Updates on what’s happening in parliament
The UK Parliament is a democratically-elected institution that checks/challenges the work of government, shapes effective laws, and debates/makes decisions on the big issues of the day. It is now more accessible than ever, with MPs regularly quizzed by opposition party leaders and other colleagues during Prime Minister’s Questions and select committees examining a wide range of topics. Parliament’s websites, broadcast channels and education programmes ensure that the public can see what happens in the Chamber and Committee rooms, and access a wealth of information about parliamentary business.
MEPs call for a bigger stand-alone post-2027 agriculture budget with less red tape and incentives to achieve environmental and social objectives, and agree to change EU rules on carbon border adjustment mechanisms in order to reduce administrative burden on small businesses and occasional importers. They express grave alarm at the “catastrophic” humanitarian crisis in Gaza and urge immediate EU action, as well as condemning organised crime and terrorism in Colombia and calling for an end to the conflict.
The benefits of reading for pleasure are highlighted in the House of Commons as the Creative Australia Amendment (Implementation of Revive) Bill is discussed, and Graham Perrett – co-Chair of the Parliamentary Friends of Australian Books & Writers – speaks on the need to support reading for enjoyment. In the Lords, the assisted dying bill goes through its Second Reading, MPs consider a Ten Minute Rule Bill on SEND support, and there is a pre-appointment hearing for the Registrar of Consultant Lobbyists.