Parliament Matters Bulletin: What's happening in Parliament this week

The Hansard Society for Parliamentary Democracy, which serves as a non-partisan observer of these processes, notes that the ongoing business of Parliament continues to navigate complex procedural demands, including a notable rise in the use of written parliamentary questions and the scrutiny of executive authorities.

Government Spending and Financial Oversight

A primary focus for the Commons in the coming days is the approval of the government’s request for public expenditure. The Treasury has presented requests for £1.15 trillion of expenditure for this financial year, while other documentation points to a total of £1.5 trillion in departmental spending subject to parliamentary debate under the Main Estimates. The Public Accounts Committee is also expected to examine government officials regarding the restoration of the Palace of Westminster and potential fraud linked to the pandemic.

Legislative Agenda

The legislative slate in both chambers covers a diverse array of national interests. In the House of Commons, MPs are scheduled to consider the National Security (State Threats) Bill, which is slated to be fast-tracked through all stages in a single day. The Commons will also debate the Health Bill, the Cyber Security and Resilience Bill, and proposed changes to the taxation of energy and vehicles. Additionally, the chamber will address the revival of the Royal Albert Hall Bill, which fell at the end of the last session.

The House of Lords has its own distinct agenda, with Peers preparing to scrutinize several high-profile proposals, including:

• The Steel Industry (Nationalisation) Bill
• The Financial Services and Markets Bill
• The Social Housing Bill
• The Civil Aviation Bill
• The Sporting Events Bill
• The Armed Forces Bill

Peers are scheduled to engage in debates concerning political finance, the Electoral Commission, and the proposed changes to the electoral system for mayoral elections—a topic of particular relevance for potential by-elections in Greater Manchester.

Scrutiny and Select Committees

Select committees continue their work of holding ministers and public figures to account. Defence ministers are set to face questions regarding the Defence Investment Plan, while the Lords International Relations and Defence Committee is scheduled to take evidence from John Bolton. The Culture, Media and Sport Committee will host an appearance by the new Director-General of the BBC, Matt Brittin. Cabinet Secretary Dame Antonia Romeo is also expected to make her first appearance before a select committee in her new role.

The committee corridor will see a wide range of witnesses, including former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and consumer advocate Martin Lewis. Social care reform will be under the spotlight as MPs question the Minister for Care and Baroness (Louise) Casey. the Chief of the Defence Staff is set to appear before a Lords committee to address the implementation of the Strategic Defence Review.

Broader Parliamentary Trends

The Hansard Society highlights that the operational pressure on Parliament has intensified. Since July 2024, the volume of written parliamentary questions has surged to more than 600 per sitting day—a figure described as double the long-term average. This increased activity coincides with ongoing discussions regarding how Parliament monitors regulatory developments, particularly as the government navigates potential agreements with the EU that might necessitate dynamic alignment with existing rules.

Following the expiration of the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill at the close of the 2024-2026 session, debate has emerged regarding the potential for future revival of such measures using the Parliament Act. Procedural experts emphasize that while the Lords provide significant expertise in refining legislation, the ultimate authority remains with the elected Commons. As noted in a lecture by the Lord Speaker:

"The Lords has the capability and the expertise to improve laws and improve lives. But our system only works because the House of Commons, who are elected by voters, have the final say."

Rt Hon the Lord McFall of Alcluith, The Lord Speaker, via Hansard Society

What to Watch Next

• Opposition Days: The Conservatives are set to utilise their first Opposition Day of the session, and they will also choose the subject for a second debate.
• Backbench Debates: MPs will address topics including NHS corridor care, NHS dentistry, Windrush Day, and the Infected Blood Compensation Scheme.
• Climate Policy: Both Houses are scheduled to debate the Carbon Budget Order, which establishes limits on carbon dioxide emissions as part of the trajectory toward Net Zero.