Source: United Kingdom UK Parliament (video statements)
Before the King arrives at Parliament, the Yeomen of the Guard, the royal bodyguards, ceremonially search the cellars of the Palace of Westminster. This dates back to the Gunpowder Plot of 1605.
Today, the search begins in the Prince’s Chamber before moving into the chamber of the House of Lords.
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.
Watch State Opening 2026 with British Sign Language (BSL) – [LINK]
Find out more: https://www.parliament.uk/business/news/2026/may-2026/state-opening-of-parliament-2026/
Source: United Kingdom UK Parliament (video statements)
See it on a tour of Parliament this summer. You can search UK Parliament tours to explore your options.
Source: United Kingdom UK Parliament (video statements)
This is the crown cloth. During the State Opening of Parliament, the King wears the Imperial State Crown. Before the King’s arrival, the crown is displayed in the Royal Gallery sitting upon this cloth. 👑
The intricate embroidery is lightly cleaned in preparation for the ceremony. The central motif has been changed to reflect the King’s initials – CR.
The Heritage Collections team look after this textile, one of thousands of varied and important objects which are part of Parliament.
Source: United Kingdom UK Parliament (video statements)
The EFRA Committee has launched a new report saying it does not have confidence in the leadership of South East Water, following years of service failures.
Source: United Kingdom UK Parliament (video statements)
Come behind the scenes to find out what happens when Parliament is prorogued and how the next Parliamentary session begins.
Source: United Kingdom UK Parliament (video statements)
Watch PMQs with British Sign Language (BSL) – https://youtube.com/live/GfBhjanpA_8?feature=share
Prime Minister’s Question Time, also referred to as PMQs, takes place every Wednesday the House of Commons sits. It gives MPs the chance to put questions to the Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer MP, or a nominated minister.
In most cases, the session starts with a routine ‘open question’ from an MP about the Prime Minister’s engagements. MPs can then ask supplementary questions on any subject, often one of current political significance.
The Leader of the Opposition, Kemi Badenoch MP, asks six questions and the leader of the second largest opposition party asks two. If another minister takes the place of the Prime Minister, opposition parties will usually nominate a shadow minister to ask the questions.
Want to find out more about what’s happening in the House of Commons this week? Follow the House of Commons on:
X: https://www.x.com/HouseofCommons
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ukhouseofcommons
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ukhouseofcommons
Source: United Kingdom UK Parliament (video statements)
Prime Minister’s Question Time, also referred to as PMQs, takes place every Wednesday the House of Commons sits. It gives MPs the chance to put questions to the Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer MP, or a nominated minister.
In most cases, the session starts with a routine ‘open question’ from an MP about the Prime Minister’s engagements. MPs can then ask supplementary questions on any subject, often one of current political significance.
The Leader of the Opposition, Kemi Badenoch MP, asks six questions and the leader of the second largest opposition party asks two. If another minister takes the place of the Prime Minister, opposition parties will usually nominate a shadow minister to ask the questions.
Want to find out more about what’s happening in the House of Commons this week? Follow the House of Commons on:
X: https://www.x.com/HouseofCommons
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ukhouseofcommons
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ukhouseofcommons
Source: United Kingdom UK Parliament (video statements)
Amid 40% cuts to the UK international aid budget, there are still significant gaps in what we know about the Government’s new approach to foreign aid spending.
The International Development Committee is urging the Government to explain what success looks like and how international partners will be involved.
Additionally, the Committee is calling for more to be done to regain public trust and rebuild the case for aid.
Source: United Kingdom UK Parliament (video statements)
Sir Philip Barton, former Permanent Under-Secretary at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), and Morgan McSweeney, former Downing Street Chief of Staff, give evidence on Lord Mandelson’s security vetting for the role of British Ambassador to Washington.
Sir Philip was the Permanent Under-Secretary at the FCDO from September 2020 to January 2025 and a direct predecessor to Sir Oliver Robbins.
Morgan McSweeney served as Downing Street Chief of Staff under Prime Minister Keir Starmer from October 2024 until February 2026.
https://committees.parliament.uk/event/27186/formal-meeting-oral-evidence-session/
