Recess dates and non-sitting periods for the House of Commons and House of Lords for Parliamentary session: 2026-27 (May 2026 - May 2027). The exact pattern of recesses can change and is normally slightly different for the two Houses.
There is no fixed length for a session, but they generally follow the same pattern from spring to spring, with a number of recesses. The actual dates of sittings usually vary slightly between the House of Commons and the House of Lords.
An overview of the House of Commons recess, and the normal dates when it occurs.
All recess dates in the House of Commons.
Even if the dates haven't been announced yet, you can usually work out roughly when they will fall because recesses follow a general pattern: This pattern may be disrupted in a year where there is a general election or if the State Opening of Parliament is substantially later than usual.
We have a November recess because it was originally the time of the Queen’s Speech, and there were always two or three days either side for Members to spend time in their constituencies.
Upcoming recess dates in the House of Commons.
That means that currently no one is protected by that Act; neither does it give people the justice they want, because there would be so much legal uncertainty about doing so. That is why our priority is finding a way forward that gives veterans, survivors and communities confidence in the process.
The House will rise for the Christmas recess at the close of business on Thursday 18 December and return on Monday 5 January. The House will rise for the February recess at the close of business on Thursday 12 February and return on Monday 23 February.