visit parliament

Posted on 14th June 2023 Categories Things to do

By: Author Julianna Barnaby

Want to Visit the Houses of Parliament on a Tour? Here’s How…

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Planning to visit the Houses of Parliament and not sure where to start? Check out this step by step guide to the types of tours, ticket prices and what to expect before you go. 

The Houses of Parliament are more than just an iconic London landmark. They function as the heart of British power. 

Set in the Palace of Westminster, a Victorian Neo-Gothic affair on the banks of the Thames, the 1000+ rooms of the palace count among them two of the most important locations in UK politics – the House of Commons and House of Lords. 

Little wonder then that visiting the Houses of Parliament is one of the first things that people think of when visiting London. 

Who wouldn’t want to take a peek at the innards of authority, the place where decisions that shape the lives of British citizens are made on a daily basis? We certainly did for sure. 

Having taken a Houses of Parliament tour previously, we can honestly say that it is one of the most fascinating things we’ve done in London full stop. This coming from a team that spends a lot of time researching and writing about London, and who’s as reticent to give out high praise as Scrooge was to give out money before his Christmas Carol transformation. 

In other words – you should totally go. 

The difficult thing is knowing where to start. That’s why we’ve written this guide to walk you through the options for visiting with and without a tour, the different kinds of Houses of Parliament tours available, where to get tickets and what to expect when you do. 

Do I Have to Book a Tour to Visit the Houses of Parliament? 

Usually, no. But it’s best to book in advance or you risk being turned away. 

There are several ways that you can usually visit the Houses of Parliament without booking a tour – the main ones are: 

• Watch a debate or a committee

Watch Prime Minister’s Questions 

• Watch Minister’s Question Times in the House of Commons or House of Lords 
• Book onto one of Parliament’s special events or talks.

You do not have to book tickets for the first three, although it is advisable to book tickets for Prime Minister’s Questions (PMQs) as it is very popular and you are not guaranteed entry without a ticket. 

We will go into more detail on each of these in the section “Visiting the Houses of Parliament Without a Tour” below if you want to know more info but we thought it was worth dealing with the tours first as this is what we’ve been asked most questions about.

Choosing Which Houses of Parliament Tour to Book 

There are several different types of Houses of Parliament tour that you could go on – we’ve given you a breakdown of each of them as well as options for how to get your hands on tickets and (where relevant) lead times for each.

Houses of Parliament Guided Tour

This is a 90-minute guided tour of the Houses of Parliament for which you have to pay. 

The tours are usually held on weekdays when Parliament is not in session and most Saturdays throughout the year. They go at a slow pace, allowing you to soak in the architecture and history of the buildings. 

These tours also held in French, Spanish, German and Italian on selected dates.

Cost: £32 for adults, £16 for kids, £26 for concessions, Disabled visitors are charged as per the above but an essential companion is free. 

How to Get Tickets: For the latest information on when these tours will return, click here .

Rather take things at your own pace instead of going on a group tour but still want to explore the Palace of Westminster? You should consider an audio tour. 

The 90-minute audio tour provides a wealth of information about the buildings and the politics that happen within Parliament’s walls – in audio and video formats. 

It’s also available in a much wider range of languages than the guided tours and there are different versions for children and adults. 

Cost: £25 for adults, £9 for kids, £18.00 for concessions, under 5s free. Disabled visitors are charged as per the above but an essential companion is free. 

How to Get Tickets: Get your tickets for Parliament before they sell out here .

Private Guided Tours 

Want to explore in a private group? Book a private guided tour. 

On the face of it, the £500 fee looks pretty steep but when you consider that it covers up to 10 people for a completely tailored tour, it doesn’t actually look so bad after all.

You’ll have to enquire about this privately as you can’t book online, but the tours generally begin first thing in the morning (Monday to Wednesday) and last around 75 minutes. 

Cost: Starts from £500 per group of up to 10 people 

How to Book: For bookings of 10 people or more, contact [email protected]

How to Take a Tour of the Houses of Parliament for Free

Did you know that UK residents can visit the Houses of Parliament for Free?

Scrap that, if you’re a UK resident, you can take a Democratic Access Tour of the Houses of Parliament for Free. 

We’ve taken one of these tours and it was riveting – 75 minutes of sights and information that had every single person fixed on every word our tour guide Sean had to say. 

The locations you cover during the tour depend on what’s happening on the day  – we were lucky enough to visit both houses (we literally squeaked into the House of Lords just in time). 

The tour is informative and educational, walking you through the daily business of MPs while they’re in the houses, the procedures that govern them and showcases the highlights of the Palace of Westminster along the way. 

We cannot recommend this enough – if you’re a UK resident and capable of getting to London, do it. 

The decisions that are made here influence every aspect of your life – not in an obscure and difficult to define fashion, but directly and with significant impact. Taking the time to understand how it works is never going to be a bad idea. 

How to Get Tickets: 

You have to be a UK resident to book one of the Houses of Parliament free tours. You’ll need to book through your local MP or a Member of the House of Lords to book up to six months in advance. 

There are often last-minute Houses of Parliament tickets available (within the next seven days) – you can email Parliament to book a space on one of them, or pop into the Ticket Office in front of Portcullis House. 

More information can be found here

Behind the Scenes Houses of Parliament Guided Tour 

This tour isn’t run by Parliament itself and is significantly more expensive than the standard guided tours we included above. 

So why are we listing it? Because it’s a much more in-depth and intimate tour that allows you to really immerse yourself in the world of Parliament past and present. 

In the course of two hours, you explore sections of the Palace of Westminster – including several places that aren’t covered by the other tours. 

This is really a tour for those who want to get down to the nitty gritty of the history and architecture of the Houses of Parliament and want to do it as part of a smaller group. 

Cost: £65 Adults, £59 Children (4-12), Infants three and under are free. 

How to get Tickets: Book online on Get Your Guide

Take a Virtual Tour

Can’t make your way to Parliament right now? Don’t stress. You can take a virtual tour of the buildings online. You’ll walk your virtual self through the corridors of power. It’s not the same as being there in person, but at least you don’t have to get off the sofa. 

Cost: Absolutely free. Hurrah.

How to get Tickets: Book online here.

Visiting the Houses of Parliament Without a Tour

Now you’ve got a good grasp of the kinds of tours that you can take of the Houses of Parliament, We’re going to walk you through the ways that you can usually visit Parliament without a tour. 

It’s probably worth noting that you’re not allowed to just walk around the Palace of Westminster unguided (unless you’re doing an audio tour), so if you want to look around the buildings and learn about their history, a guided or audio tour are the only ways to do it. 

Watch a Debate or Committee 

MPs in the House of Commons and Peers in the House of Lords debate issues and proposed legislation on a daily basis – all of which anyone is able to view from the public galleries of the respective houses. 

In addition to this, both houses also hold committee meetings examine issues in detail on subjects large and small – all of which are open to the public. 

Though the waiting times vary dependent on the popularity / contentiousness of the subject, you are normally able to just turn up and hop into the queue for both debates and committee meetings.

The visitor attendants can give you a good idea of how long you can expect to wait when you arrive. 

How to Get Tickets: Not ticketed, just turn up and queue . 

Prime Minister’s Questions (PMQs) happens every Wednesday at 12pm when Parliament is in session.

Even before the explosive events of the past few years, PMQs has always been the most popular event at Parliament, which is why it’s a ticketed event. 

How to Get Tickets: Contact your local MP to request a ticket. If you’re not a UK resident or you haven’t booked a ticket in advance you can turn up on the day and try your luck but the pool of seats available is small. Not currently running but keep your eyes peeled on the website.

