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

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Latest edition: 6-10 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.

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

Peers will begin scrutiny of the House of Lords (Hereditary Peers) Bill, while MPs focus on the Finance Bill. At Justice questions Suella Braverman will ask Ministers about the International Criminal Court, and Pat McFadden will give evidence to a Select Committee about the work of the Cabinet Office and the civil service. Lord Arbuthnot will question plans to overturn convictions of sub-postmasters affected by the faulty Capture accounting system, the predecessor to Horizon.

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2-6 December 2024

Rachel Reeves will field questions in the Chamber, as her Bill to authorise the Budget proposals increasing National Insurance Contributions reaches its Second Reading debate. MPs will also discuss the Grenfell Tower Inquiry Phase 2 Report. The Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards will face questions on the work of his office. The Government may introduce a money motion for the assisted dying Bill this week, allowing up to 45 minutes of debate, though it is not yet listed in the business papers. There may also be news on the appointment of members to its Public Bill Committee.

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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

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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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