Sitting - Project Open Gov

A meeting of either House of Parliament, or of a committee.

Also used as: sitting, sittings, parliamentary sitting, parliamentary sittings, House sitting, committee sitting

Source / explainer: Read the UK Parliament glossary entry on sittings

Last reviewed: 23 August 2026

A sitting is a meeting of either House of Parliament, and the term can also describe a meeting of a committee. Because the word is common, it is best used carefully as a glossary term rather than being auto-linked heavily. In calendar material it helps readers understand whether formal parliamentary business is taking place.

Related terms

Adjournment DebateA debate, usually on a specific issue, held without a vote on a substantive motion.Committee SittingA meeting of a parliamentary committee.Parliamentary CalendarA public schedule showing when Parliament is sitting and what business is planned.RecessA break during a parliamentary session when the Houses do not meet to conduct business.Sitting DayA day on which a House of Parliament meets to conduct business.