Watch Minister’s Question Time

This happens in both the House of Commons and the House of Lords – generally at the beginning of the day Monday to Thursday and you can go and watch it from the public galleries of the respective houses. 

Cost: Free 

How to Get Tickets: You can contact your local MP to request a ticket or turn up on the day. Minister’s Question Time can be popular, but it’s generally OK to turn up on the day. Not currently running but check the website for updates.

Book a Special Event or Talk

There’s so much going on at Parliament – they really take their role of educating the public about aspects of life in Parliament, the history of the buildings and issues we face as a country.

The only problem is… only a select number of people know about them, buried as they are in an obscure section of Parliament’s website. 

Now,  you know that we’re full-on geeky (we’ve learnt to embrace it), but the subject range is fascinating. These are the kinds of talks that if you put them on TED Talks millions of people would be watching them, but when it’s Parliament… they’re hardly the talk of the town.

Don’t get us wrong – they still sell out but when’s the last time you saw them on a list of interesting things to do in London this week. It’s a shame – we want to thoroughly encourage you to go and check out the calendar and book onto any that interest you. 

At the moment, these talks are all virtual. Current ones on the calendar include The Elizabeth Tower’s Conservation and How UK Parliament Works – a great place to start if you’re looking to learn more about Parliament.

Cost: Varies – most are free

How to Get Tickets: Check the Calendar of Upcoming Events and book tickets (mostly free) online.

Houses of Parliament and the Palace of Westminster: Frequently Asked Questions

They actually refer to the same place. The Palace of Westminster, where the Houses of Parliament are based today, actually used to be a royal palace: Henry VIII was the last monarch to use it as such.  These days, it’s no longer a royal palace and serves as a meeting place for the House of Commons and House of Lords, together: the Houses of Parliament.

Yes, you can go into the Houses of Parliament – either on a tour, to go and see a debate or committee, to watch Prime Minister’s Questions or Minister’s Questions, to attend a talk or event or to go and petition your MP.  You can’t, however, just walk around and see the inside of the Palace of Westminster unguided. 

Yes, you can visit the Houses of Parliament for free by going to watch a debate, Prime Minister’s Questions or Ministers Questions in the appropriate house. You can also book a spot on one of the free Democratic Access Tours run by Parliament on a frequent basis. 

It depends on which tour you book. The free tours of the Houses of Parliament are around 75 minutes while the paid guided tours last for 90 minutes. They also recommend allowing at least 90 minutes for the self-guided audio tour. 

No, there is no formal dress code for visiting Parliament… but it is illegal to enter Parliament wearing a suit of armour, just in case you were thinking of doing that. 

You can take photos in Westminster Hall and St Stephen’s Hall in the Houses of Parliament if you’re visiting but no, you can’t take photos in the rest of the Palace of Westminster.

Yes, the buildings are old but they’ve been updated to make them accessible to everyone. From ramps to information in sign language and tours specially tailored to people that need a little more help than others, it’s all there for you.  What’s more, for the tours and such, essential companions can go free. 

You can find more information about parliament’s accessibility here

Yes, you can! Parliament’s Jubilee Cafe is open from 9:00am to 5:45pm Monday to Wednesday and 10:00am to 5:45pm Thursday to Saturday. They do a selection of refreshments, sandwiches and such in case you’re peckish.  Alternatively check out our guide to Westminster for some good food nearby.

Unlikely, but possible. Obviously whoever the Tories have chosen as our leader for the month that you happen to visit will be present at PMQs – if you can get a ticket to that – but most of the time they will be working from No. 10, around the corner – or off in a foreign country doing important diplomatic work. 

Map of the Houses of Parliament, London 

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How To Visit the U.K. Parliament in 2024: Tickets, Hours, and Tours

Eddie Saint-Jean Last Updated: April 30, 2024

The U.K. Parliament in London has a fascinating history dating back to 1215 when disgruntled barons made King John sign the Magna Carta making him subject to the rule of law. This paved the way for the beginnings of Parliament in 1265 under Simon De Montfort. Getting into the Houses of Parliament is not straightforward, so we’ve put together this guide to help you plan. Here’s how to visit the U.K. Parliament.

Pro Tip:  Planning what to do on your trip to London? Bookmark this post in your browser so you can easily find it when you’re in the city. Check out our  guide to London  for more planning resources, our  top London tours  for a memorable trip, and the  top things to do in London .

Visiting the U.K. Parliament: What We’ll Cover

The U.K. Houses of Parliament, also known as the Palace of Westminster, has a long history with many interesting traditions that are still maintained today. The popular Guy Fawkes Day originates from events that took place here in 1605 when the Catholic zealot Guy Fawkes tried to blow up the Houses of Parliament.

While it is possible to visit the Houses of Parliament, you cannot simply walk in and wander around due to strict security. In this guide, discover what you need to know to visit the U.K. Parliament. Here’s what we’ll cover:

• Opening hours and tickets
• How much time to budget for your visit
• What to see at the U.K. Parliament
• Facts and history of the U.K. Parliament
• Places to eat nearby

U.K. Parliament Opening Hours and Tickets

Despite its high-profile politicians and tight security, visitors are allowed inside Parliament for specific purposes: guided tours, certainly, as well as Committee Room events, parliamentary debates, or Prime Minister’s Questions. But its high security means you cannot just wander around unguided or without a specific invite or ticket.

Opening Hours:

The U.K. Parliament or Palace of Westminster is open Monday to Friday from 9 am to 5 pm.

You have a choice of guided tours and multimedia tours. Multimedia tours allow you up to 90 minutes inside Parliament buildings using their audio guides. The guided tours last 75 minutes. All tours mostly take place on weekdays and Saturdays.

There are 3 tours you can pick from:

Speaker’s House Tour

If you’re curious about the role of the Speaker of the House, the highest authority of the House of Commons, , this tour is for you. . You’ll have the opportunity to visit the State Apartments of Speaker’s House, where official business is conducted and the Speaker resides.

Ticket Prices: The Speaker’s House Tour costs £20 for Adults, while Young Adults (16 – 18 years old) pay £12. Concessions (Over-6os, students, and U.K. Armed Forces) are £12.

Self-Guided Audio Tour of the Palace of Westminster

Ideal for independent explorers, this tour offers a self-paced experience. With the multimedia device as your guide, you’ll navigate renowned areas like medieval Westminster Hall, the renowned House of Commons Chamber, majestic House of Lords Chamber, and other iconic spaces.

Ticket Prices: Adults £26 (£28 on the day), Young adults (16-24) £19 (£21 on the day), Children (5-15) free (£9* on the day), Concessions (UK Armed Forces) £19 (£21 on the day), and free tickets available for visitors with disabilities and their essential companions

Guided Tours of the Palace of Westminster

Explore the rich history and function of the UK Parliament with an expert guide. You’ll explore the House of Commons, House of Lords, and Westminster Hall and learn about the captivating history, art, and architecture, as well as gaining insights into the current workings of the Houses of Commons and Lords.

Ticket Prices: The guided tour costs £33 for adults (£35 on the day), £27 (£29 on the day) for young adults (16-24), £17 (£19 on the day) for children. Concessions (UK Armed Forces) £27 (£29 on the day), and visitors with a disability can book a free ticket for their essential companion.

Also, access is more likely during Easter, summer, and Christmas, when Parliament is not in session. Still, visits are allowed at selected times even when Parliament is in session. You can book time slots for either multimedia or guided tours as long as they are between 9 am and 4:15 pm.

Contact the ticket offices at Portcullis House, Victoria Embankment for further information on guided tours in French, Spanish, Italian, and German, all of which are available on selected dates. 

