What happens next in the House of Commons?

The House of Commons returns

The House of Commons returned on Tuesday 17 December to elect the Speaker and to allow MPs to swear in.

The Speaker is elected on the first day that the House meets after the General Election and Sir Lindsay Hoyle was re-elected as Speaker.

• Find out more about the election of the Speaker

Once the Speaker has been elected MPs swear the oath of allegiance or make a solemn affirmation.

The State Opening of Parliament marks the formal start of the parliamentary year and will be held on 19 December. The Queen's Speech at the State Opening will set out the Government's proposed policies and legislation for the coming session. The date for the State Opening has not been confirmed.

Swearing in

Swearing in will take place on 17 and 18 December once the Speaker has been elected.

Why do members have to swear in?

Members are required by law to swear an oath of allegiance before they can take their seat.

• Find out more about swearing in and the parliamentary oath

State opening

The State Opening of Parliament is on 19 December.

What is State Opening?

The State Opening of Parliament 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.

It is the only regular occasion when the three constituent parts of Parliament – the Sovereign, the House of Lords and the House of Commons – meet.

What is the Queen's Speech?

The Queen's Speech is delivered by the Queen from the Throne in the House of Lords. Although the Queen reads the Speech, it is written by the government.

It contains an outline of its policies and proposed legislation for the new parliamentary session.

Image: Parliamentary Copyright

Keep up to date

• Follow the @HouseofCommons on Twitter for updates on the UK House of Commons Chamber.
• Follow @UKHouseofCommons on Instagram.

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