Order Paper: Business Today & Future Business
Summary Agenda: Chamber
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11.30am |
Prayers |
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Afterwards |
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12.30pm |
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Operation Kenova and the Government’s response to its findings (Secretary of State for Northern Ireland) |
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Ministerial Statements, including on: |
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Safeguarding (Home Secretary) |
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No debate |
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Up to 20 minutes |
Ten Minute Rule Motion: UK-EU customs union (duty to negotiate) (Dr Al Pinkerton) |
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Until 7.00pm |
Railways Bill: Second Reading |
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Followed by |
Motions without separate debate: |
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No debate |
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No debate |
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Until 7.30pm or for half an hour |
Adjournment Debate: Levels of illegal migrants whose whereabouts are unknown (Rupert Lowe) |
Westminster Hall
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9.30am |
Consumer-led flexibility for a just transition |
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11.00am |
Potential merits of a medal for service personnel wounded in combat |
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(The sitting will be suspended from 11.30am to 2.30pm) |
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2.30pm |
Water scarcity |
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4.00pm |
Creative education in schools |
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4.30pm |
Impact of Network Rail timetable changes on rural communities |
Business Today: Chamber
11.30am Prayers
Followed by
Questions
Oral Questions to the Chancellor of the Exchequer
1David Williams (Stoke-on-Trent North)
What assessment she has made of the potential impact of her fiscal policies on low income households. (906783)
2Stephen Gethins (Arbroath and Broughty Ferry)
What assessment she has made of the potential impact of leaving the EU on economic growth. (906785)
3John Lamont (Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk)
What assessment she has made of the potential impact of extending the freeze on Income Tax thresholds on working people. (906786)
4Jack Rankin (Windsor)
What assessment she has made of the potential impact of the Autumn Budget 2025 on levels of incentives to work. (906787)
5Katrina Murray (Cumbernauld and Kirkintilloch)
What progress she has made on the Financial Inclusion Strategy. (906788) [R]
6Sir Julian Smith (Skipton and Ripon)
What assessment she has made of the potential impact of changes to business rates on the hospitality sector. (906789)
7Kevin Bonavia (Stevenage)
What fiscal steps she is taking with Cabinet colleagues to reduce costs for commuters. (906790)
8Jack Abbott (Ipswich)
What steps she is taking with Cabinet colleagues to support entrepreneurs. (906791)
9Euan Stainbank (Falkirk)
What fiscal steps she is taking to support industry in the Forth Valley. (906792)
10Liam Conlon (Beckenham and Penge)
What fiscal steps she is taking with Cabinet colleagues to support patients in the NHS. (906793)
11John Milne (Horsham)
What fiscal steps she is taking to help increase growth in rural areas. (906794)
12Tom Hayes (Bournemouth East)
What assessment she has made of the adequacy of the OBR's report entitled Economic and fiscal outlook, published in November 2025. (906795)
13John Slinger (Rugby)
What steps she is taking with Cabinet colleagues to support entrepreneurs. (906796)
14Jon Pearce (High Peak)
What fiscal steps she is taking with Cabinet colleagues to help lower energy bills. (906797)
15Gill German (Clwyd North)
How many people will receive the increased National Minimum Wage. (906798)
16Dave Robertson (Lichfield)
What fiscal steps she is taking with Cabinet colleagues to help lower energy bills. (906799)
17Alison Hume (Scarborough and Whitby)
What assessment she has made of the potential impact of reforms to public sector procurement processes on economic growth. (906800)
18Sir Ashley Fox (Bridgwater)
What assessment she has made of the potential impact of extending freezes on Income Tax and National Insurance thresholds on working people. (906801)
19Dr Simon Opher (Stroud)
What fiscal steps she is taking with Cabinet colleagues to support patients in the NHS. (906802)
20Wera Hobhouse (Bath)
What steps she is taking through the tax system to help reduce costs for small and medium-sized businesses. (906803)
21Clive Efford (Eltham and Chislehurst)
What steps she is taking to reduce Government borrowing. (906804)
22Sarah Owen (Luton North)
If she will make an assessment of the potential impact of reducing child poverty on the economy. (906805)
23Susan Murray (Mid Dunbartonshire)
What assessment she has made of the potential impact of changes to National Insurance contributions on economic growth. (906806)
At 12.15pm
Topical Questions to the Chancellor of the Exchequer
T1Lorraine Beavers (Blackpool North and Fleetwood)
If she will make a statement on her departmental responsibilities. (906808)
T2Sir Ashley Fox (Bridgwater) (906809)
T3Matt Vickers (Stockton West) (906810)
T4Chris Coghlan (Dorking and Horley) (906811)
T5Josh Fenton-Glynn (Calder Valley) (906812)
T6Edward Morello (West Dorset) (906813)
T7Wendy Chamberlain (North East Fife) (906814)
T8Sureena Brackenridge (Wolverhampton North East) (906815)
T9Alison Bennett (Mid Sussex) (906816)
T10Olly Glover (Didcot and Wantage) (906817)
Urgent Questions and Statements
12.30pm
Urgent Question:
To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the Operation Kenova report and the Government’s response to its findings (Gavin Robinson)
Ministerial Statements, including on:
Safeguarding (Home Secretary)
Presentation of Bills
No debate (Standing Order No. 57)
Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Education (Profit Cap)
Munira Wilson
Bill to provide for a cap of eight per cent on any profit made by providers of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities education from providing that education; to make provision about the role and powers of the Competition and Markets Authority in the operation of that cap; and for connected purposes.