Visits Without Tours:

There are three options. Firstly, you can watch the Prime Minister’s Questions or Minister’s Questions without a guide. These take place in the House of Commons and House of Lords.

Secondly, you can see a parliamentary debate or a committee at work. Thirdly, there are parliamentary talks, events, petitions, and Private Members’ Bills where visitors are permitted.

Address: Palace of Westminster

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Not ready to book a tour? Check out the best London tours to take and why .

How Long To Spend at the U.K. Parliament

Short answer: 75 minutes for a guided tour; 90 minutes for the multimedia tour.

Your tour includes visits to the House of Commons, the House of Lords, and Westminster Hall. This talk covers the history of the building, the creation of Parliament, and the democratic and legislative processes within Parliament today. Since both tours are for set times, you’re unlikely to run over.

However, if you’re attending a separate ticketed parliamentary event, it all depends on the times for the event itself.

What To See in and Near the U.K. Parliament 

• Commons Chamber: Prime Minister’s Question Time, Parliamentary debates
• The Lords Chamber: Question Time, Debates, and Legislation Work
• The House of Lords Committee Rooms: Select Committee work
• The Parliamentary Archives 
• The Churchill Arch
• Statues in the Palace
• The Speaker’s Chair
• The Royal Gallery
• Central Lobby
• The Cloisters
• Parliament Square (includes statues of Nelson Mandela, Ghandi, and Winston Churchill)
• Auguste Rodin’s sculpture The Burghers of Calais (in Victoria Tower Gardens, next to Parliament)

Facts and History of the U.K. Parliament

• The Houses of Parliament are also known as the Palace of Westminster. 
• Westminster Hall was built in 1097 by William II, son of William the Conqueror. It was the biggest and grandest hall in Europe at that time. It’s the oldest building in the Houses of Parliament.
• The first English Parliament was held in 1265, when French nobleman Simon de Montfort, Earl of Leicester, led a group of rebellious barons seeking representational democracy and the curbing of Henry III’s absolute power. 
• The medieval parliament burned down in 1834. The fire destroyed most of the Palace of Westminster. 
• Oliver Cromwell was sworn in as Lord Protector in Westminster Hall. He was anti-royal but was sworn in wearing regal-looking robes. 
• In 1605, a zealot Catholic called Guy Fawkes tried to blow up the Houses of Parliament. He was caught in the House of Lords basement with barrels of gunpowder.
• The Queen is banned from the House of Commons. This convention was introduced in 1642 after King Charles I entered the Commons with soldiers to try and arrest five MPs for treason.
• A parliamentary official with the title Black Rod has the Commons door ceremoniously slammed in his face before the Queen’s Speech. After this ritual, he bangs on the door three times with his rod. This traditional act occurs when he summons MPs from the Commons Chambers to hear the Queen’s Speech. The slamming of the door represents the independence of the Commons.

Places To Eat Nearby

There’s a café in the Palace of Westminster. But you’re just as likely to find healthy, filling snacks and meals—and perhaps rub shoulders with politicians—in the nearby cafés and restaurants. For more options, check out the full list of best restaurants nearby .

Jubilee Café : £££ | Coffee Shop —This café in Westminster Hall has a selection of snacks, paninis, and sandwiches, plus pastries, sweets, and cakes. The quaint English Jubilee cream tea is a visitor favourite, but there’s also barista coffee and other beverages.

Riverside Café : ££ | River Views —This is a short but soul-lifting walk through parklands known as Victory Tower Gardens, and then over Lambeth Bridge. The café has the best views of Parliament and the Thames river compared to other eateries in the area. It serves a full English Breakfast, of course, as well as pizza, burgers, baguettes, salads, and hot and cold beverages.

The Cinnamon Club : £££+ | Former Victorian Library —There’s an elegant and exclusive atmosphere to this classy Indian restaurant. The curry, seafood, and soup dishes have a gourmet touch. Traditional English game such as venison is served in an artisanal Indian culinary style. There are a few menu surprises, too, like snake!

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Visit The Houses of Parliament

This post is about how to take a tour of the Houses of Parliament, as well as attend public debates. It covers security, dress codes, and other important tips.

And be sure to take one of our walking tours that cover the palace.

• Where is the Palace of Westminster?
• Public Tours
• Attending Public Debates
• Security and Dress Code
• Things to Do in London
• Other Royal Palaces
• Big Ben Tours

HOW TO GET TO THE PALACE OF WESTMINSTER

Be sure to check out our tour of Westminster and read how to get into Westminster Abbey for free .

The Houses of Parliament is located entirely within the Palace of Westminster, in the City of Westminster on the western bank of the River Thames.

We recommend using this Google map for directions to the palace from anywhere in London.

Due to its central location, it is within walking distance to many popular London attractions (see green circles above).

The closest Underground station is Westminster, which is served by the Jubilee, Circle and District lines.

It is also near the Embankment station, which is also serviced by the Bakerloo and Northern lines.

Be sure to read our post on navigating the London Underground and choosing the right travel pass .

If you are considering using one of the hop-on-hop-off buses while you are in London, note that all have stops at the Palace of Westminster.

We have a post that compares all of the various bus tour options in London.

HOUSES OF PARLIAMENT TOUR

One of the ways is to take a paid guided tour offered through the Houses of Parliament.

Reviews for this tour are mostly favorable, with an average of  4.5 out of 5 stars rating on TripAdvisor.

Some guests say that without a guided tour, you may feel overwhelmed by the amount of information that is on display. Many people note that the guides are very friendly and easy to understand.

Here is the information you need to know to plan your visit:

• You can pre-book tickets online or purchase them on the same day from the Ticket Office in front of Portcullis House on Victoria Embankment. The Ticket Office is open on Monday to Friday 10 am to 4 pm, and Saturday from 8.45 am to 4.45 pm.
• Guided tours run Saturdays until 28 September 2024 and also on few select dates in May and June 2024.
• Guided tours in English start every 15 to 20 minutes throughout the day between 10:15 am and 3:45 pm.
• Guided tours in French, German, Italian, and Spanish are offered every tour day but at set times.
• Tours run about 1 hour and 30 minutes

Guided Tour Prices -

• Adults: £32
• Concessions (over 60s, students, members of the UK Armed Forces): £26
• Children (5-15 years): £16
• Children (under 5): Free, but will require a ticket for admission. ( Note : This tour is not recommended for young children due to the length of the tour and the amount of walking)
• Disabled visitors: Standard prices as listed above (escorts have free entry but will require a ticket for admission)
• Note: Residents of the UK can visit for free by writing to your MP to request a free tour which will be delivered by an ‘in-house’ Parliament guide.

For any other information visit the official  guided tour page for more information .

In addition to the guided tour provided by the Houses of Parliament, this company also offers exclusive access to the site on two separate tours.

Their main outing includes a tour of both the Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey, allowing you to see and learn about both landmarks at the same time with special access to each.

Alternatively, you may also want to consider their after-hours Houses of Parliament tour which makes it easy to avoid the crowds.

Houses of Parliament & Westminster Abbey Tour ( affiliate disclosure )

Note: The tour is currently unavailable as of March 2024.

• £89/Adults, Students | £84/Children
• Duration: 3 ½ – 4 hours
• Hours: 9 am, 1:30 pm
• Includes Westminster Abbey admission.
• Includes Houses of Parliament admission.

Behind the Scenes After Hours Parliament Tour ( affiliate disclosure )

• £59/Adults, Students | £55/Children
• Duration: 2 hours
• Hours: 4 pm
• Includes after-hours Houses of Parliament admission.
• Includes tour of the House of Commons.
• Includes tour of the House of Lords.

