The two Houses of Parliament work on behalf of UK citizens to check and challenge the Government, shape effective laws and debate/make decisions on the big issues. This week, MPs begin work on the Diego Garcia Military Base and British Indian Ocean Territory Bill; the Chancellor and Defence Ministers face questions; the Assisted Dying Bill has its Second Reading in the Lords; and committees examine bills on renters’ rights, bus services and pensions. Lisa Nandy appears before the Culture Committee, and there is a pre-appointment hearing for the Registrar of Consultant Lobbyists.

In the European Parliament, MEPs will quiz Commission President von der Leyen on the EU’s work since the start of its new term. Then MEPs will vote on the motions of censure tabled against her and the European Commission.

In other business, MEPs will give their final approval to changes to the EU’s package travel directive, which will secure travellers better protection in the event of disruption and tour operator bankruptcy. They will also adopt the resolution calling for the EU to take urgent action to help alleviate the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, and they will reaffirm their support for the Colombia peace process. In addition, MEPs will be asked to approve a new version of the EU carbon border adjustment mechanism (CBAM), which aims at simplification and reduction in red tape for small businesses and occasional importers.