Business of the Day
1. Ten Minute Rule Motion: UK-EU customs union (duty to negotiate)
Up to 20 minutes (Standing Order No. 23)
Dr Al Pinkerton
That leave be given to bring in a Bill to place a duty on the Secretary of State to enter into negotiations with the European Union to agree a customs union between the United Kingdom and the European Union; and for connected purposes.
Notes:
The Member moving and a Member opposing this Motion may each speak for up to 10 minutes.
2. Railways Bill: Second Reading
Until 7.00pm (Standing Order No. 9(3))
Relevant Documents:
Oral evidence taken before the Transport Committee on 26 November, on the Railways Bill, HC 1472
Written evidence to the Transport Committee, on the Railways Bill, reported to the House on 2 December, HC 1472
Correspondence from the Cabinet Secretary for Transport and North Wales to the Transport Committee, on the Railways Bill, reported to the House on 2 December
Olly Glover
Liz Jarvis
Edward Morello
Rachel Gilmour
Charlotte Cane
Cameron Thomas
Zöe FranklinDr Roz SavageWendy ChamberlainSarah GibsonCalum MillerSusan MurrayLuke TaylorBrian MathewIan SollomClive JonesMarie GoldmanLayla MoranLisa SmartMr Paul Kohler
That this House, while acknowledging the need to establish an arm’s-length body to oversee rail operations and connect track and train after the previous Government promised but failed to deliver Great British Railways, declines to give a Second Reading to the Railways Bill because it does not put passengers or freight users at the heart of decision making; because it fails to implement a long term plan to build back revenue to meet goals for the environment and growth and bring value for passengers; it fails to make fares more affordable or services more reliable; it provides no guarantee that new stations, lines and services will open; it does not promote on-rail competition between operators or competitive tendering to increase services, deliver newer trains, grow passenger numbers and reduce subsidies; it continues the overly centralised governance of the railway championed by the previous Government, which ultimately failed to improve services; and therefore will not result in the reinvigoration of Britain’s railways that the country needs and passengers deserve.
Mr Richard Holden
Rebecca Harris
Jerome Mayhew
Greg Smith
Joe Robertson
That this House declines to give a Second Reading to the Railways Bill because it prioritises putting the rail system under state control, rather than prioritising passengers and taxpayers, and the effective and efficient running of the railway; because it significantly reduces the role of the independent regulator, the Office of Rail and Road, whose duties it transfers in large part to Great British Railways, with limited rights of appeal against Great British Railways’ decisions, so there will be no proper accountability for the state controlled operator, and this, along with the duty for Great British Railways to prioritise its own services for access to track, will squeeze out popular and well-regarded open access operators, who run services without taxpayer subsidy; because it allows ministers to interfere at will in the running of the railways, for example by setting fares, which will not create a stable environment for private sector investment, with the result that reliance on taxpayer subsidy will increase; and because it will do nothing to grow passenger numbers, or modernise or improve the rail network, and does not include provisions to grow rail freight, which means that the chance to create a thriving railway which delivers economic growth and relies less on taxpayer support will be lost.
No debate (Standing Order No. 83A(7))
Secretary Heidi Alexander
That the following provisions shall apply to the Railways Bill:
Committal
1. The Bill shall be committed to a Public Bill Committee.
Proceedings in Public Bill Committee
2. Proceedings in the Public Bill Committee shall (so far as not previously concluded) be brought to a conclusion on Thursday 12 February 2026.
3. The Public Bill Committee shall have leave to sit twice on the first day on which it meets.
Consideration and Third Reading
4. Proceedings on Consideration shall (so far as not previously concluded) be brought to a conclusion one hour before the moment of interruption on the day on which those proceedings are commenced.
5. Proceedings on Third Reading shall (so far as not previously concluded) be brought to a conclusion at the moment of interruption on that day.
6. Standing Order No. 83B (Programming committees) shall not apply to proceedings on Consideration and Third Reading.
Other proceedings
7. Any other proceedings on the Bill may be programmed.
No debate (Standing Order No. 52(1)(a))
Dan Tomlinson
That, for the purposes of any Act resulting from the Railways Bill, it is expedient to authorise the payment out of money provided by Parliament of:
(a) financial assistance provided by the Secretary of State to Great British Railways,
(b) any other expenditure incurred under or by virtue of the Act by the Secretary of State or by a government department, and
(c) any increase attributable to the Act in the sums payable under or by virtue of any other Act out of money so provided.
