Committee of Privileges - Project Open Gov

A Commons committee that considers matters relating to parliamentary privilege referred to it by the House.

Category: Justice and security Select committees

Abbreviation: Privileges Committee

Also used as: Privileges Committee, Committee of Privileges

Official website: Visit the Committee of Privileges

Last reviewed: 22 August 2026

The Committee of Privileges is appointed to consider specific matters relating to parliamentary privilege that are referred to it by the House of Commons. It may examine whether actions have interfered with Parliament’s work or raised issues of contempt. It is useful in summaries involving privilege, contempt of Parliament and parliamentary standards.

Related terms

Committee on StandardsA Commons committee concerned with standards of conduct for MPs.Contempt of ParliamentConduct that may obstruct or impede either House, its Members or its officers in their parliamentary work.Member of ParliamentAn elected representative who sits in the House of Commons.Parliamentary PrivilegeThe rights and protections Parliament needs to carry out its work effectively.Standing OrderA formal rule governing how Parliament or one of its Houses conducts business.