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

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Latest edition: 18-22 November 2024

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.

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18-22 November 2024

MPs will debate creating an independent Armed Forces Commissioner to support service members and their families. Five Cabinet Ministers and the Bank of England Governor are among those giving evidence to Select Committees. Peers will consider the Product Regulation and Metrology Bill in Grand Committee. MPs will consider the £2.26 billion Financial Assistance to Ukraine Bill, funded by frozen Russian assets. The House of Commons will also debate Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPPs).

11-15 November 2024

Kim Leadbeater’s Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill is expected to be published early this week. A debate on rural affairs will give MPs an opportunity to address the impact of proposed reductions in agricultural property relief from inheritance tax as outlined in the Budget. Peers will debate the Immigration and Nationality (Fees) (Amendment) Order 2024, which aims to rectify the unauthorised charging of visa-related fees. MPs will consider amendments to the bill to remove hereditary Peers. And the International Development Committee will hear about the current humanitarian and health situation from organisations working in Gaza.

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4-8 November 2024

The new Leader of the Opposition, Kemi Badenoch, makes her debut at Prime Minister’s Questions. The Budget debate concludes with votes on the "founding" resolutions for the Finance Bill. But why is a separate bill for National Insurance changes needed? The Treasury Select Committee questions the Chancellor of the Exchequer, along with other leading economic experts. The Business and Trade Select Committee hears from Sir Alan Bates and other victims of the Post Office Horizon scandal about "fast and fair redress." And a draft Statutory Instrument to extend bus franchising powers to all local transport authorities in England will be debated by both Houses.

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28 October-1 November 2024

It’s finally Budget Week! This Wednesday marks the historic presentation of the Budget for the first time by a female Chancellor of the Exchequer. The Budget debate will continue for the rest of the week and into next, featuring Rishi Sunak’s final appearance at the despatch box before the new Leader of the Opposition is announced on Saturday. Monday will also bring the final nominations for most select committees, allowing them to get to work planning their first inquiries. Meanwhile, two major pieces of legislation are set to advance: the Great British Energy Bill and the Renters’ Rights Bill.

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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 Podcast

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News / Parliament Matters Bulletin: What's coming up in Parliament this week? 18-22 November 2024

MPs will debate creating an independent Armed Forces Commissioner to support service members and their families. Five Cabinet Ministers and the Bank of England Governor are among those giving evidence to Select Committees. Peers will consider the Product Regulation and Metrology Bill in Grand Committee. MPs will consider the £2.26 billion Financial Assistance to Ukraine Bill, funded by frozen Russian assets. The House of Commons will also debate Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPPs).

17 Nov 2024
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Webinars / The Assisted Dying Bill: How will Parliament decide? Exploring the parliamentary process

As we approach the Second Reading of the Assisted Dying Bill in the House of Commons later this month, join us for this online discussion to learn more about the parliamentary process behind this Private Member’s Bill (PMB). This event is ideal for anyone interested in what might unfold in the upcoming debate, the distinct procedural challenges PMBs encounter compared to government bills, and how these parliamentary rules could ultimately shape the outcome of the Assisted Dying Bill. 6:00pm - 7:15pm, Tuesday 26 November 2024 Online (via Zoom)

26 Nov 2024
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News / The Assisted Dying Bill: Is more parliamentary time needed? - Parliament Matters podcast, Episode 55

Could one of the most consequential Private Members’ Bills in nearly fifty years - the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill, which seeks to legalise assisted dying - be stopped not due to its content but because MPs fear they won’t have time to scrutinise it properly?

15 Nov 2024
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News / The Official Opposition: how to be effective in Parliament - Parliament Matters podcast, Episode 54

Following Kemi Badenoch’s election, this episode explores the challenges she faces as the new Leader of the Opposition. What does it take to build an effective Opposition? What strategic decisions, policy initiatives, and personnel choices must she navigate? What resources and procedural tools can she use to challenge the Government and build a compelling public profile? How does she balance party cohesion with presenting a credible alternative government and preparing for future elections?

12 Nov 2024
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News / Urgent Questions: Answering your questions about how Parliament works - Parliament Matters podcast, Episode 52

In this episode, we discuss a variety of intriguing questions from listeners about the traditions and inner workings of Parliament. Topics include conduct in the Commons chamber, the practice of whipped votes, the origins of the Private Members' Bill ballot, and the unusual presence of ministers on select committees. We also discuss why MPs often refer to question numbers rather than asking questions directly in the Chamber, and consider the prospects for a future House of Lords committee dedicated to scrutinising EU-related issues affecting Northern Ireland.

06 Nov 2024
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