Notes:
King’s Recommendation signified.
Business to be Taken at 7.00pm
Deferred Divisions
No debate (Standing Order No. 41A(3))
The Prime Minister
That, at this day’s sitting, Standing Order 41A (Deferred divisions) shall not apply to the motion in the name of Secretary Heidi Alexander relating to Railways Bill: Carry-over.
Business of the Day
No debate (Standing Order No. 80A(1)(a))
Secretary Heidi Alexander
That if, at the conclusion of this Session of Parliament, proceedings on the Railways Bill have not been completed, they shall be resumed in the next Session.
No debate (Standing Order No. 118(6))
Stephen Doughty
That the draft International Development Association (Twenty-First Replenishment) Order 2025, which was laid before this House on 11 September, be approved.
Notes:
If this item is opposed after 7.00pm, the division will be deferred.
No debate (Standing Order No. 118(6))
Dan Tomlinson
That the Customs Tariff (Establishment) (EU Exit) (Amendment) Regulations 2025 (SI, 2025, No. 1199), dated 17 November 2025, a copy of which was laid before this House on 17 November, be approved.
Notes:
If this item is opposed after 7.00pm, the division will be deferred.
Presentation of Public Petitions
No debate or decision (Standing Order No. 153)
Proposed local government reorganisation in Rushcliffe: Robert Jenrick
Pornography and violence against women: Rebecca Paul
Pornography and violence against women: Joani Reid
Illegal waste dumping: Calum Miller
Adjournment Debate
Until 7.30pm or for half an hour (whichever is later) (Standing Order No. 9(7))
Levels of illegal migrants whose whereabouts are unknown: Rupert Lowe
Business Today: Westminster Hall
Order of Business
Up to two hours for the first part of the sitting and up to three hours for the second part (Standing Order No. 10(1))
9.30am
That this House has considered consumer-led flexibility for a just transition: Claire Young
Notes:
The subject for this debate was determined by the Backbench Business Committee.
11.00am
That this House has considered the potential merits of a medal for service personnel wounded in combat: David Baines
Notes:
The sitting will be suspended from 11.30am to 2.30pm.
2.30pm
That this House has considered water scarcity: John Milne
4.00pm
That this House has considered creative education in schools: Dr Simon Opher [R]
4.30pm
That this House has considered the impact of Network Rail timetable changes on rural communities: John Lamont
Notes:
The debate at 4.30pm will last for up to an hour.
The sitting will be suspended and time added if divisions take place in the main Chamber (Standing Order No. 10(3)).
Written Statements
Statements to be Made Today
The Chancellor of the Exchequer
1.Covid Counter Fraud Commissioner’s Independent Review
Secretary of State for Defence
2.Defence Export Controls Agreement
Secretary of State for Education
3.Government Response to the Franchising in Higher Education Consultation
Secretary of State for Health and Social Care
4.Progress Update – National Maternity and Neonatal Investigation
5.Tackling sexual misconduct in the NHS
Secretary of State for the Home Department
6.Publication of Forensic Information Database Strategy Board Annual Report (April 2024 – March 2025)
7.Statement of Changes in Immigration Rules
Secretary of State for Justice
8.Government Response to the Prison Capacity Review
Secretary of State for Northern Ireland
9.Eighth substantive report of the Independent Reporting Commission
10.Operation Kenova
Notes:
Texts of Written Statements are available from the Vote Office and on the internet at https://questions-statements.parliament.uk/ .