Reviews for Take Walks are generally very positive, with most customers indicating they offer top-of-the-line tours.

Many guests feel that their guides are very knowledgeable and friendly, willing to answer any and all questions you may have.

Self-Guided Audio Tours

After years of offering guided tours of the palace, there is now an  audio tour available to the public .

Guests are provided with headphones and guided along the line route whilst listening to the history and current politics of the Houses of Parliament.

Important figures in Parliament help provide some of the commentaries on the audio guide so guests will get to listen to people such as Black Rod and the Speaker of the House of Commons.

Reviews on TripAdvisor indicate that these self-guided audio tours are pretty darn good.

Guests who enjoyed this tour suggest that it is the best option for those who wish to experience the Houses of Parliament at their own pace which is nice if you’re hoping to take your time.

• Audio tours follow the same schedule as the guided tours above.
• Audio tours last 75 minutes and are available in many languages: English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Russian, Mandarin and Brazilian Portuguese, and Welsh.
• There is also a separate audio guide aimed at children aged 7 - 12.

Audio Guide Tour Prices

• Adults: £25
• Concessions (over 60s, students, members of the UK Armed Forces): £18
• Children (5-15 years): One child is free with each paying adult, but will require a ticket for admission, £8 for each additional child
• Children (under 5): Free, but will require a ticket for admission
• Click  here to book your tour of the Houses of Parliament!

If you can't make it to Parliament for a tour, then view the video clips below.

They cover tours of the House of Commons, and the House of Lords as well as parts of the Palace of Westminster, such as Westminster Hall.

Visit the Public Galleries for the Houses of Common and Lords For Free

For visitors who are interested in witnessing the world's oldest democratic body in action without the cost of a public tour, it is possible to do so by sitting in one or both of the public galleries.

All the legislative work of the Houses of Parliament takes place in either the House of Commons or the House of Lords - and both of these chambers have sections that are open to the public.

Video tour of the House of Commons.  Click here for a tour of the House of Lords .

The House of Commons Public Gallery is located behind bullet-proof glass and visitors are escorted up the back stairs of the House of Commons to sit on the balcony and observe the debates.

The House of Lords Public Gallery is also up a set of back stairs but this Gallery has no glass which means guests are actually sitting on a balcony inside the House of Lords itself.

Throughout both chambers, there are microphones built into the benches to bring the sound of the MPs and Lords working into the Galleries.

Sitting in the Galleries of both the Commons and the Lords is entirely free. In fact, taking in the debates is #3 on our list of top 10 free things to do in London .

Access is only accessible when either House is in session.

When Parliament is not sitting, the Galleries are closed to the public and whenever Parliament is in session (even as late as 11:00 pm) guests are allowed inside.

Occasionally you may find that there is a queue to get in, and visitors are put into a first-come-first-serve system inside the Palace.

This is particularly true for Wednesday mornings when the Prime Minister addresses the House of Commons.

Visitor access to the galleries, while the Prime Minister is speaking, is limited to ticket holders only, who obtain their tickets by contacting their Member of Parliament.

For this reason, it's advisable for most to avoid visiting the galleries at this time.

To gain access, go to the main entrance at Cromwell Green (see map link and the image below) and speak to the Visitor Assistants (wearing gold and blue) outside, who will let you know if the Houses are in session, what they are debating, and how long the wait may be.

To find out which days Parliament will be sitting, simply visit their website to plan your trip: www.Parliament.uk

Also note: Children under 5 are not allowed into the Public Gallery and older children can be denied access if the doorkeepers feel this necessary.

SECURITY AND DRESS CODE

The visitor entry point to the Palace of Westminster is located at 3 St. Margaret's Street ( map ), just across from St. Margaret's Church.

The closest Underground Station is Westminster, which services the Jubilee, District, and Circle lines.

Visitors coming to the Houses of Parliament - either for the tours or to attend the debates - are subject to tight security screening.

Described as "airport-style security" guests must pass through metal detectors and have all bags x-rayed and searched.

Guests will then have their photographs taken and issued a temporary pass which must be worn at all times and marks them out as visitors.

Certain items are restricted when visiting the Houses of Parliament and visitors should be aware that possession of these materials may see them prevented from entering.

In general, most lists of banned items on airplanes match with the list of banned items in Parliament. So sharp objects like scissors or blades of any sort are forbidden as are some aerosol sprays.

You can get more information on what's prohibited here.

Guests will also need to leave their belongings at the Doorkeepers before entering any of the Public Galleries as mobile phones, cameras, and any other personal effects are banned in the Galleries.

There is no dress code for the tour through the Palace of Westminster. Although we do recommend choosing inoffensive attire, you are pretty much free to wear whatever is comfortable.

Big Ben and Other Nearby Attractions

There is a lot to see in the area. We have a useful post on things to do in Westminster , but below are some of the highlights.

• Trafalgar Square
• Changing of the Guard
• Buckingham Palace
• 10 Downing Street
• Westminster Abbey
• The Churchill War Rooms
• The Horse Guards
• St. James's Palace

OUR TOURS THAT COVER THE PALACE

**Tip:   Come along on one of our  Westminster Tours !

The tour finishes at the Palace of Westminster and your guide will show you the facade of the Palace during your walk and will point you in the right direction for your visit to Parliament once the tour has finished.

On Saturdays, you can buy a ticket for a guided tour of the Palace.

During the week, your tour will finish in the perfect time for you to get a space in the Public Gallery.

Also, check out how to get into Westminster Abbey for free .

When it comes to ratings and reviews on TripAdvisor , it’s clear that a lot of guests have enjoyed our Westminster tour. Our London service rated 5 out of 5 stars.  

Reviewers mention that our guides are very friendly and informative, which is definitely an experience we strive to provide. One word keeps popping up more than any other among these reviews: historic.

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Houses of Parliament

Top choice in The West End

Both the elected House of Commons and the House of Lords, who are appointed or hereditary, sit in the sumptuous Houses of Parliament, officially called the Palace of Westminster. This neo-Gothic building dates from the mid-19th century – its oldest part is 11th-century Westminster Hall , one of only a few sections that survived a catastrophic 1834 fire. A visit to the Houses of Parliament is a journey to the very heart of British democracy.

The palace's most famous feature is its clock tower, Elizabeth Tower (better known as  Big Ben ), covered in scaffolding until restoration works are finished. Big Ben is actually the 13.7-tonne bell hanging inside and is named after Benjamin Hall, the first Commissioner of Works when the tower was completed in 1859.

Westminster Hall

One of the most interesting features of the Palace of Westminster, the seat of the English monarchy from the 11th to the early 16th centuries, is Westminster Hall. Originally built in 1097, it is the oldest surviving part of the complex; the awesome hammer-beam roof was added between 1393 and 1401 and is the largest medieval timber roof in northern Europe. The only other part of the original palace to survive the devastating 1834 fire is the Jewel Tower , built in 1365 and used to store the monarch's valuables.

Westminster Hall was used for coronation banquets in medieval times and served as a courthouse until the 19th century. The trials of William Wallace (1305), Thomas More (1535), Guy Fawkes (1606) and King Charles I (1649) took place here. In the 20th century, monarchs and Prime Minister Winston Churchill lay in state here after their deaths.

The House of Commons and the House of Lords

Parliament is split into two houses. The green-hued  House of Commons  is the lower house, where the 650 elected Members of Parliament (MPs) sit. Traditionally the home of hereditary blue bloods, the scarlet-decorated  House of Lords , with around 800 members, now has peers appointed through various means. Both houses debate and vote on legislation, which is then presented to the Queen for her Royal Assent (in practice, this is a formality; the last time Royal Assent was denied was in 1707). At the annual State Opening of Parliament in May or June, the Queen takes her throne in the House of Lords, having arrived in the gold-trimmed Irish State Coach from Buckingham Palace (her crown travels alone with equerries in Queen Alexandra's State Coach).

