Prorogation

A parliamentary session may be ended in two ways: by the dissolving of Parliament when a General Election is called, or by prorogation (adjournment). Prorogation means that the Parliament is still constituted (i.e. all members remain as members), but all bills and motions are expunged.

Parliament is prorogued by the reading of an announcement in the House of Lords (with both Houses present) on behalf of the Queen.

This announcement sets out the major Bills that have been passed during that parliamentary session, and any other measures that have been taken by the Government.

This brings the majority of parliamentary business to an end; however, some Public Bills may be permitted to be carried over to the next session.