Committees Meeting Today
Broadcasts of proceedings can be found at https://www.parliamentlive.tv/Commons
Select Committees
Science, Innovation and Technology Committee
Subject: (i) Innovation showcase; (ii) Digital inclusion and telecoms
Room 8
9.00am (private), 9.30am (public)
Witnesses:
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(i) 9.30am: |
Paul Hollingshead (Lead, UK & Europe at Saronic) |
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(ii) 9.45am: |
The Baroness Lloyd of Effra CBE (Minister for Digital Economy at Department for Science, Innovation and Technology) |
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Kevin Adams (Interim Director Digital Infrastructure at Department for Science, Innovation and Technology) |
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Jenny Hall (Director Digital and Data Policy at Department for Science, Innovation and Technology) |
Culture, Media and Sport Committee
Subject: Major events
The Grimond Room, Portcullis House
9.30am (private), 10.00am (public)
Witnesses:
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10.00am |
Nick Bitel (Board member at Major Event Organisers Association) |
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Jon Collins (Chief Executive at LIVE) |
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David Tremmil (Vice-Chair at UK Events) |
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11.00am |
Faye Dyer (Chief Executive at The ACC Liverpool Group) |
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Rachel Parker (Director at Events Industry Alliance) |
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Robert Wright (Founder and Chief Executive at The Business of Events) |
Education Committee
Subject: Early Years: Improving Support for Children and Families
The Thatcher Room, Portcullis House
9.30am (private), 10.00am (public)
Witnesses:
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10.00am |
Ka Lai Brightley-Hodges (Head at Coram PACEY) |
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Neil Leitch OBE (Chief Executive at Early Years Alliance) |
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Purnima Tanuku CBE (Executive Chair at National Day Nurseries Association) |
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Beatrice Merrick (Chief Executive at Early Education) |
Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee
Subject: Animal and plant health
Room 6
9.30am (private), 10.00am (public)
Witnesses:
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10.00am |
Baroness Hayman of Ullcock (Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) |
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Dr Christine Middlemiss CB (Chief Veterinary Officer at Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) |
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Professor Nicola Spence CBE (The UK Chief Plant Health Officer at Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) |
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Mark Thompson (Director, Northern Ireland, Biosecurity, and Trade Programme at Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) |
Foreign Affairs Committee
Subject: Work of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
The Wilson Room, Portcullis House
9.30am (private), 10.00am (public)
Witnesses:
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10.00am |
Sir Oliver Robbins KCMG CB (Permanent Under-Secretary at Foreign Commonwealth & Development Office) |
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Nick Dyer (Second Permanent Under-Secretary at Foreign Commonwealth & Development Office) |
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Tim Jones (Finance Director at Foreign Commonwealth & Development Office) |
Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee
Subject: The work of the House of Lords Appointments Commission
Room 15
9.30am (private), 10.00am (public)
Witnesses:
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10.00am |
The Baroness Deech DBE KC (Chair at House of Lords Appointments Commission) |
Committee on Standards
Room 20
9.45am (private)
Administration Committee
Room 5
10.00am (private)
Defence Committee
Subject: Afghan Data Breach and Resettlement Schemes
Room 16
10.00am (private), 10.30am (public)
Witnesses:
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10.30am |
Rafi Hottak (Former Afghan Interpreter) |
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Professor Sara de Jong (Professor at The University of York) |
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David Williams (Journalist at Daily Mail) |
Petitions Committee
Room 13
1.00pm (private)
International Development Committee
Subject: FCDO Annual Report and Accounts 2024-25
The Wilson Room, Portcullis House
1.30pm (private), 2.00pm (public)
Witnesses:
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2.00pm |
Sir Oliver Robbins KCMG CB (Permanent Under-Secretary at Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office) |
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Nick Dyer (Second Permanent Under-Secretary at Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office) |
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Tim Jones (Finance Director at Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office) |
Business and Trade Committee
Subject: Financing the real economy
Room 8
2.00pm (private), 2.30pm (public)
Witnesses:
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2.30pm |
Debbie Wosskow OBE (Co-Chair at Invest in Women) |
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Jordan Dargue (Co-Founder at Lifted Ventures) |
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Debra McDonald (Chief Executive Officer at Iron & Velvet) |
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3.00pm |
Paul Bristow (Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough at Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority) |
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Oliver Coppard (Mayor of South Yorkshire at South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority) |
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3.30pm |
The Lord Stockwood (Minister for Investment at Department for Business and Trade) |
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Blair McDougall MP (Minister for Small Business and Economic Transformation at Department for Business and Trade) |
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Paula Crofts (Director, Small Business Growth at Department for Business and Trade) |
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Sean Jones (Director, Companies and Economic Security, Climate, Energy and Environment at HM Treasury) |
Home Affairs Committee
Room 6
2.00pm (private)
Justice Committee
Subject: Rehabilitation and resettlement: ending the cycle of reoffending
The Grimond Room, Portcullis House
2.00pm (private), 2.30pm (public)
Witnesses:
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2.30pm |
Mr Andrew Bridges (Strategic Director at National Approved Premises Association) |
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Peter Airey (Director of Property and Community Accommodation Services at Nacro) |
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Gary Teper (Managing Director at The Housing Network) |
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Dr Thomas Kerridge (Policy Manager at Crisis) |
Treasury Committee
Subject: Bank of England Monetary Policy Reports
The Thatcher Room, Portcullis House
2.00pm (private), 2.15pm (public)
Witnesses:
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2.15pm |
Clare Lombardelli (Deputy Governor for Monetary Policy at Bank of England) |
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Sir Dave Ramsden (Deputy Governor for Markets and Banking at Bank of England) |
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Dr Swati Dhingra (External Member of the Monetary Policy Committee at Bank of England) |
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Dr Catherine Mann (External Member of the Monetary Policy Committee at Bank of England) |
Backbench Business Committee
Subject: Proposals for backbench debates
Room 16
4.00pm (private), 4.15pm (public)
Witnesses:
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4.15pm |
Members of Parliament |
Delegated Legislation Committees
Third Delegated Legislation Committee
To consider the draft Enterprise Act 2002 (Mergers Involving Newspaper Enterprises and Foreign Powers) (No. 2) Regulations 2025
Room 12
9.25am (public)
Fourth Delegated Legislation Committee
To consider the draft Producer Responsibility Obligations (Packaging and Packaging Waste) (Amendment) Regulations 2025
Room 9
2.30pm (public)
Other
Speaker's Advisory Committee on Works of Art
The Macmillan Room, Portcullis House
11.45am (private)
Committee Reports Published
Education
6th Special Report - Further Education and Skills: Government Response HC 1555
Time of publication: 00.01am
Human Rights (Joint)
9th Report - Draft Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023 (Remedial) Order 2025: Second Report HC 1438
Time of publication: 00.01am
Statutory Instruments
Eleventh Report of Session 2024-26 HC 294-xi
Time of publication: 11.00am
Announcements
Forthcoming End of Day Adjournment Debates
Applications for 30-minute end of day adjournment debates should be made to the Table Office by 7.00pm or rise of the House, whichever is the earlier, on the Wednesdays listed below. Members can submit their application via MemberHub. The ballot takes place the day after the deadline. Members who are successful will be contacted by the Speaker’s Office.