Visiting Parliament

Currently all visits to Parliament are suspended , but virtual tours and workshops are available .

Once tours resume, book your slot in advance (usually only available on a Saturday), and be prepared for lines and thorough security checks before you're allowed access to the building. UK residents can also approach their MPs to arrange a free tour.

When visiting restrictions lift and Parliament is in session, visitors are welcome to attend debates for free. It’s not unusual to have to wait for hours to access the chambers. The best (and busiest) time to watch a debate is during Prime Minister’s Question Time at noon on Wednesday. The debating style in the Commons is quite combative, but not all debates are flamboyant argumentative duelling matches – many are rather boring and long-winded.

Parliament Sq. SW1

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Visit Houses of Parliament: A Guide to Touring the Iconic London Landmark

The Houses of Parliament in London are a symbol of British power and a must-visit destination for anyone interested in politics or history. With over 1000 rooms, the Palace of Westminster houses the House of Commons and House of Lords, two of the most important locations in UK politics.

In this step-by-step guide, visitors will find information on the different types of tours available, ticket prices, and what to expect before they go. Whether visitors choose to take a tour or explore the Houses of Parliament on their own, this guide will provide all the necessary information to make the most of their visit.

• 0.1 Key Takeaways
• 1 Do I Need to Book a Tour to Visit the Houses of Parliament?
• 2.1 Houses of Parliament Guided Tour
• 2.2 Private Guided Tours
• 2.3 How to Take a Tour of the Houses of Parliament for Free
• 2.4 Behind the Scenes Houses of Parliament Guided Tour
• 2.5 Take a Virtual Tour
• 3.1 Watch a Debate or Committee
• 3.2 Watch Prime Minister’s Questions
• 3.3 Watch Minister’s Question Time
• 3.4 Book a Special Event or Talk
• 4.1 Can You Visit the Houses of Parliament?
• 4.2 How Can You Visit the Houses of Parliament?
• 4.3 How Long is a Tour of the Houses of Parliament?
• 4.4 Is there a Dress Code for Visiting Parliament?
• 4.5 Can You Take Photos in the Houses of Parliament?
• 4.6 Is there Disabled Access?
• 4.7 Can You Have Lunch at the Houses of Parliament?
• 4.8 Will Visitors See the Prime Minister?

Key Takeaways

• Visitors to the Houses of Parliament can choose from a variety of tours or explore the building on their own.
• This step-by-step guide offers information on tour options, ticket prices, and what to expect during a visit.
• The Houses of Parliament are an iconic London landmark and a must-visit destination for anyone interested in politics or history.

Do I Need to Book a Tour to Visit the Houses of Parliament?

Usually, visitors do not need to book a tour to visit the Houses of Parliament. However, it is advisable to book in advance to avoid being turned away. There are several ways to visit the Houses of Parliament without booking a tour. Visitors can watch debates or committees, Prime Minister’s Questions (PMQs), and Minister’s Question Times in the House of Commons or House of Lords.

While tickets are not required for the first three options, it is recommended to book tickets for PMQs as it is a popular event and entry is not guaranteed without a ticket. Additionally, visitors can book onto one of Parliament’s special events or talks.

For more information on visiting the Houses of Parliament without a tour, readers can refer to the section titled “Visiting the Houses of Parliament Without a Tour” below. It is important to note that booking a tour can provide a more in-depth and informative experience for visitors.

Choosing Which Houses of Parliament Tour to Book

If you’re planning a trip to London, visiting the Houses of Parliament should be on your list of things to do. There are several different types of tours available, each offering a unique way to experience the Palace of Westminster . Here are some of the options available for you to choose from:

Houses of Parliament Guided Tour

The Houses of Parliament Guided Tour is a 90-minute tour of the Palace of Westminster. The tour is available on weekdays when Parliament is not in session and most Saturdays throughout the year. The tour goes at a slow pace, which allows visitors to take in the architecture and history of the buildings. The tour is also available in French, Spanish, German, and Italian on selected dates.

Cost: £32 for adults, £16 for kids, £26 for concessions. Disabled visitors are charged as per the above but an essential companion is free.

How to Get Tickets: For the latest information on when these tours will return, click here .

Private Guided Tours

If you want to explore the Palace of Westminster in a private group, you can book a private guided tour. The tour is completely tailored to your group and covers up to 10 people. The tour lasts around 75 minutes and generally begins first thing in the morning (Monday to Wednesday).

Cost: Starts from £500 per group of up to 10 people.

How to Book: For bookings of 10 people or more, contact [email protected]

How to Take a Tour of the Houses of Parliament for Free

UK residents can take a Democratic Access Tour of the Houses of Parliament for free. The tour lasts for 75 minutes and provides visitors with information about the daily business of MPs while they’re in the houses, the procedures that govern them, and showcases the highlights of the Palace of Westminster along the way. The locations you cover during the tour depend on what’s happening on the day.

How to Get Tickets: You have to be a UK resident to book one of the Houses of Parliament free tours. You’ll need to book through your local MP or a Member of the House of Lords up to six months in advance. There are often last-minute Houses of Parliament tickets available (within the next seven days) – you can email Parliament to book a space on one of them, or pop into the Ticket Office in front of Portcullis House.

Behind the Scenes Houses of Parliament Guided Tour

The Behind the Scenes Houses of Parliament Guided Tour is a tour that allows visitors to immerse themselves in the world of Parliament past and present. The tour lasts for two hours and explores sections of the Palace of Westminster, including several places that aren’t covered by the other tours.

Cost: £65 Adults, £59 Children (4-12), Infants three and under are free.

How to Get Tickets: Book online on Get Your Guide.

Take a Virtual Tour

If you can’t make it to Parliament, you can take a virtual tour of the buildings online. The virtual tour allows visitors to walk through the corridors of power from the comfort of their own home.

Cost: Absolutely free.

How to Get Tickets: Book online here .

Visiting the Houses of Parliament Without a Tour

If you’re interested in visiting the Houses of Parliament without taking a guided or audio tour, there are a few options available to you. Keep in mind that unguided visits are not allowed, except for audio tours.

Watch a Debate or Committee

One way to experience Parliament in action is to attend a debate or committee meeting in either the House of Commons or House of Lords. Anyone can view these events from the public galleries, and there is no need to purchase tickets in advance. However, waiting times may vary depending on the popularity of the subject being discussed. Visitors can get an idea of how long they can expect to wait by asking the attendants on site.

Watch Prime Minister’s Questions

Prime Minister’s Questions (PMQs) is a popular event that takes place every Wednesday at 12pm when Parliament is in session. It is a ticketed event, so visitors must contact their local MP to request a ticket. If you are not a UK resident or have not booked a ticket in advance, you can try your luck by turning up on the day, but the pool of available seats is small. Keep an eye on the Parliament website for updates on when PMQs will resume.

Watch Minister’s Question Time

Similar to PMQs, Minister’s Question Time happens in both the House of Commons and House of Lords, generally at the beginning of the day Monday to Thursday. Visitors can watch it from the public galleries of the respective houses. While it can be a popular event, it is generally okay to turn up on the day without a ticket. Check the Parliament website for updates on when Minister’s Question Time will resume.

Book a Special Event or Talk

Parliament hosts a variety of special events and talks throughout the year, covering topics such as the history of the buildings, issues facing the country, and how Parliament works. These events are often free, and visitors can book tickets online through the Parliament website. The calendar of upcoming events is available on the website, and visitors are encouraged to check it regularly for updates.

