Recess - Project Open Gov

A break during a parliamentary session when the Houses do not meet to conduct business.

Also used as: recess, parliamentary recess, Commons recess, Lords recess, recesses, in recess

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

Last reviewed: 23 August 2026

A recess is a break during a parliamentary session when the House of Commons and House of Lords do not meet to conduct business. Recesses usually include breaks such as Christmas, Easter and summer recesses, although the precise dates can differ between the two Houses. Recess is formally known as a periodic adjournment.

Related terms

Christmas RecessA break in parliamentary sittings around Christmas and New Year.Non-sitting DayA day when a House of Parliament is not meeting to conduct ordinary business.Periodic AdjournmentThe formal procedural term for a recess.Sitting DayA day on which a House of Parliament meets to conduct business.Summer RecessThe main summer break in parliamentary sittings.