Tuesday 16 December to Monday 5 January (deadline Wednesday 10 December 7.00pm or the rise of the House, whichever is earlier)
Tuesday 6 to Monday 12 January (deadline Wednesday 17 December 7.00pm or the rise of the House, whichever is earlier)
Forthcoming Westminster Hall Debates
The rota for answering Departments is listed below. Applications for 90, 60 and 30-minute debates should be made to the Table Office by 10.00pm or the rise of the House, whichever is the earlier, on the Mondays listed below. Members can submit their application via MemberHub. The ballot takes place the day after the deadline. Members who are successful will be contacted by the Speaker’s Office.
Tuesday 16 and Wednesday 17 December (ballot closed)
The ballot for Tuesday 16 and Wednesday 17 December is closed and will take place today
Tuesday 6 and Wednesday 7 January (deadline Monday 15 December 10.00pm or the rise of the House, whichever is earlier)
The following Departments will answer:
Attorney General; Business and Trade; Culture, Media and Sport; Environment, Food and Rural Affairs; Health and Social Care; Housing, Communities and Local Government; Justice; Scotland; Treasury; Women and Equalities; Work and Pensions
Tuesday 13 and Wednesday 14 January (deadline Monday 5 January 10.00pm or the rise of the House, whichever is earlier)
The following Departments will answer:
Cabinet Office; Defence; Education; Energy Security and Net Zero; Foreign, Commonwealth and Development; Home Office; Northern Ireland; Science, Innovation and Technology; Transport; Wales
Tuesday 20 and Wednesday 21 January (deadline Monday 12 January 10.00pm or the rise of the House, whichever is earlier)
The following Departments will answer:
Attorney General; Business and Trade; Culture, Media and Sport; Environment, Food and Rural Affairs; Health and Social Care; Housing, Communities and Local Government; Justice; Scotland; Treasury; Women and Equalities; Work and Pensions
Tuesday 27 and Wednesday 28 January (deadline Monday 19 January 10.00pm or the rise of the House, whichever is earlier)
The following Departments will answer:
Cabinet Office; Defence; Education; Energy Security and Net Zero; Foreign, Commonwealth and Development; Home Office; Northern Ireland; Science, Innovation and Technology; Transport; Wales
Christmas Adjournment - Tabling of Parliamentary Questions
The following arrangements will apply for the tabling of Questions during the Christmas Adjournment. Please note that the Table Office will be closed from Wednesday 24 December 2025 to Thursday 1 January 2026 inclusive. Questions can still be submitted in the usual way during this period.
Questions for oral answer
Under Standing Order No. 22(6), the Speaker has made the following arrangements for tabling Questions for oral answer when the House returns. The list also includes future tabling arrangements up to Thursday 8 January 2026.
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Last date of tabling* |
Date for answer |
Departments etc.** |
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Thursday 18 December |
Monday 5 January |
Home Office (T) |
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Thursday 18 December |
Tuesday 6 January |
Energy Security and Net Zero (T) |
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Thursday 18 December |
Wednesday 7 January |
Northern Ireland |
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Thursday 18 December |
Wednesday 7 January |
Prime Minister |
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Thursday 18 December |
Thursday 8 January |
Transport (T) |
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Tuesday 6 January |
Monday 12 January |
Housing, Communities and Local Government (T) |
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Tuesday 6 January |
Wednesday 14 January |
Scotland |
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Wednesday 7 January |
Tuesday 13 January |
Health and Social Care (T) |
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Thursday 8 January |
Wednesday 14 January |
Prime Minister |
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Thursday 8 January |
Thursday 15 January |
Culture, Media and Sport (T) |
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Thursday 8 January |
Thursday 15 January |
Church Commissioners, House of Commons Commission, Public Accounts Commission, Restoration and Renewal Client Board and Speaker’s Committee on the Electoral Commission |
For further details of last tabling days for other Departments and answering bodies, see the Order of Questions rota available from the Vote Office and at https://commonsbusiness.parliament.uk
Notes:
* The latest time for tabling is 12.30pm on each of these days.