Overall, while guided or audio tours are the only way to explore the history of the Houses of Parliament and its buildings, attending debates, committee meetings, and special events provide a unique opportunity to experience Parliament in action.

Houses of Parliament and the Palace of Westminster: Frequently Asked Questions

The Houses of Parliament and the Palace of Westminster are often used interchangeably to refer to the same place. The Palace of Westminster was once a royal palace and Henry VIII was the last monarch to use it as such. Today, it serves as the meeting place for the House of Commons and House of Lords, together known as the Houses of Parliament.

Can You Visit the Houses of Parliament?

Yes, visitors can go into the Houses of Parliament either on a tour, to see a debate or committee, to attend a talk or event, or to petition their MP. However, visitors cannot walk around the inside of the Palace of Westminster unguided.

How Can You Visit the Houses of Parliament?

Visitors can attend debates, Prime Minister’s Questions, or Minister’s Questions in the appropriate house for free. Additionally, visitors can book a spot on one of the free Democratic Access Tours run by Parliament on a frequent basis.

How Long is a Tour of the Houses of Parliament?

The duration of the tour depends on the type of tour booked. The free tours of the Houses of Parliament last around 75 minutes, while the paid guided tours last for 90 minutes. Visitors are recommended to allow at least 90 minutes for the self-guided audio tour.

Is there a Dress Code for Visiting Parliament?

There is no formal dress code for visiting Parliament. However, visitors are not allowed to enter Parliament wearing a suit of armor.

Can You Take Photos in the Houses of Parliament?

Visitors can take photos in Westminster Hall and St Stephen’s Hall in the Houses of Parliament, but not in the rest of the Palace of Westminster.

Is there Disabled Access?

The buildings have been updated to make them accessible to everyone, including ramps, information in sign language, and tours specially tailored to people who need more assistance. Essential companions can also go for free.

Can You Have Lunch at the Houses of Parliament?

Visitors can have lunch at Parliament’s Jubilee Cafe, which is open from 9:00am to 5:45pm Monday to Wednesday and 10:00am to 5:45pm Thursday to Saturday. The cafe offers a selection of refreshments and sandwiches. Alternatively, visitors can check out nearby restaurants for more food options.

Will Visitors See the Prime Minister?

It is unlikely but possible to see the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister will be present at Prime Minister’s Questions if visitors can get a ticket to the event. However, most of the time the Prime Minister will be working from No. 10 Downing Street or off on diplomatic work in a foreign country.

For more information on Parliament’s accessibility, visitors can visit the Parliament website.

Visiting London's Houses of Parliament

TripSavvy / Taylor McIntyre

The Parliament of the United Kingdom is one of the oldest representative assemblies in the world. Parliament consists of the House of Commons and the House of Lords. The site of the Houses of Parliament is the Palace of Westminster, a royal palace and former residence of kings on the River Thames . Edward the Confessor had the original palace built in the 11th century.

The layout of the palace is intricate, with its existing buildings containing nearly 1,200 rooms, 100 staircases, and well more than two miles of hallways. Among the original historic buildings is Westminster Hall, now used for major public ceremonial events. The iconic Big Ben , a symbol of London, rises above the Parliament buildings. 

Getting There

Dennis K. Johnson / Getty Images

The Houses of Parliament are directly opposite the London Underground's Westminster station exit. You can't miss Big Ben as you leave the station. Use  Journey Planner  to plan your route by public transport.

Stop for Lunch or Dinner

There is a cafe inside the Houses of Parliament where you can stop once you are inside the building after your tour, but if you want to have lunch before your visit you have several convenient options. The ​Central Hall is a two-minute walk from the Houses of Parliament and has a peaceful cafe on the lower ground floor. The cafe is open daily and serves a full English breakfast, sandwiches, salads, hot lunches, and desserts, cakes. 

Another great little-known location for a cuppa is the Supreme Court, which is on the other side of Parliament Square and has a free permanent exhibition and a basement cafe worth knowing about.

Houses of Parliament Tours

David Murray / Getty Images

Tours of the Houses of Parliament last an hour and 15 minutes, and tours start every 15 minutes. You'll be in a group of about 20 people with a Blue Badge qualified guide. The tours are usually at their busiest in the afternoon so try to get there in the morning for a chance at a smaller group if you would like more opportunities to ask questions.

Tours are available every Saturday all year and during the summer recess of Parliament in August and September, when Parliament is not in session, or as the Brits say, does not sit. During the recess, you can take a tour from Monday to Saturday. There are no tours on Sunday or on bank holidays. Check the dates for the summer recess on the official website when you are making plans for a tour.

Tours include the chambers of both the House of Commons and the House of Lords, plus highlights such as the Queen's Robing Room, the Royal Gallery, Central Lobby, and St. Stephen's Hall. A bit of bad news: You won't be able to take photos except in Westminster Hall.

Seeing Parliament in Action

WPA Pool / Getty Images Europe

If you just want to turn up and go to the public galleries to watch a debate and maybe history being made, you can simply join the public queue outside St. Stephen's Entrance, but there is usually a one- or two-hour wait in the afternoons. To keep your waiting time down, it's best to arrive at 1 p.m. or later. The House of Commons Information Office can let you know in advance what is to be debated on specific days in the House of Commons. The public gallery is open when the House is sitting (​check the website for official times).

You can also sit in the public gallery and watch the House of Lords, which usually has a shorter waiting time.

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Welcome to New Zealand Parliament, the home of democracy in New Zealand, and one of the most iconic sets of buildings in Wellington. We have a range of ways to visit New Zealand's Parliament, read below to find out more.

Planning your visit

The New Zealand Parliament is open for everyone to visit. Find out when we're open and how you can visit us. When you visit, please keep in mind we are a security conscious environment, which is for everyone's safety. We have facilities and people to assist with your accessibility needs.

The New Zealand Parliament is open for everyone to visit. Find out when we're open and how you can visit us. When you visit, please keep in mind we are a security conscious environment, which is for everyone's safety. We have facilities and people to assist with your accessibility needs. Read more

Guided Tours

Guided tours of Parliament are available seven days per week, and are the perfect way to get an inside look at how Parliament works with our knowledgeable tour guides. Read more

Public Gallery

The public galleries of the debating chamber are open to the public at any time when the House is sitting. From the public galleries, you can watch the MPs as they answer questions, debate the issues of the day, and vote on legislation. Read more

Watch select committees

A number of select committees are open for you to attend. You're welcome to watch select committees work on topics that affect everyone. Find out which select committees are open to the public and how to visit. Read more

Visitor Centre

Parliament's Visitor Centre is in the ground floor of the Beehive. Our friendly Visitor Centre team can be found here and can answer your questions about tours, exhibitions, select committee hearings, and watching Parliament meet. Read more

Art and Objects at Parliament

Parliament celebrates artists across Aotearoa New Zealand, and has a Collection of its own. Take a look at the different ways you can experience the artworks and objects of exhibitions and the Parliamentary Collection. Read more

Parliament Shop

The New Zealand Parliament shop offers a range of exclusive gifts and souvenirs, inspired by the history, architecture, and procedures of Parliament. Read more

Booking a visit to Parliament - what you need to know

If you are coming to Parliament for a public tour, a school tour, a course for public servants or coming in to watch the House in action from the public gallery, this is the key information you need for booking your visit. Read more

Experience Parliament virtually

Learn about our range of Kiwi-designed virtual reality experiences that put you right at the heart of New Zealand’s Parliament, wherever in the country you are. Read more

Visit Parliament

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Malaysian King gets warm welcome at Singapore Parliament

SINGAPORE – Sultan Ibrahim Iskandar became the first king of Malaysia to visit Parliament House when a sitting was in session, on May 7.

