UK Parliament Week 2024

UK Parliament Week is taking place from 18-24 November 2024 and anticipates engaging with over 2 million young people, across every nation and region of the UK, and many countries all over the world. As well as exploring UK Parliament and ways to get involved, this year’s UK Parliament Week follows the journey of a parliament, from State Opening to a general election, and all the ways people can interact along the way.  

UK Parliament Week began in 2011 as an annual event to inform and educate people about the work and role of Parliament across the UK and has grown ever since. It is a fantastic opportunity for everyone to learn about what Parliament is, what it does and how to get involved.    

Thousands of community organisations, youth groups and schools have signed-up across the country to receive a free UKPW kit with resources including a booklet (with information and activity ideas tailored for youth groups, primary and secondary schools, or adults), a ballot box, bunting, and a unique ‘Give Way’ card game.  

Nine out of ten activities taking place will engage with people under 16, making it a unique opportunity for school-aged children to participate in the democratic process.   

UK Parliament Week is also recognising the constituencies with the most organisations signed up. The top three constituencies in 2024 are:  

• South Northamptonshire with 57 participating schools and organisations 

• Pendle and Clitheroe with 53   

• Chorley with 51 

Sir Lindsay Hoyle, Speaker of the House of Commons, said:  

‘In a General Election year, with a new government, recent State Opening of Parliament, and a Budget, politics has rarely been out of the news.   

'So, if your interest has been sparked, then UK Parliament Week is for you, as it offers young people so many opportunities to get involved and learn a thing or two about how our democracy works.  

'How about attending an event in your local constituency, or writing to your MP, or maybe even starting a petition on our website?   

'Hopefully, you will get the chance to look at our work and traditions more closely, but more importantly, we will hear your thoughts on the pressing issues of the day.’  

The Lord Speaker, Lord McFall of Alcluith, said: 

 “As a former educator, I know how important it is that young people engage with democracy and understand how they can express their views and make them heard.  

“That’s why I’m so pleased that we already have so many school-aged children due to take part in UK Parliament Week (UKPW) this year. There’s still time to find out more and sign up.  

“As well as exploring and explaining the UK Parliament and ways to get involved, this year’s UKPW throws a spotlight on the various roles and people who help to keep our Parliament running.”  

Fran Jeens, Head of Education and Engagement at UK Parliament, said:  

“UK Parliament Week is a great opportunity for people of all ages to get informed about how they can engage with UK Parliament to make a difference. Every year it’s fantastic to see so many people actively take part in UK Parliament Week.”