Recall of the House

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An arrangement for the House of Commons to meet during a recess in exceptional circumstances.

Category: Parliamentary procedure

Also used as: recall of the House, recall Parliament, recalled House, recalled during recess, recall of Parliament

Source / explainer: Read the MPs’ Guide to Procedure on timings

Last reviewed: 23 August 2026

Recall of the House refers to the House of Commons being brought back during a recess in exceptional circumstances. The Speaker can recall the House during a recess if necessary at the Government’s request. It is relevant where urgent events require MPs to meet before the scheduled return date.

Related terms

Ministerial StatementA statement made by a minister to bring an important matter to Parliament’s attention.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.Speaker of the House of CommonsThe MP elected by the House of Commons to chair debates and maintain order.Urgent QuestionA question allowed at short notice so a minister must come to the House and answer on an urgent matter.
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