When the King entered the Speaker’s Gallery with his entourage at 12.10pm, Speaker of Parliament Seah Kian Peng announced their presence and welcomed the visitors to the Chamber.

Mr Seah said that the King, who was on a two-day state visit to Singapore, is no stranger to the Republic and has always been an ardent supporter of bringing Singaporeans and Malaysians together.

The King’s visit was timely as bilateral relations are strong and robust, and exchanges at the political and officials level are regular, the Speaker added.

Prior to being sworn in as Malaysia’s 17th king on Jan 31, Sultan Ibrahim had been the ruler of Johor since 2010. Mr Seah noted that under his reign, Singapore’s partnership with Johor had strengthened despite the Covid-19 pandemic.

Johor and Singapore worked closely to keep supply lines across the land borders open even as the Causeway was closed to travellers, and in recognition of the Sultan’s achievements, the National University of Singapore conferred on him an honorary Doctor of Laws during his official visit to Singapore in 2022, said the Speaker.

Mr Seah’s gesture was unusual, as the Speaker usually only goes as far as to acknowledge the presence of visiting foreign dignitaries in a sentence or two. Sultan Ibrahim was accompanied by Malaysian Minister of Transport Anthony Loke, Malaysian High Commissioner to Singapore Azfar Mohamad Mustafar and other senior officials.

The Speaker also recounted to the House the frequent exchanges between lawmakers from both sides. In May 2023, Parliament hosted members of the Johor Climate Change and Disaster Management Committee, while in October Mr Seah hosted his counterpart, Datuk Johari Abdul, who was then Speaker of the Dewan Rakyat, Malaysia’s Parliament.

The King’s visit came as the two neighbours have many exciting projects in the pipeline, noted Mr Seah.

The Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link is expected to boost people-to-people ties when it begins service by end-2026, while the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone looks set to make it easier for Singapore businesses to set up shop in Johor.

Singapore is also looking to expand its cooperation with Malaysia to new areas like energy, said Mr Seah.

The Republic will celebrate the centennial of the Causeway in June, and commemorate 60 years of diplomatic relations with Malaysia in 2025, he added.

“I am confident that His Majesty’s visit is a precursor to even stronger ties between Singapore and Malaysia,” said Mr Seah, as MPs thumped their armrests in approval.

The King is scheduled to visit the Thomson-East Coast Line and be briefed on the progress of the RTS Link at Woodlands North terminus before he concludes his state visit on May 7.

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President Metsola in Ukraine on Europe Day  

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President Metsola’s visit in Kyiv on Europe Day demonstrated the European Parliament’s continued support and commitment to Ukraine and its European path.

In Kyiv on 9 May 2024, European Parliament President Roberta Metsola met with the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal, addressed the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine and met its Chairman Ruslan Stefanchuk.

President Zelenskyy

Presidents Metsola and Zelenskyy discussed Ukraine’s EU accession negotiations, the upcoming Peace Summit in Switzerland and the European Parliament’s support for President Zelenskyy’s 10 point peace plan, air defence, sanctions against Russia and the use of profits from Russian frozen assets for Ukraine’s defence and recovery.

President Metsola was decorated with an Order of Merit, First Class by President Zelenskyy.

Presidents Zelenskyy and Metsola spoke to the press after their meeting. President Metsola said:

“The European Parliament will help Ukraine in any way possible to advance on all the necessary steps on its European path. We will remain as vocal as ever on Ukraine, as my visit today also demonstrates.”

“This year marks 20 years of the accession of my home country, Malta, and along with it, nine other Member States, to the European Union. I have seen the transformative effect of the European Union enlargement. The opportunities and security that come with it. As today the people of Ukraine are looking to Europe, with the same sense of hope and belief in our common future that we had then, Europe cannot be the one to look away.

We will stand with you. You will win and our future will be a common one. Slava Ukraini!”

You can watch the recording of the press conference here .

Verkhovna Rada

During the afternoon, President Metsola met with Ruslan Stefanchuk, the Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, and addressed the plenary session of the Rada.

In her address to the Rada, President Metsola said:

On Ukraine and Europe:

“Ukraine has made its European choice and Europe has made its Ukrainian choice. That is the true victory we will celebrate together every 9th of May. Today.

On this day, we celebrate Europe. And there is no better or more significant place to do that than here - where the spirit of Europe is present in your cities, in your villages and etched in the bravery of your people.

The defiance of Ukraine, your courage, your strength - epitomise what it means to be European.”

On three promises to Ukraine:

“The last time I was in this Chamber I made three promises to you, promises that I am proud to say the European Union, the European Parliament, has delivered on.

In the past two years, we stood resolute and firm against Putin’s intimidation tactics, and cut our dependencies from Russia. We have adopted 13 packages of hard-hitting sanctions against Putin and his allies, .... which means that hundreds of billions of euros worth of Russian assets are now frozen in the EU.

I promised that Europe would open up its borders, its homes and hearts to your families, your children, your loved ones, who were forced to flee. ... We said we would help you to rebuild your cities, your towns, your villages. The adoption of the 50 billion euro Ukraine Facility is our most recent tangible support for that.

I also told you that you could count on me, on the European Parliament, to recognise Ukraine’s European aspirations and to support you as you make headway on your country’s integration into the EU. ... The European Parliament was the first EU institution to push for Ukraine to receive candidate status and for accession negotiations to start last year. ...This is just as much about stability for Ukraine as it is about strengthening the entire EU. ... Ukraine’s place is in the European Union.”

“Europe will always stand for peace. A real peace with dignity, with integrity, with liberty, with territorial sovereignty. And we know that there can never be anything about Ukraine, without Ukraine. I mentioned the return of Ukrainian children earlier, with that we also need an urgent focus on food security and the safety of nuclear plants. These are the building blocks of humanity.”

You can read the full speech here and watch it here .

Chairman Stefanchuk unveiled President Metsola’s plaque on the Walk of the Brave at the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine.

Programme in Kyiv

In Kyiv, President Metsola visited a school and a power plant, both destroyed by Russia’s ruthless air strikes. The indiscriminate targeting of civilian infrastructure demonstrates the urgent need for more efficient air defence systems and funding for reconstruction. In her remarks to the press with President Zelenskyy, President Metsola said:

“We are painfully aware, that Ukraine urgently needs more equipment and air defence systems to defend itself against the aggressor. We Europeans need to deliver. We need to take responsibility, intensify our support and deliver on our financial support.

This is why our decision on the EUR 50 billion Ukraine Facility was so important. And I also welcome the more recent American decision to provide vital and significant financial and military support to Ukraine. Together, this provides a predictable and secured financing to meet the State’s needs and the demands of its reconstruction efforts.”

President Metsola also addressed the International Summit of Cities & Regions, along with President Zelenskyy, Chairman Stefanchuk and Prime Minister Shmyhal, underlining the role of cooperation between regions and cities in Ukraine’s reconstruction. In her speech she thanked European cities and regions for having made significant contributions to the Generators of Hope campaign, initiated by the European Parliament, as well as the importance of cities and regions in welcoming Ukrainians who had to flee the war.

You can watch her address here .

President Metsola also visited the Kyiv National Taras Shevchenko University where she delivered a keynote speech and held a discussion with students. The University awarded her with a Honorary Doctorate degree.

Later in the day, the President visited the Centre for the Protection of Children’s Rights. One of its many aims is the return of the more than 19,500 Ukrainian children kidnapped by Russia. In her speech to the Rada, President Metsola said: “We need to deepen our resolve to bring every single Ukrainian child back to their families, back to their own homes.”

