Recall of Parliament
During times when the House of Commons is not sitting, the Speaker can, if asked by the Government, decide to recall the House of Commons. The House of Lords is usually recalled by the Lord Speaker at the same time as the House of Commons.
Government's role
When the House is not sitting, for example at the weekend, or during a recess, the Government can ask the Speaker to recall the House of Commons because of events of major national importance.
Speaker's role
When the Speaker of the House of Commons receives a request from the Government to recall the House of Commons, he must decide whether it is in the public interest to agree to that request.
If the Speaker agrees to the request, he will then decide what day or days the House should sit during the recall.
The Speaker cannot decide to recall the House of Commons without being asked to do so by the Government.
Recall of the House of Lords
The Lord Speaker has the power to recall the House of Lords following consultation with the Government. The House of Lords is usually recalled at the same time as the House of Commons.
Recent recalls
The House of Commons and House of Lords were both recalled on 18 August 2021 to debate the situation in Afghanistan.
- Parliament News: House of Commons recalled on Wednesday 18 August
- Parliament News: House of Lords recalled to debate the situation in Afghanistan
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.
The House of Commons was recalled on 6 January 2021 to debate emergency public health legislation.
The House of Commons and House of Lords were recalled on 30 December 2020 to debate legislation to give effect to the Agreement with the EU in UK law - passage of the European Union (Future Relationship) Act 2020.
- Parliament News: House of Commons recalled on 30 December
- Parliament News: House of Lords meets on 30 December
The House of Commons was previously last recalled on 2 June 2020 when the House met at the earlier time of 11.30am (rather than 2.30pm) to allow time for the House to agree the form that divisions should take during the continuing pandemic.
- Parliament News: Voting procedures in the House of Commons
- Parliament News: Government requests recall of Parliament
The House of Commons and the House of Lords were both recalled on Monday 20 June 2016 to pay tribute to Jo Cox MP.
Both Houses were recalled on 29 August 2013 to discuss Syria and the use of chemical weapons. They were also recalled on 10 April 2013 for tributes to be paid to former Prime Minister, Baroness Thatcher, following her death.
Parliament was previously recalled on 11 August 2011 to debate public disorder.
House of Commons Library analysis
The House of Commons Library produces briefing papers to inform MPs and their staff of key issues. The papers contain factual information and analysis on each subject, and aim to be politically impartial. These papers are available to the public on the Parliament website.