This Briefing Paper illustrates changes that have been made to procedures and practices in response to coronavirus in the House of Commons and a small selection of other parliaments.
Coronavirus: Changes to practice and procedure in the UK and other parliaments (855 KB , PDF)
Parliaments around the world are changing their practices and procedures in response to coronavirus. This Briefing Paper illustrates changes that have been made in the House of Commons and a small selection of other parliaments.
It records, for example, distancing in the French National Assembly and the Australian House of Representatives; the introduction of virtual proceedings in some Chambers; changes to the conduct of divisions in Denmark; and new ways of working for committees in a number of parliaments.
The Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) is reporting on the impact of social distancing measures on parliaments and on how parliaments are debating, passing legislation and scrutinising governments whilst coronavirus affects the world, see “Parliaments in a time of pandemic”.
Coronavirus: Changes to practice and procedure in the UK and other parliaments (855 KB , PDF)
In 2021-22, the UK has seen its worst ever outbreak of avian influenza as 'bird flu' spread rapidly through many species of wild birds and kept birds. The most serious type of avian influenza can cause sudden death in birds. Poultry flocks where disease is confirmed must be culled. This briefing explains the scale of the problem and Government policies to tackle it.
A debate has been scheduled in the Commons Chamber for Thursday 1 December on World AIDS Day. The subject for the debate has been chosen by the Backbench Business Committee, and the debate will be opened by Lloyd Russell-Moyle MP.
A Westminster Hall debate has been scheduled for 4.30pm on Monday 28 November 2022 on an e-petition to include abortion rights in the Bill of Rights. The subject for the debate has been chosen by the Petitions Committee, and the debate will be opened by Tonia Antoniazzi MP.