All audiovisual material of the visit will be available on the European Parliament’s multimedia centre .

Background:

From the first moment of the illegal invasion of Ukraine, the European Parliament has been the staunchest supporter of Ukraine by being the first EU institution to call for granting Ukraine EU candidate status and later to open the accession negotiations.

The European Parliament organised an extraordinary plenary session on 1 March 2022, in which President Zelenskyy spoke to the world via videolink. President Zelenskyy addressed the Parliament in person on 9 February 2023.

President Metsola was the first leader of EU institutions to visit Kyiv after the Russian attack, on 1 April 2022, addressing the Verkhovna Rada. She also visited Lviv on 4 March 2023 to address the United for Justice Conference.

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Follow our news, recent searches, malaysia's king observes singapore's parliament during state visit, advertisement.

Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar is the first king of Malaysia to visit Parliament House with parliament in session.

King of Malaysia, Sultan Ibrahim Iskandar (right) accompanied by Minister for Foreign Affairs Vivian Balakrishnan at Singapore's parliament on May 7, 2024.

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Davina Tham

SINGAPORE: Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar on Tuesday (May 7) became the first king of Malaysia to visit Singapore's Parliament House while parliament was in session.

Sultan Ibrahim observed parliamentary proceedings, accompanied by Foreign Affairs Minister Vivian Balakrishnan, and was taken on a tour of parliament chambers.

He was hosted by Speaker of Parliament Seah Kian Peng, who also delivered a short address to the House to honour the king.

Mr Seah said that Sultan Ibrahim was always an ardent supporter of bringing the people of Malaysia and Singapore together.

Singapore and Johor's partnership strengthened during the king's reign as Sultan of Johor, especially when both sides worked to keep supply lines across land borders open during the COVID-19 pandemic, said the Speaker.

He noted that Singapore and Malaysia celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Causeway this year, and 60 years of diplomatic relations next year.

"I'm confident that His Majesty's visit today is a precursor to even stronger ties between Singapore and Malaysia," said Mr Seah.

Sultan Ibrahim is in Singapore on his  first overseas state visit as king of Malaysia, accompanied by Queen of Malaysia Raja Zarith Sofia, Malaysia's Minister of Transport Anthony Loke and other senior officials. He is on the final day of the two-day visit.

On Monday, he met President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, and was honoured at a state banquet hosted by the President .

On Tuesday, before visiting parliament, the king had breakfast with Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong , who will become Singapore's Prime Minister on May 15 .

In a Facebook post after the meeting, Mr Wong said: "Malaysia is Singapore’s closest neighbour and key partner. Our ties run deep, underpinned by a shared history, and reinforced by family and cultural links.

"I will continue to pay close attention to furthering our countries' relations as Prime Minister and look forward to bringing our bilateral relations to greater heights."

Sultan Ibrahim will also visit the Thomson-East Coast Line with Minister for Transport Chee Hong Tat on Tuesday.

Singapore's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that the king's visit reflects the excellent state of bilateral relations between the two neighbours, and their mutual commitment to expanding ties.

Upcoming bilateral projects include the completion of the Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System by the end of 2026, and the new Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone .

At Monday's state banquet, Sultan Ibrahim expressed his thanks to Mr Lee, who has been "a close friend" of Johor and Malaysia.

He also congratulated Mr Wong, saying: "I have every confidence that his esteemed leadership will further strengthen ties between the two nations."

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Latvia beat US hockey, so parliament met in jerseys to declare national holiday at midnight

The government of Latvia declared Monday a national holiday after its national hockey team beat the United States on Sunday in the third-place game of the world championship. The bronze is Latvia's first medal in International Ice Hockey Federation competition.

Hockey is the national sport of Latvia and the national team previously had not finished higher than seventh in the world championship.

After the game, members of parliament, wearing national team jerseys, congregated shortly before midnight for about 10 minutes to declare the country's holiday shutdown, according to Latvian Public Media . Latvia's parliament, Saeima, wanted to give its people the day off to celebrate with the team back in Riga at the Freedom Monument. Latvia won its independence from Russia in 1920 and hockey is a source of national pride.

"Celebrating the success of the Latvian hockey team could encourage everyone to strive for excellence in their work, in their skills," the bill stated. "Celebrating this day together would strengthen the national self-confidence and cohesion of the Latvian society."

People woke up to the surprise day off. Courts, businesses and schools were closed Monday, although there was some confusion given the quick nature of the announcement. National exams and graduations went on as planned and hospitals remained open to honor appointments. Teachers were promised holiday pay and the National Health Service said it would pay medical workers.

Latvia beats United States for first medal in hockey world championship

Latvia beat the United States 4-3 in overtime with a winning goal from Kristians Rubins, who also scored an equalizer that sent the game into an extra period at the Nokia Arena in Finland.

The team skated around joyously as soon as the puck went in, throwing up their hands. The coaches hugged and jumped up and down.

Canada, who won over Latvia in the semifinals, beat Germany 5-2 in the championship for its 28th gold medal.

"For the big teams like Canada, this is what they do," Latvian forward Miks Indrašis said after the game . "They win medals all the time. But for us, it's like a one-time opportunity. This is unreal."

"We are still learning from other teams, what we can improve, but at the same time, our team had a lot of moments and nuances where we were superior to all other teams, which was also noticed by foreign commentators," head coach Harijs Vītoliņš told the country's public television station . "If you see a kid fighting against a giant, you always want that kid to fulfill that dream, because that giant has already won medals, he already knows it. We had never experienced it, so everyone wanted to see the sensation."

European lawmakers vote overwhelmingly in favor of adopting the first AI Act, a proposed law that aims to protect people from the technology's risks

• The European parliament has voted in favor of adopting an AI Act by a large majority.
• The proposed law is the first law on AI by a major regulator, according to the Act's website.
• The law aims to regulate the advanced technology and protect Europeans from potential risks.

The European parliament has voted by a large majority in favor of adopting a wide-ranging proposed law on AI.

On Thursday, the lawmakers adopted a draft negotiating mandate with 84 votes in favor , 7 against, and 12 abstentions. 

The proposed law is the first relating to AI by a major regulator, according to the AI Act website. It aims to regulate the advanced technology and protect Europeans from its potential risks.

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The next step for the Act is plenary adoption , which is expected during the 12-15 June session.

Brando Benifei, one of the co-rapporteurs, said after the vote: "We are on the verge of putting in place landmark legislation that must resist the challenge of time. It is crucial to build citizens' trust in the development of AI, to set the European way for dealing with the extraordinary changes that are already happening, as well as to steer the political debate on AI at the global level."

The law plans to assess the risks of AI applications, assigning them to three categories.

The most extreme category is for AI systems or applications that cause unacceptable risk, these applications will be banned. The second is high-risk applications, which will be subject to specific legal requirements, and the third is applications that are not explicitly banned or listed as high-risk, which will largely be left unregulated. 

AI systems that use purposefully manipulative techniques or engage in social scoring were both given as examples of applications that create an unacceptable risk.

Governments around the world are starting to consider how to regulate AI as concern about the tech's safety grows. Public scrutiny of the technology has grown since OpenAI's viral ChatGPT appeared to spark the release of several other AI products. 

Last week, the Biden administration, including Vice President Kamala Harris, met with Big Tech CEOs at the White House to discuss AI. The meeting was part of a broader attempt by the administration to address issues around advanced AI.

In the UK, science, innovation, and technology secretary Chloe Smith met with Geoffrey Hinton, known as the " Godfather of AI ," to discuss the challenges and opportunities of the technology. 

Watch: What is ChatGPT, and should we be afraid of AI chatbots?

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