House of Lords returns as members take oath
13 December 2019
Following the 2019 general election, the House of Lords will meet on 17 and 18 December for members to take the oath or affirmation in preparation for the new Parliament.
What happens at the start of a new Parliament?
The House of Lords will meet ahead of the State Opening of Parliament for members of the Lords to take the oath or affirmation.
Because members of the Lords cannot take part in parliamentary proceedings before taking this oath, scheduling swearing-in before the State Opening of Parliament allows members to return to work immediately following the State Opening ceremony.
In the afternoon of State Opening, the House of Lords begins a debate to respond formally to the Queen's Speech. Members are required to sign an undertaking to abide by the House of Lords Code of Conduct as part of the swearing-in procedure.
Members may choose to swear on a sacred text or make a non-religious affirmation.
Tuesday 17 December
Wednesday 18 December
State Opening
State Opening marks the formal start of the parliamentary year and the Queen's Speech sets out the government's agenda for the coming session, outlining proposed policies and legislation.
Further information
- Visiting the House of Lords - Attend Lords debates
- Work of the House of Lords - Making laws
- Follow @UKHouseofLords on Twitter
- Like House of Lords on Facebook
- Watch House of Lords videos on YouTube
- View House of Lords images on Flickr
- Connect with members on the Lords Digital Chamber
Image: House of Lords 2019 / Photography by Roger Harris