Source: United Kingdom UK Parliament (video statements)
MPs on the Culture Media and Sport Committee take evidence for their inquiry, BBC Royal Charter Review.
Witnesses:
James Graham OBE – playwright and screenwriter
Marina Hyde – journalist and podcaster
Sir Peter Bazalgette – Co-Chair, Creative Industries Council
Dr Alex Mahon CBE – media executive
Patrick Younge – Chair, British Broadcasting Challenge
https://committees.parliament.uk/event/26981/formal-meeting-oral-evidence-session/
Source: United Kingdom UK Parliament (video statements)
The King’s Speech concludes with the words: “Other measures will be laid before you”, a phrase used to give the government flexibility to introduce other bills (draft laws) during the session.
Source: United Kingdom UK Parliament (video statements)
The King’s Speech is handed over by the Lord Chancellor, David Lammy MP. It is written by the current government and outlines plans for the next Parliamentary session.
Source: United Kingdom UK Parliament (video statements)
The Serjeant-at-Arms collects the ceremonial mace from the table in the Commons Chamber. Alongside the Speaker and Black Rod, he leads the Members of the House of Commons as they walk towards the @HouseofLords
Source: United Kingdom UK Parliament (video statements)
Black Rod is sent to the @House of Commons to summon MPs to listen to the King’s Speech in the @House of Lords.
On his approach, the doors are slammed in his face, symbolising the independence of the Commons from the Lords and the monarchy. Black Rod then knocks three times before the doors are re-opened.
Source: United Kingdom UK Parliament (video statements)
The Home Affairs Committee questions representatives from the Jewish communities and experts in antisemitism and community safety to explore the level of threat posed to Jewish communities. The session will explore the adequacy of the response to recent violence from Government and law enforcement.
Witnesses:
Danny Stone MBE – Chief Executive at Antisemitism Policy Trust
Russell Langer – Director of Public Affairs at Jewish Leadership Council
Karen Newman – Vice President for Security, Resilience and Communities at Board of Deputies of British Jews
Dave Rich MBE – Director of Policy at Community Security Trust
Lord Mann – Independent Adviser on Antisemitism
https://committees.parliament.uk/event/27251/formal-meeting-oral-evidence-session/
Source: United Kingdom UK Parliament (video statements)
MPs on the Education Committee explore the role of parents, schools, and early years settings in fostering a love of reading in children.
The Committee is exploring the rapid decline in the number of children reading for pleasure and what action the government can take to improve the situation.
In the first panel, MPs will hear evidence on the role of parents and early years settings in developing a love of reading among young children. They will ask witnesses what obstacles prevent parents reading to their children, as well as whether early years settings prioritise preparing children for school above developing a love of reading.
In the second panel, MPs will explore how teachers and school library staff can encourage children to read for pleasure, how government support could help them, and what role the curriculum plays in developing children’s love of reading.
Witnesses:
Frank Young – Chief Executive at Parentkind
Professor Christine O’Farrelly – Research Professor and UKRI Future Leaders Fellow, PEDAL Centre for Research in Play, Education, Development and Learning at University of Cambridge
Julie Cigman – Early Education Associate, consultant and author at Early Education
Mrs Victoria Dilly – Chief Executive at School Library Association
Professor Robert Eaglestone – Professor of Contemporary Literature and Thought, Royal Holloway, University of London and Policy Lead at English Association
Dr Roger McDonald – Associate Professor of Primary Education (Literacy), Faculty of Education and Health at The University of Greenwich
https://committees.parliament.uk/event/27257/formal-meeting-oral-evidence-session/
Source: United Kingdom UK Parliament (video statements)
Last week, the Science, Innovation and Technology Committee held a roundtable with experts to discuss how new technologies are affecting the brain development of children and young people.
Visit our website to find out more about our inquiry into digital childhoods.
Source: United Kingdom UK Parliament (video statements)
The State Opening of Parliament on Wednesday 13 May marks the formal start of the new parliamentary session. The King’s Speech sets out the government’s agenda, outlining proposed policies and legislation.
Find out more: https://www.parliament.uk/business/news/2026/may-2026/state-opening-of-parliament-2026/
Source: United Kingdom UK Parliament (video statements)
And what has to happen before a new parliamentary year can begin? 🗓️
The State Opening of Parliament marks the start of a new session. Planned legislation for the next parliamentary year is read out during the King’s Speech in the House of Lords chamber.
Following the King’s Speech, both Houses will debate its contents for several days.