** (T) indicates that there are also Topical questions for that Department.
Questions for written answer on a named day
The latest time for tabling a Question for written answer on a named day before the Christmas Adjournment is Monday 15 December.
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Time of tabling |
Earliest date for named day answer |
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Monday 15 December |
Thursday 18 December |
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Tuesday 16 December |
Monday 5 January |
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Wednesday 17 December |
Monday 5 January |
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Thursday 18 December |
Tuesday 6 January |
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From 5.30pm or rise of the House, whichever is earlier, on Thursday 18 December to 2.30pm on Friday 2 January |
Wednesday 7 January |
Each Member may table up to five named day questions during the Christmas Adjournment.
Further Information
MPS’ GUIDE TO PROCEDURE
The MPs’ Guide to Procedure is available on the Parliamentary website and also in hard copy from the Vote Office
Business of the Day
Documents and reports relating to the business being held in the Chamber are available on the Commons Business Briefings webpage: www.parliament.uk/business/publications/research/commons-business-briefings/
Written Statements
Text of today’s Written Statements: https://questions-statements.parliament.uk/
Select Committees
Select Committees Webpage: https://committees.parliament.uk/
Standing Orders Relating to Public Business
Text of Standing Orders relating to public business: https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm5901/cmstords/so_829_05072024/so-2024i.pdf
Chamber Engagement
Information about engaging the public with debates is available on the parliamentary website: https://www.parliament.uk/get-involved/have-your-say-on-laws/chamber-engagement/.
All business papers are available via the HousePapers app on mobile devices
Order Paper: Future Business
A. Calendar of Business
Business in either Chamber may be changed, and further business added, up to the rising of the House on the day before it is to be taken, and is therefore provisional.
Government items of business in this section have nominally been set down for today, but are expected to be taken on the dates stated.
B. Remaining Orders and Notices
Business in this section has not yet been scheduled for a specific date. It has been nominally set down for today but is not expected to be taken today.
A. Calendar of Business
WEDNESDAY 10 DECEMBER
Chamber
Questions
11.30am Questions to the Minister for Women and Equalities
11.53am Topical Questions to the Minister for Women and Equalities
12 noon Questions to the Prime Minister
Ten Minute Rule Motion: Data publication and quality (immigration, nationality and country of birth)
Katie Lam
That leave be given to bring in a Bill to make provision about the collection and publication of data on immigration status, nationality and country of birth of certain persons, including relating to users of certain public services, claimants of certain benefits, the prison population, and arrests; to require that such data is published at least once per calendar year; to require the Secretary of State to review the quality and consistency of any such data collected and published; and for connected purposes.
Notes:
The Member moving and a Member opposing this Motion may each speak for up to 10 minutes.
Opposition Day (14th Allotted Day)
Notes:
The selection of the matters to be debated will be made by the Leader of the Opposition (Standing Order No. 14(2)).
Adjournment Debate
Potential merits of a public inquiry into Cammell Laird workers imprisoned in 1984: Kim Johnson [R]
Westminster Hall
9.30am That this House has considered Government support for self-determination in Kashmir: Imran Hussain
11.00am That this House has considered the potential merits of banning small-scale fracking operations: Alison Hume
Notes:
The sitting will be suspended from 11.30am to 2.30pm.
2.30pm That this House has considered AI safety: Iqbal Mohamed
4.00pm That this House has considered village schools: Manuela Perteghella
4.30pm That this House has considered International Human Rights Day 2025: Markus Campbell-Savours
Notes:
The debate at 4.30pm will last for up to an hour.
The sitting will be suspended and time added if divisions take place in the main Chamber (Standing Order No. 10(3)).
THURSDAY 11 DECEMBER
Chamber
Questions
9.30am Questions to the Secretary of State for Business and Trade
10.15am Topical Questions to the Secretary of State for Business and Trade
Backbench Business
St Andrew’s Day and Scottish affairs
Graeme Downie
That this House has considered St Andrew’s Day and Scottish affairs.
Impact of foreign interference on security, trade and democracy
James MacCleary
That this House has considered the impact of foreign interference on security, trade and democracy.
Relevant Documents:
Seventh Report of the Joint Committee on Human Rights, Transnational repression in the UK, HC 681, and the Government response, HC 1405
Correspondence from the Chair of the Joint Committee on Human Rights to the Secretary of State for the Home Department, on the Government response to the Committee’s report on Transnational Repression, reported to the House on 29 October
Notes:
The subjects for these debates were determined by the Backbench Business Committee.
Adjournment Debate
Historic interim development orders: Claire Young
Westminster Hall
1.30pm That this House has considered the role of Fairtrade certification in UK business and trade: Martin Rhodes [R]
3.00pm That this House has considered the future of the oil refining sector: Martin Vickers
Relevant Documents:
Fourth Report of the Scottish Affairs Committee, The future of Scotland’s oil and gas industry, HC 459
Notes:
The subjects for these debates were determined by the Backbench Business Committee. The sitting will be suspended and time added if divisions take place in the main Chamber (Standing Order No. 10(3)).
