Results for "UK Parliament"

Returning to Westminster after the summer recess, the newly appointed prime minister delivered his first address to parliament, pledging to restore public trust and expand state oversight of essential services. The speech marked a significant early test of his administration’s policy direction.

A recent session in the British House of Commons included remarks and procedural discussions led by Mr. David, highlighting ongoing legislative priorities and parliamentary procedures.

A Freedom of Information request has revealed that 65 publicly owned artworks, including a photograph of Benjamin Disraeli and an engraved portrait of William Wilberforce, have gone missing from the UK Parliament's collection since 2024.

A parliamentary investigation into alleged illegal financing involving Nigel Farage has been reopened, casting a shadow over his re-election despite him retaining his seat.

A report highlights concerns about an 'alcohol-soaked' culture in Westminster, describing Parliament as 'Britain’s last alcohol-soaked workplace' where MPs are offered free drinks despite past alcohol-related scandals.

A UK parliamentary briefing questions whether Members of Parliament have the resolve to prevent mega-donors from interfering in British politics. The 'representation of the people bill' is highlighted as a test of the country's ability to curb billionaire-backed donations.

The UK Parliament is scheduled to debate a petition calling for an inquiry into alleged Israeli influence in British politics, after the petition garnered over 100,000 signatures.

The UK Parliament is set to debate assisted dying legislation once more, following a previous unsuccessful attempt to change the law. This renewed discussion indicates ongoing efforts to address the controversial topic.

The National Audit Office has warned Members of Parliament about the escalating costs of delaying essential repairs to the crumbling Palace of Westminster, with estimates already reaching £11 billion.

A charity is advocating for amendments to the Modern Slavery Bill currently before the UK Parliament, arguing that it fails to place sufficient responsibility on businesses to address the issue of modern slavery within their operations.

The UK parliament is set to hold a debate concerning the extent of Israeli influence on the British government and its lawmakers.

Sir Desmond Swayne has topped the private members bill ballot in the UK Parliament, allowing him to introduce legislation on a topic of his choice.

Stephen Gethins, a former UK Parliament member and current Scottish Parliament member, spoke to N1 about the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina, stressing that Europe must remain focused on the country and that peace in the Balkans is fragile.

The 700-year-old system of hereditary peers' right to sit in the UK's upper chamber has been abolished, following legislation passed last month.

A Lithuanian official reportedly told the UK Parliament's National Resilience Committee that 'We are already under attack,' urging a shift from discussing threats to acknowledging current aggression.

Green party byelection winner Hannah Spencer has caused a stir among fellow MPs by speaking out against the drinking culture in Westminster, noting that "you can smell the alcohol when people are in between votes."

The British Parliament has approved a groundbreaking law that will impose a lifetime ban on the sale of cigarettes to anyone born after 2008.

A proposed assisted dying bill in the UK Parliament has run out of time to pass through its current legislative stages. Despite this setback, proponents suggest there are still pathways for the bill to potentially become law.

The UK Parliament has approved a landmark bill to ban cigarette sales for anyone born after January 1, 2009, aiming to create Britain's first smoke-free generation.

The United Kingdom has passed 'landmark' legislation that will prevent anyone born after January 1, 2009, from legally buying tobacco products, aiming to create a smoke-free generation.

In a significant move, the UK Parliament has empowered the Labour Party to direct private pension investments, a key development within the Pension Schemes Bill that introduces a framework for government-led initiatives.

A delegation from the Parliament of Great Britain, representing the Inter-Parliamentary Union, is scheduled to make an official visit to Bosnia and Herzegovina on March 30 and 31.

Renowned singer Rahat Fateh Ali Khan was honored in a ceremony at the UK Parliament in London, an event also recognizing his son Shah Zaman Khan and attended by MPs and members of the South Asian community.

The UK Prime Minister's promise to pass the Hillsborough Law by April 15, 2025, marking the 36th anniversary of the disaster, will be further delayed.

