Recall of Parliament
If there is an important development during a recess period, the House of Commons and House of Lords may be recalled. The House of Commons has been recalled 34 times since 1948.
When has the House of Commons been recalled?
Recalls are listed below with links to the debates or further information.
Wednesday 18 August 2021
The House of Commons and House of Lords were recalled to debate the situation in Afghanistan.
Monday 12 April 2021
The House of Commons was recalled to meet on Monday 12 April 2021 for tributes to be paid following the death of HRH The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.
Wednesday 6 January 2021
The House of Commons was recalled to debate and vote on the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (No. 3) and (All Tiers) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2021.
Wednesday 30 December 2020
The House of Commons and House of Lords were recalled to debate legislation to give effect to the Agreement with the EU in UK law - passage of the European Union (Future Relationship) Act 2020.
Tuesday 2 June 2020
The House of Commons was recalled to meet at the earlier time of 11.30am (instead of 2.30pm) on 2 June 2020 to allow time for the House to make a decision on the form divisions should take during the continuing pandemic.
Monday 20 June 2016
The House of Commons and House of Lords were both recalled at 2.30pm on Monday 20 June 2016 to pay tribute to Jo Cox MP.
Friday 26 September 2014
The House of Commons and the House of Lords were both recalled at 10.30am on Friday 26 September 2014 to discuss developments in Iraq.
Thursday 29 August 2013
The House of Commons and the House of Lords were both recalled at 2.30pm on Thursday 29 August to discuss Syria and the use of chemical weapons.
Wednesday 10 April 2013
The House of Commons and the House of Lords were both recalled at 2.30pm on Wednesday 10 April for tributes to be paid to Baroness Thatcher.
Thursday 11 August 2011
The House of Commons and the House of Lords were recalled on Thursday 11 August 2011 at 11.30am and 12.00pm respectively. There was a statement on civil disorder followed by a statement on the global economy. In the House of Commons these were followed by a debate on civil disorder.
Wednesday 20 July 2011
The House of Commons was recalled on Wednesday 20 July 2011 at 11.30am. There was a statement on public confidence in the media and police followed by a debate on the same subject.
Recalls of the House of Commons 1948 - 2010
House of Lords recalls
Recalls of the House of Lords
This list sets out recall dates for the House of Lords going back to 1931.