Parliamentary Privilege

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The rights and protections Parliament needs to carry out its work effectively.

Category: Devolution and constitution Parliamentary procedure

Also used as: parliamentary privilege, privilege of Parliament, privilege, breach of privilege

Source / explainer: Read the UK Parliament glossary entry on parliamentary privilege

Last reviewed: 22 August 2026

Parliamentary privilege is the set of rights and protections Parliament needs to carry out its work effectively. It includes freedom of speech in proceedings and the right of each House to regulate its own affairs. It belongs to Parliament and supports parliamentary work rather than giving Members a general personal exemption from the law.

Related terms

Committee of PrivilegesA Commons committee that considers matters relating to parliamentary privilege referred to it by the House.Contempt of ParliamentConduct that may obstruct or impede either House, its Members or its officers in their parliamentary work.House of CommonsThe elected chamber of the UK Parliament, made up of Members of Parliament.House of LordsThe unelected second chamber of the UK Parliament, which scrutinises bills and government policy.
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