Members of the UK Parliament are pressing Labour leader Keir Starmer to discuss the killings of Christians in Nigeria with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The British House of Commons has voted against a proposed ban on social media for teenagers, temporarily shelving the measure despite a split in political opinion and the House of Lords having introduced the motion.

British MPs rejected a proposal to ban social media for children under 16, a plan inspired by Australia's experience, as the Labour government opposed it in favor of other measures.

The UK Parliament is in the process of ratifying to turn control of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, but there has been some confusion following different government officials statements.

Despite being stripped of his royal titles, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor could still technically become the king: he's eighth in line to the throne. While there's a growing push within the UK parliament

An exclusive analysis reveals a significant rightward shift in the language used by UK Members of Parliament regarding immigration over the past century, with the most pronounced change occurring in the last five years.

UK Parliament is set to debate a motion calling for the release of confidential documents related to former Prince Andrew and his links to Jeffrey Epstein, prompting a re-examination of royal family accountability.

British Members of Parliament from the Business and Trade Committee plan to examine Prince Andrew's former role as a special trade envoy, following his arrest on suspicion of disclosing confidential information.

REPORTS on the attendance of parliamentarians during sessions almost invariably evoke much interest among citizens. Although the average attendance in the National Assembly has been hovering around 60 per cent for the last many years and the citizenry seems to have made its peace with that, there are statistics which sometimes shock the people. For example, a Fafen report on parliamentarians’ attendance during the 23rd National Assembly session held from Jan 12 to Jan 22 this year indicates that 47 or 14pc members remained absent throughout the session and didn’t attend even a single sitting; 276 or 83pc of the total 332 members skipped at least one session. Similar statistics about the 22nd session indicate that about 70pc of the absent members didn’t seek prior leave from the House. The system of taking attendance is such that a person marked present might not have been there throughout the sitting and his/her presence for even a fraction of the sitting may be marked as present. Given the fact that the average duration of a sitting ranges from two to three hours (it was two hours during the first year of the present National Assembly), a member attending the sitting may have been present only for a few minutes. The absence of members from a sitting significantly impacts parliamentary proceedings. Our parliamentary system requires the presence of at least 25pc of the total members which constitutes the quorum. The Assembly proceedings are stopped after a member points out a lack of quorum and the subsequent head count confirms that the minimum required members are not present. A Pildat report indicates that during the past (15th) National Assembly, lack of quorum was pointed out in 105 (23pc) of sittings, and subsequently, 72 or 16pc of the sittings had to be adjourned on this basis. The abrupt termination of a day’s proceedings impacts the productivity of the Assembly as the day’s agenda (order of the day) is left incomplete. During the five years of the 15th National Assembly, on average, less than 50pc (49.47pc to be exact) of the agenda items could be taken up by the Assembly. Ministers’ absence also impacts the quality of proceedings and some of the agenda items have to be deferred because the relevant minister is not present. During the 23rd session of the current Assembly, for example, 29 federal ministers were supposed to answer members’ questions but a majority (19) of them did not show up on the day allocated for answering questions relating to their ministries. In most cases, the absence of the minister concerned deprives members of the opportunity to ask supplementary questions. Simi­larly, adjournment motions, privilege moti­ons and call-attention notices also require the presence of the minister concerned. The Speaker has repeatedly expressed displeasure at the frequent absence of ministers. Sometimes, ministers of state and parliamentary secretaries do not show up either to fill in for the minister concerned. Pakistan’s parliament is not the only one which faces issues of low attendance. Ministers generally take their cue from the prime minister and they are more likely to show up in the House if the PM is particular about his presence. During the life of the 15th Assembly, the attendance of the PM was a mere 13pc (11pc for Imran Khan and 17pc for Shehbaz Sharif). The attendance becomes more known through the media in the case of plenary sittings but the status of attendance is no different in the case of parliamentary committees. Many meetings are adjourned by the chair because the minister concerned and senior officials of the ministry do not show up at the meeting, leading to a wastage of financial resources spent on convening the meetings. However, one may add that Pakistan’s parliament is not the only one which faces issues of low attendance. Many parliaments face a similar situation and a number of parliaments have waived the condition of the presence of a minimum percentage of members for the validity of the proceedings. For example, the UK parliament and US Congress do not have a quorum requirement. The proceedings of the legislatures continue in these countries even if a single member is present in the House. In the case of the UK parliament, many parliamentary committees hold their meetings concurrently with the plenary. The proceedings of the plenary are watched by the members on CCTV while sitting in their offices or in meeting rooms. Members’ presence is required when a motion or a bill has to be voted on. Bells are rung at that time and members available within parliamentary precincts rush to the chamber to vote. The absence of a member from the precincts during the time of the plenary is, however, rare and frowned upon. A major reason for our legislators to be casual about their presence during the Assembly sittings has a lot to do with the preferences of a majority of their voters. Most voters are not so keen about their legislators’ performance in the Assembly. A member who works very hard on his parliamentary speeches and, for example, scrutiny of the annual budget, is seldom appreciated by the constituents. People want their elected representatives to attend to their personal issues, which need an influential legislator’s support for resolution due to poor governance. Finding jobs for constituents and their family members is one of the top expectations from legislators. Interceding with the local administration and police on behalf of the constituents to sort out their day-to-day problems is also among the informal responsibilities of legislators. Attending the weddings and funerals of voters’ extended families, too, is a strong preference of constituents. These informal chores are likely to be of greater help to a legislator in his re-election than making a speech in the House. The weak attendance of legislators is, therefore, not because of their lethargy. Instead, it is a reflection of the ground realities of our own governance and culture. The writer is president of the Pakistan-based think tank Pildat. X: @ABMPildat Published in Dawn, February 20th, 2026