MONDAY 15 DECEMBER
Chamber
Questions
2.30pm Questions to the Secretary of State for Defence
3.15pm Topical Questions to the Secretary of State for Defence
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill: Second Reading
Notes:
The Bill is expected to be certified as a Money Bill.
Adjournment Debate
Sudden cardiac death in young people: Chris Vince
Westminster Hall
4.30pm That this House has considered e-petition 722903 relating to the Online Safety Act: Lewis Atkinson, on behalf of the Petitions Committee
Notes:
The subject for this debate was determined by the Petitions Committee. The sitting will last for up to three hours. The sitting will be suspended and time added if divisions take place in the main Chamber (Standing Order No. 10(3)).
TUESDAY 16 DECEMBER
Chamber
Questions
11.30am Questions to the Secretary of State for Justice
12.15pm Topical Questions to the Secretary of State for Justice
Ten Minute Rule Motion
Luke Akehurst
That leave be given to bring in a Bill under SO No. 23 [details to be provided].
Notes:
The Member moving and a Member opposing this Motion may each speak for up to 10 minutes.
Finance (No. 2) Bill: Second Reading
Westminster Hall
9.30am That this House has considered planning policy for quarries: Alberto Costa, Matt Western
Notes:
The subject for this debate was determined by the Backbench Business Committee.
WEDNESDAY 17 DECEMBER
Chamber
Questions
11.30am Questions to the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology
11.53am Topical Questions to the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology
12 noon Questions to the Prime Minister
Ten Minute Rule Motion
Natasha Irons
That leave be given to bring in a Bill under SO No. 23 [details to be provided].
Notes:
The Member moving and a Member opposing this Motion may each speak for up to 10 minutes.
National Insurance Contributions (Employer Pensions Contributions) Bill: Second Reading
THURSDAY 18 DECEMBER
Chamber
Questions
9.30am Questions to the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
10.00am Topical Questions to the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
10.10am Questions to the Solicitor General
Backbench Business
Matters to be raised before the Christmas adjournment
Bob Blackman
That this House has considered matters to be raised before the Christmas adjournment.
Notes:
The subject for this debate was determined by the Backbench Business Committee.
Westminster Hall
1.30pm That this House has considered the cultural contribution of Jane Austen: Luke Murphy
3.00pm That this House has considered community audiology: Danny Beales
Notes:
The subjects for these debates were determined by the Backbench Business Committee. The sitting will be suspended and time added if divisions take place in the main Chamber (Standing Order No. 10(3)).
MONDAY 5 JANUARY
Westminster Hall
4.30pm That this House has considered e-petition 702845 relating to free bus travel for people over 60: Tony Vaughan, on behalf of the Petitions Committee
6.00pm That this House has considered e-petition 727514 relating to the length of the school week: Dave Robertson, on behalf of the Petitions Committee
Notes:
The subjects for these debates were determined by the Petitions Committee. The sitting will last for up to three hours. The sitting will be suspended and time added if divisions take place in the main Chamber (Standing Order No. 10(3)).
TUESDAY 6 JANUARY
Chamber
Ten Minute Rule Motion
Jodie Gosling
That leave be given to bring in a Bill under SO No. 23 [details to be provided].
Notes:
The Member moving and a Member opposing this Motion may each speak for up to 10 minutes.
WEDNESDAY 7 JANUARY
Chamber
Ten Minute Rule Motion
Mr Luke Charters
That leave be given to bring in a Bill under SO No. 23 [details to be provided].
Notes:
The Member moving and a Member opposing this Motion may each speak for up to 10 minutes.
THURSDAY 8 JANUARY
Westminster Hall
1.30pm That this House has considered the Third Report of the Scottish Affairs Committee, Problem drug use in Scotland follow-up: Glasgow’s Safer Drug Consumption Facility, HC 630, and the Government response, HC 1485: Patricia Ferguson
Notes:
The subject for this debate was determined by the Liaison Committee.
MONDAY 12 JANUARY
Westminster Hall
4.30pm That this House has considered e-petition 727309 relating to a general election: John Lamont, on behalf of the Petitions Committee
Notes:
The subject for this debate was determined by the Petitions Committee. The sitting will last for up to three hours. The sitting will be suspended and time added if divisions take place in the main Chamber (Standing Order No. 10(3)).
TUESDAY 13 JANUARY
Chamber
Ten Minute Rule Motion
Dr Neil Shastri-Hurst
That leave be given to bring in a Bill under SO No. 23 [details to be provided].
Notes:
The Member moving and a Member opposing this Motion may each speak for up to 10 minutes.
B. Remaining Orders and Notices
Business in this section has not yet been scheduled for a specific date. It has therefore been set down formally to be taken in the Chamber today but is not expected to be taken today.
