parliament and why it matters, straight into your inbox as soon as it's published.

Parliament Matters podcast cover image. ©Hansard Society

Parliament Matters Podcast

Presented by Mark D’Arcy, former BBC parliamentary correspondent, and our Director, Ruth Fox, you can listen to our weekly podcast by subscribing via your favourite app.

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17 Jan 2025
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Briefings / The Assisted Dying Bill: A guide to the Private Member's Bill process

This briefing explains what to watch for during the Second Reading debate of the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill on 29 November. It outlines the procedural and legislative issues that will come into play: the role of the Chair in managing the debate and how procedures such as the 'closure' and 'reasoned amendments' work. It looks ahead to the Committee and Report stage procedures that will apply if the Bill progresses beyond Second Reading. It also examines the government's responsibilities, such as providing a money resolution for the Bill and preparing an Impact Assessment, while addressing broader concerns about the adequacy of Private Members’ Bill procedures for scrutinising controversial issues.

27 Nov 2024
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23 Dec 2024
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06 Jan 2025
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