A newly commissioned portrait of former Conservative MP Ann Widdecombe has been displayed in the Palace of Westminster as lawmakers prepare to return. The installation coincides with the traditional opening of the parliamentary calendar.

Filming for a new Netflix drama is scheduled to occur outside the Houses of Parliament this weekend, with the public potentially seeing actors portraying armed police and simulated emergency responses.

Nigel Farage has successfully regained a UK parliamentary seat in a by-election, despite major parties boycotting the contest. He also fended off a challenge from Binface.

Exclusive polling modeling and visualizations reveal how the UK parliament could be significantly altered under different proportional representation voting systems, leading to vastly different seat distributions.

During his address at the Parliament of the United Kingdom marking the 31st anniversary of the Srebrenica genocide, Chairman of the Presidency of Bosnia Denis Becirovic emphasized the importance of preserving the truth about Srebrenica for Europe's moral future.

A pro-Beijing party in Hong Kong staged a demonstration outside the British consulate, protesting a high-profile spying case in the UK that led to the jailing of two Chinese-Britons. UK parliamentarians are also urging a review of the trade office.

A commentary piece argues that reversing Brexit would distract the UK parliament from pursuing more impactful growth reforms, suggesting rejoining the EU is not a simple solution.

An assisted dying bill is set to return to the UK Parliament, with an MP urging peers to 'finish the job' after a similar bill narrowly passed the Commons but ran out of time in the Lords.

Thousands of British Kashmiris protested in London outside the UK Parliament, highlighting alleged human rights abuses and excessive force by Pakistani security forces in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, demanding international intervention.

A UK Parliamentary trade committee has called for an urgent investigation by the Competition and Markets Authority into the live music industry, citing concerns that Live Nation operates in a 'climate of fear.'

Hannah Spencer was jeered by Members of Parliament as she criticized the drinking culture within the UK Parliament.

Following the failure of the terminally ill adults (end of life) bill, a Guardian editorial suggests that Parliament's inability to reform assisted dying laws should spur democratic innovation, such as convening a citizens' assembly.

A new report from the UK parliament’s International Development Committee warns of 'significant gaps' in the government's foreign aid strategy following cuts, calling for more transparency in monitoring and evaluation.

