Whitsun Recess

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A break in parliamentary sittings around late May or early summer.

Category: Parliamentary procedure

Also used as: Whitsun recess, whitsun recess, Whitsun adjournment, Whitsun parliamentary recess

Source / explainer: View House of Commons recess dates

Last reviewed: 23 August 2026

Whitsun recess is a break in parliamentary sittings around late May or early summer. The name is used in parliamentary recess dates and business announcements. As with other recesses, dates can vary and may differ between the Commons and the Lords.

Related terms

Non-sitting DayA day when a House of Parliament is not meeting to conduct ordinary business.RecessA break during a parliamentary session when the Houses do not meet to conduct business.Return of the HouseThe date on which a House resumes sitting after a recess or other break.Rising of the HouseThe point at which a House finishes its business and adjourns.
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