Captain of the Honourable Corps of Gentlemen-at-Arms and Chief Whip (Lord Kennedy of Southwark) (Lab Co-op)

My Lords, when I became Government Chief Whip in July of last year, I assured the House that I would make timely announcements of future recess dates, as I am firmly of the opinion this is good for Members of the House and the Administration and staff who serve the House so well. Therefore, as a treat before the February Recess, I am delighted to be able to provide the House with an update on recess dates. I have already announced the current plan for recesses up until the end of the conference season 2025. There is a notice in the Royal Gallery and the Printed Paper Office. In addition, I can now confirm that, subject to the progress of business, the current plan is for the House to rise for the Christmas Recess on Thursday 18 December and to return on Monday 5 January. I hope this gives noble Lords plenty of time to plan holidays and spend time with family and friends. I will shortly email around the full list of anticipated recess dates this year to assist the House. Finally, I wish all Members and staff a relaxing and enjoyable February Recess.