1. Holocaust Memorial Bill: Consideration of Lords Amendments
Notes:
The Lords Amendment does not engage financial privilege.
Secretary Heidi Alexander
That the draft Aviation Safety (Amendment) Regulations 2025, which were laid before this House on 16 July, be approved.
Secretary Shabana Mahmood
That the draft Extradition Act 2003 (Amendment to Designations) Order 2025, which was laid before this House on 17 July, be approved.
Secretary Hilary Benn
That the draft Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023 (Remedial) Order 2025, which was laid before this House on 14 October, be approved.
Ian Murray
That the draft Enterprise Act 2002 (Mergers Involving Newspaper Enterprises and Foreign Powers) (No. 2) Regulations 2025, which were laid before this House on 30 October, be approved.
Secretary Emma Reynolds
That the draft Producer Responsibility Obligations (Packaging and Packaging Waste) (Amendment) Regulations 2025, which were laid before this House on 3 November, be approved.
Samantha Dixon
That the draft Building Safety Regulator (Establishment of New Body and Transfer of Functions etc.) Regulations 2026, which were laid before this House on 11 November, be approved.
8. Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill: Second Reading
Notes:
King’s Consent to be signified on Third Reading.
9. Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill: Money
Dan Tomlinson
That, for the purposes of any Act resulting from the Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill, it is expedient to authorise the payment out of money provided by Parliament of:
(1) any expenditure incurred under or by virtue of the Act by the Secretary of State or another public authority, and
(2) any increase attributable to the Act in the sums payable under or by virtue of any other Act out of money so provided.
Notes:
King’s Recommendation signified.
10. Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill: Ways and Means
Dan Tomlinson
That, for the purposes of any Act resulting from the Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill, it is expedient to authorise:
(1) the imposition of charges under or by virtue of the Act; and
(2) the payment of sums into the Consolidated Fund.
11. Northern Ireland Troubles Bill: Committee
Notes:
Proceedings must, if they have not already ended, end at the moment of interruption (Order of 18 November).
For amendments, see separate paper (also available on the publications webpage for the Bill).
12. Rehabilitation of Offenders
Secretary David Lammy
That the draft Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2025, which was laid before this House on 20 November, be approved.
Michael Shanks
That the draft Oil and Gas Authority (Carbon Storage and Offshore Petroleum) (Specified Periods for Disclosure of Protected Material) Regulations 2026, which were laid before this House on 24 November, be approved.
Secretary Shabana Mahmood
That the draft Public Order Act 2023 (Interference With Use or Operation of Key National Infrastructure) Regulations 2025, which were laid before this House on 27 November, be approved.
Notes:
The instrument has not yet been considered by the Joint Committee on Statutory Instruments.
15. United Kingdom Internal Market
Secretary Emma Reynolds
That the draft United Kingdom Internal Market Act 2020 (Exclusions from Market Access Principles: Glue Traps) Regulations 2025, which were laid before this House on 1 December, be approved.
Notes:
The instrument has not yet been considered by the Joint Committee on Statutory Instruments.
Chris McDonald
That the draft Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) Order 2026, which was laid before this House on 1 December, be approved.
Notes:
The instrument has not yet been considered by the Joint Committee on Statutory Instruments.
Dan Tomlinson
That the Corporation Tax Act 2010 (Part 8C) (Amendment) Regulations 2025 (SI, 2025, No. 1253), dated 1 December 2025, a copy of which was laid before this House on 1 December, be approved.
Alison McGovern
That the draft Local Government (Exclusion of Non-commercial Considerations) (England) Order 2026, which was laid before this House on 2 December, be approved.
Notes:
The instrument has not yet been considered by the Joint Committee on Statutory Instruments.
19. Voting by proxy (serious long-term illness or injury extension)
Sir Alan Campbell
That the following amendment to Standing Order No. 39A (Voting by proxy) made by the Order of 23 October 2024 (Voting by Proxy (Serious long-term illness or injury))—
“In paragraph (2), insert “(d) serious long-term illness or injury;”
shall continue to have effect for the remainder of this Parliament.
20. Public Office (Accountability) Bill: Remaining Stages
As amended in Public Bill Committee, to be considered.
Notes:
King’s Consent to be signified on Third Reading.
Secretary Shabana Mahmood
That the draft Police and Criminal Evidence (Northern Ireland) Order 1989 (Application to Immigration Officers and Designated Customs Officials in Northern Ireland) and Consequential Amendments Regulations 2026, which were laid before this House on 4 December, be approved.
Notes:
The instrument has not yet been considered by the Joint Committee on Statutory Instruments.
Secretary Douglas Alexander
That the draft Social Security (Scotland) Act 2018 (Carer’s Assistance) (Consequential Modifications) Order 2026, which was laid before this House on 8 December, be approved.
Notes:
The instrument has not yet been considered by the Joint Committee on Statutory Instruments.