The BBC’s parliamentary channel is taking a break for Easter for the first time, as part of the BBC’s recent cutbacks to the channel.
BBC Parliament shuts up shop at 6pm on Friday 8th April for the parliamentary recess, straight after coverage of the House of Lords Digital Fraud Committee, featuring comedian Joe Lycett.
Between then and Tuesday 19th April, a simulcast of the BBC News Channel will take over the slot.
BBC Parliament returns at 2pm on Tuesday 19th April 2022, ahead of live coverage from the House of Commons.
The channel went part-time last summer, after the BBC performed a U-turn over cuts to the channel. BBC Parliament was originally due to be converted to a part-time service four years ago. At the time, the plans were strongly opposed by politicians. But the need to cut costs caused the BBC to drive through the change at short notice last July. By turning off the channel, it no longer needs to produce filler programmes to cover recess weeks. BBC Parliament also no longer provides live coverage of the party conference season.
BBC Parliament is reactivated if Parliament is recalled for an emergency debate during recess periods.