The UK Parliament has approved a bill that will gradually introduce a near-total ban on smoking, preventing anyone born after 2008 from legally purchasing cigarettes or vapes, even after reaching adulthood.

A Liverpool MP has urged the government to expedite the Hillsborough Law without delays or carve-outs, confirming its progression in the upcoming parliamentary session.

A new law in the UK has cleared its final parliamentary hurdle, mandating a gradual increase in the legal age for tobacco product sales.

A former employee of the UK Parliament has been arrested under anti-hacking legislation. The arrest was announced by Sir Lindsay Hoyle.

Palantir is defending its record as Members of Parliament demand increased scrutiny over its data usage, particularly concerning NHS guidance that all hospitals should use Palantir software.

Amina Bouayach, president of Morocco’s National Human Rights Council, presented key elements of Morocco’s approach to organizing the religious sphere and protecting religion from political exploitation at the UK House of Commons.

A ceremonial reception marking Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Independence Day is scheduled to take place at the Palace of Westminster in the UK Parliament.

Steve Barclay has questioned the UK Parliament regarding the absence of prosecutions following the death of approximately 900 fish, seeking an explanation for the lack of legal action.

Green Party MP Hannah Spencer made her maiden speech in the UK House of Commons on Thursday during a debate marking International Women’s Day, honoring women from Manchester.

The British island of Jersey has voted to approve assisted dying, while a similar bill in the UK parliament for England and Wales faces delays.

The Astana Times provides news and information from Kazakhstan and around the world. ALMATY – Kazakh Foreign Minister Yermek Kosherbayev, together with his counterparts from Central Asian countries, met with members of the United Kingdom’s Parliament’s All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Cooperation with Central Asia on Feb. 25 to discuss strengthening interparliamentary engagement and expanding regional cooperation. Addressing British lawmakers, Kosherbayev underscored the importance Ka...

Ghana's High Commissioner to the UK and Ireland reaffirmed the country's dedication to inclusive multilingual policies at an International Mother Language Day event in the UK Parliament.

The British Parliament is debating a proposal to mandate the public release of all official documents related to former Prince Andrew and his service as a trade envoy, amidst ongoing police investigations.

The UK Parliament is set to debate whether to publish documents related to the appointment of former Prince Andrew as a UK trade envoy, with a minister indicating the government will not block the vote.

Labour MP Rupa Huq highlights the dangerous and squalid conditions of the UK Parliament estate, which is riddled with asbestos and mice, urging for the promised upgrade to proceed quickly.

Federal MPs in the UK have accepted free sports tickets from gambling companies like Tabcorp and Sportsbet, sparking calls to restrict wagering advertisements.

Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham confronts pressing parliamentary agenda items and regional policy hurdles as the UK legislature returns to session. His upcoming schedule will test his ability to navigate cross-party negotiations and deliver on local infrastructure commitments.

A framed portrait of former minister Ann Widdecombe has been displayed in the UK Parliament as part of ongoing efforts to establish a permanent memorial for her.

A political survival game called 'No 10: Full Confidence' is being played by lobby journalists and backbenchers in Westminster, reflecting an atmosphere of mistrust in the country.

Nigel Farage, leader of Reform U.K., has returned to Parliament and is maintaining an offensive stance amidst allegations of financial impropriety, claiming voters are unconcerned.

A parliamentary committee has launched an investigation into Richard Tice, the deputy leader of the Reform Party, regarding an unspecified matter.

A review of Prime Minister's Questions (PMQs) in the UK Parliament highlighted the relentless attempts at football banter.

Green MP Hannah Spencer plans to introduce a bill in the UK Parliament to establish a maximum workplace temperature, citing 'absolute chaos' caused by heatwaves and the need for worker protection.

An analysis explains the differences between the UK and Indian parliamentary systems, using the context of Keir Starmer's exit (from a specific role or event) to illustrate key distinctions.

