Big Ben tours in May

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Members’ staff in the Commons and Lords can now apply for tickets for May tours of the Elizabeth Tower.

Apply for a ticket (staff only)

To apply for a ticket in February, contact the bookings team by 4pm Friday 30 April at visitparliament@parliament.uk with the following information:

  • your name;
  • parliamentary mail address;
  • the tour dates you are available for.

May tours are running on:

  • Wednesday 6 May – 11:45
  • Friday 15 May – 14:45
  • Thursday 21 May – 12:45

Ticket applications must be submitted by 4pm Thursday 30 April. A ballot of tickets will then take place with booking confirmations by 2pm on Friday 1 May. Emails confirming unsuccessful applications will also be sent after the ballot has been drawn. Ticket allocations can’t be changed at this point, so please only apply for dates for which you are available.

ParliNet | Big Ben tours in May

What next for restoration and renewal of parliament?

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An expert panel explores how parliament should approach the major restoration project, including lessons from other countries and industry.

Time: 1230-1330
Date: Monday 11 May 2026
Location: London, in-person and online

The Palace of Westminster is one of the world’s most recognisable historic buildings and the home of the UK parliament. Yet much of the estate is in urgent need of repair. While debates over how to approach the Restoration and Renewal programme have continued for over a decade, other countries have already moved ahead: Austria has completed the renovation of its parliament, and Canada’s is well underway.

In February, the Restoration and Renewal Client Board set out updated costings and recommended two possible paths forward – full decant or enhanced maintenance and improvement. Parliament is expected to debate the Client Board’s report in the coming weeks.  

With the stage now set for parliament to embark on a project that will not only safeguard this historic landmark but also reimagine it for future generations, this IfG event will explore lessons from other international projects, and discuss what the Restoration and Renewal programme could mean for parliament, industry and the wider public.

For full details, please see here: Institute for Government

MMSST Constituency Roadshow Events – North West and North East

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The Members and Members’ staff Services Team will be hosting constituency roadshows in Manchester and Newcastle in May.

These events are specifically for Members’ staff and form part of the wider programme of roadshows taking place across the UK. 

They offer a valuable opportunity for Members’ staff to deepen their understanding of the wide range of support and services provided by the House Administration and IPSA, while also providing a chance to connect and network with colleagues from other local offices. 

To sign-up to the event and for more information about the roadshows please visit ParliNet | North West and North East Roadshows.

Members’ Office Management Call – 29 April 2026

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The guest speakers on this call will be from IPSA.

There will also be the regular weekly updates from the Parliamentary Digital Service, the Parliamentary Security Department, the Human Resources Team, IPSA, and the House of Commons Library.

Time: 1100
Date: Wednesday 29 April 2026
Location: online via MS Teams
How to join: email MMSST@parliament.uk citing your role and the member you work for, and ask to be added to the mailing list and receive an invitation to the weekly call

*** Please note that this call is only for those in an office management role within an MP’s office.

Members’ Office Management Call – 22 April 2026

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This call will discuss Internships with Department for Trade and Business and Members HR.

There will also be the regular weekly updates from the Parliamentary Digital Service, the Parliamentary Security Department, the Human Resources Team, IPSA, and the House of Commons Library.

Time: 1100
Date: Wednesday 22 April 2026
Location: online via MS Teams
How to join: email MMSST@parliament.uk citing your role and the member you work for, and ask to be added to the mailing list and receive an invitation to the weekly call

*** Please note that this call is only for those in an office management role within an MP’s office.

Upcoming public transport strikes

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Tube strikes are planned in London for the following dates:

  • Tuesday 21 to Wednesday 22 April
  • Thursday 23 to Friday 24 April

All strikes run from 12:00 midday to 12:00 midday the following day, but disruption will continue into the afternoons and evenings of strike days.

Please see the TFL website for full details: https://tfl.gov.uk/campaign/strikes

Bus strikes are planned in East London for the following dates:

  • From 05:00 Friday 17 April to 05:00 Saturday 18 April
  • From 05:00 Friday 24 April to 05:00 Saturday 25 April
  • From 05:00 Friday 15 May to 05:00 Saturday 16 May

Services will operate as normal on Thursday 16 April, Thursday 23 April and Thursday 14 May, including night services.

These routes are affected: 8, 25, 205, 425, N8, N25 and N205

Please see the TFL website for full details: https://tfl.gov.uk/campaign/strikes

Behind the Speaker’s Chair (virtual event)

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Time: 1200-1300
Date: Thursday 23 April 2026
Location: Online via MS Teams
Booking: Sign up here – parliamentary account holders only

Join us for a panel conversation with staff from the Speaker’s Office, as they discuss their roles, what goes on behind the chair, and how they make Parliament happen.

This event is part of the programme of work called ‘We Make Parliament Happen’, that aims to help colleagues feel part of Parliament and understand how their role contributes to Members.

Parliamentary Pass Holder Entry to Westminster Abbey

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Westminster Abbey offers free entry for Parliamentary Passholders and one guest.

It is not necessary to book in advance, simply go to the North Door visitor entrance and present your pass to the staff in the ticket office.

Please note that the free entry does not extend to the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Gallery – there is an additional charge for this.

Make sure to check the opening times shortly before the visit. This is a working church and sometimes needs to close at short notice to allow services to occur.

For further information please contact the Visitor Experience Team on 0207 222 5152 or Tickets@westminster-abbey.org.

Members’ Office Management Call – 15 April 2026

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This call will feature an update on insurances available to MPs, from Tara Cullen.

There will also be the regular weekly updates from the Parliamentary Digital Service, the Parliamentary Security Department, the Human Resources Team, IPSA, and the House of Commons Library.

Time: 1100
Date: Wednesday 15 April 2026
Location: online via MS Teams
How to join: email MMSST@parliament.uk citing your role and the member you work for, and ask to be added to the mailing list and receive an invitation to the weekly call

*** Please note that this call is only for those in an office management role within an MP’s office.

Training: Staying Safe Across Meta Technologies

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Join the Meta team for a practical training session that will cover key best practices, safety and security features across Meta technologies. Whether you’re new to these tools or looking to strengthen your existing setup, you’ll leave with actionable next steps. 

Time: Noted added 15 April – it looks like this event has been changed to 10:00am
Date: Wednesday 15 April 2026
Location: Online
Sign up: https://parliament.learningpool.com/enrol/index.php?id=2697