MPs will have nearly a week off for the King's coronation next summer, it has been announced.
The House of Commons will rise at the end of business on Wednesday, May 3 next year, Tory Penny Mordaunt confirmed this morning, and will not come back until the following Tuesday, May 9.
The King will be officially crowned on Saturday, May 6, and all Brits will enjoy an extra Bank Holiday the following Monday.
Elsewhere Ms Mordaunt, leader of the House of Commons, said that the Christmas recess will begin when business closes on December 20, and MPs will not come back until January 9.
It was among a string of recess dates announced by the government.
Additionally the House will rise between these dates:
- February recess will begin after business closes on Thursday February 9, and the Commons will return on Monday February 20.
- The Easter recess will begin at the close of business on Thursday March 30, and MPs will return on Monday April 17.
- The Coronation recess will begin at the close of business on Wednesday May 3, and MPs will return on Tuesday May 9.
- The Whitsun recess will begin at the close of business on Thursday May 25, and MPs will return on Monday June 5.
- The House will rise for the summer recess at close of business on Thursday July 20.
Charles’ coronation is set to take place on Saturday, May 6, in London - eight months after his ascension to the throne following the death of the Queen.
As a result a bank holiday is set to be held across the UK on Monday, May 8, it has been confirmed, ending weeks of speculation.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said the day off will be an “opportunity for families and communities across the country to come together to celebrate”.
He said: “The coronation of a new monarch is a unique moment for our country.
"In recognition of this historic occasion, I am pleased to announce an additional bank holiday for the whole United Kingdom next year.
"I look forward to seeing people come together to celebrate and pay tribute to King Charles III by taking part in local and national events across the country in his honour."
The announcement comes after calls by Tory MPs for the Government to either move the early May bank holiday to coincide with the coronation weekend or to declare an extra day off.