The debate on assisted dying has reignited in the UK, with a new bill prompting emotional accounts from readers about end-of-life suffering and concerns over current laws' dignity and protection.

A woman was arrested for trespassing after reportedly hiding in a toilet cubicle marked 'under maintenance' at the end of a parliament tour.

Prominent backers of an assisted dying bill in the UK Parliament, including former cabinet ministers, have indicated they do not expect the legislation to return via an act that bypasses the House of Lords.

Campaigners for assisted dying see a narrow path for the bill's return to the UK Parliament after two supporting MPs ranked high in a private members’ bills ballot.

The UK Parliament voted down a proposal that would have allowed the issuance of new oil and gas licenses. This decision marks a setback for efforts to expand domestic fossil fuel extraction.

The Bosnia and Herzegovina UK Network announced the 33rd anniversary of British citizen Graham Bamford's self-immolation outside the UK Parliament to draw attention to the war in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The UK Parliament is set to vote on an inquiry into whether Keir Starmer misled the House of Commons over the appointment of former US ambassador Peter Mandelson, who has been linked to Jeffrey Epstein.

A draft law in the UK, aiming to create a "smoke-free generation" by prohibiting tobacco sales to anyone born after 2008, has cleared both houses of parliament. It now awaits the King's signature to become law.

The United Kingdom’s Parliament has approved a law that will permanently ban anyone born on or after January 1, 2009, from buying tobacco products, in a move aimed at creating what ministers call a…

The British Parliament has passed a law that will prohibit anyone born after 2008 from ever legally buying cigarettes, aiming to create a smoke-free generation.

Counter-terror police have arrested a 40-year-old man in Coventry, a former parliament worker, on suspicion of offenses under the Computer Misuse Act.

Legislation will expunge convictions and stop prosecution of women who end their pregnancies in England and Wales Legislation to pardon women who have been convicted of illegal abortions has passed…

Renowned singer Rahat Fateh Ali Khan has been honored at the UK Parliament for his contributions to music.

A proposed assisted dying bill will not become law in the current UK parliamentary session, as both proponents and opponents acknowledge there is insufficient time to complete all legislative stages in the House of Lords.

A new law in the UK will phase out the last hereditary seats in the British House of Lords, ending a tradition that dates back nearly a thousand years, with one peer expressing that the public will miss them.

Peers in the UK Parliament have voted down a government proposal that would have compelled pension funds to invest in specific assets.

The British Parliament has decided to abolish the right of aristocrats to inherit a seat in the House of Lords, ending a centuries-old political tradition.

Members of Parliament in the United Kingdom have voted against a proposal to ban social media access for individuals under the age of 16.

Lib Dems table amendment to crime and policing bill, saying system ‘simply not doing enough to protect women’ Parliament is to debate whether all suicides in cases involving victims of domestic abuse should be investigated as homicide. The Liberal Democrats have tabled an amendment to the crime and policing bill saying that if “there is reasonable suspicion that a death by suicide has been preceded by a history of domestic abuse committed against the person by another person, the relevant pol...

Angeliki Stogia, a Greek-born candidate for the Labour Party, is a strong contender in the by-election for the Gorton and Denton constituency in Manchester, with polls opening at 7:00 AM local time.

The imprisonment and reported deteriorating health of former prime minister Imran Khan came under sustained scrutiny in the UK Parliament on Tuesday. Peers across party lines pressed the Labour government to intensify diplomatic engagement with Islamabad and consider linking aid and trade to human rights benchmarks. The issue was raised during oral questions led by Labour peer Baroness Alexander of Cleveden, who asked about discussions with the government of Pakistan regarding Imran’s incarce...

The UK parliamentary speaker has stated that he informed police about a possible flight risk concerning Mandelson.

The House of Commons in the United Kingdom has voted in favor of releasing documents connected to former Prince Andrew.

Azerbaijani non-governmental organizations have called on the UK parliament to stop what they describe as a 'biased' inquiry into Karabakh.