tour houses 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…

Love This? Save and Share!

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 

Visit Westminster + Central London Guides

• Unmissable Things to do in London
• A Guide to Trafalgar Square
• 2 Day London Itinerary

LET'S GET SOCIAL!

London x London is the insider’s guide to discovering the best of London.

We delve into the cool, interesting and quirky spots that make London such a dynamic city, telling you the best things to do, eat and drink along the way. 

Tired of the same old dull suggestions? Want to know where to find London’s secret bars, tastiest eats and weirdest finds? We provide practical guides that help you do just that.

Find Out More

Recently Published

• Eltham Palace: Discovering South London’s Gorgeous Art Deco Secret
• Staying At: The Laslett, Notting Hill Review
• Carreras Cigarette Factory: A Curious Reminder of London’s Egyptian Art Deco Craze

Fat Tire Tours Approved

Fully-Guided Houses of Parliament Tour with Special Access & No Wait Westminster Abbey Tour

Approximately 3.75 hours

From  €156

Step into the heart of the British democracy with the only fully-guided visit through Westminster Abbey and the Houses of Parliament. Only a handful of London tour guides are allowed to lead Parliament tours, so you’re extremely fortunate to have one just for your group on this all-access visit inside London’s most exclusive building. Visiting only on Saturdays, you’ll be able to visit the House of Commons, as well as many of the other beautiful halls and chambers in which the laws of Great Britain are decided.

Your day begins with first entry into Westminster Abbey, the most serene time to see Britain’s most cherished church. With roots dating back over 1,000 years, this Gothic masterpiece is the traditional coronation site and burial ground of kings and queens, along with national heroes like Isaac Newton, Charles Darwin, and William Wilberforce. In more recent history, Wesminster Abbey hosted the somber funeral of Princess Diana, and happier events such as the wedding of Prince William and Catherine Middleton, now known as the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.

Then it’s on to Parliament. The tour begins in the oldest part, Westminster Hall, which has been hosting state functions for nearly 1,000 years and is one of the finest surviving examples of medieval timber architecture in the world. You’ll peek into the room where the King dons his crown and ermine-trimmed cape before he officially opens the sessions of each new parliament. Inside, you’ll learn how people become peers based on their expertise in fields like sports, medicine, and technology. After learning some of the highlights of the building’s history, you’ll head into two of the most unique rooms in the building: the Division Lobbies. It’s in these rooms that, according to a tradition that dates back to Ancient Rome, opposing sides gather before a parliamentary vote, the ‘Ayes’ in one room, the ‘Noes’ in another. As you stroll these halls, you are walking in the footsteps of men like Henry VIII and Winston Churchill.

History, legend, lore, and a lot of pomp and circumstance mix and mingle as you take in nearly 1,000 years of history from one of the most knowledgeable expert guides in London.

Tour Details

What’s included.

• Skip the Line entrance to Westminster Abbey
• Guided tour inside Westminster Abbey
• Exclusive entrance to Houses of Parliament
• Guided tour inside Houses of Parliament

Good to Know

• Comfortable walking shoes recommended.
• Our tours run rain or shine. We encourage guests to consult the weather forecast and dress accordingly.
• The meeting time is 15 minutes before tour departure time. We do not have the luxury of waiting for guests, or catching them up after the fact.
• There is a security checkpoint prior to entering Westminster Abbey and the Houses of Parliament.
• Photographs are not permitted inside Westminster Abbey nor the Houses of Parliament.

Please note that the Westminster Abbey is subject to closure during special celebrations/festivities, including the Easter ceremonies. If this occurs during your visit, we will run an alternative itinerary that includes and explanation of the Abbey from the outside.

• 1 Expert tour guide
• 2 Skip the Line access to Westminster Abbey
• 3 Interior tour of Houses of Parliament
• 5 River Thames
• 6 Parliament Square

Meeting Point

This tour meets at the Winston Churchill statue, Parliament Square, Westminster, London, SW1P 3JX. Please note that there are several statues within Parliament Square. The Churchill statue is the largest and located on the north east corner of the square, closest to Big Ben. The name ‘CHURCHILL’ is written on the stone base of the statue.

The closest underground station is Westminster (Jubilee, Circle, and District lines).

Frequently Asked Questions

General tour questions, what is your cancellation policy.

Activities including tickets or special entrances, such as this one, may only be rescheduled for free up to 72 hours in advance. These activities are also only refundable more than 72 hours in advance of the activity start time. Within 72 hours, we will only be able to issue a partial refund or future credit.

*See restrictions here

Where is the meeting point?

Please arrive 15 minutes prior to departure time. We do not have the luxury of waiting for guests, or catching them up after the fact.

Are reservations required?

Yes, reservations are required for all tours.

Do we go inside the museums and monuments?

Yes, this tour enters both Westminster Abbey and the Houses of Parliament. Your tour includes a fully expert guided tour of the exterior and interior of both of these buildings.

Is this tour wheelchair or stroller accessible?

Unfortunately we are unable to accommodate guests with mobility impairments, wheelchairs or strollers on this tour. We apologize for the inconvenience.

Other Questions

What does 'fat tire tours approved' mean.

We’ve been perfecting our tours since 1999, and we are always looking for new ways to improve our tour menu for our guests. We are committed to expanding the activities offered during your stay to make for an unforgettable experience. So for all of the experiences that we aren’t able to deliver on our own, we’ve hand-selected the best local providers to offer a wide-range of unique and fun activities for our guests.

With anything Fat Tire Tours Approved, you still receive our spectacular customer service ready to assist you in any way we can, 24/7, as well as the guarantee that we have hand selected the best possible partners to supplement our tour menu.

What is your weather policy?

All tours run rain or shine.

Similar Tours

Private British Museum Tour

From $150 €140 £125

Alone with the Crown Jewels: VIP Tower of London Tour

From $98 €92 £82

Ultimate Changing of the Guard & Skip-the-Line Westminster Abbey Experience

From $101 €94 £84

Private: Small Group East End Market & Pub Tour

From $30 €28 £25

Explore our preferred partners around the world.

• Français
• Español

16-24s go free on available tours up until 11th December - choose your tour and book your free ticket now!

UK Parliament: English Guided Tour Dates and Times

Guided tours.

Please make sure you have the correct date before continuing, you have selected:

Is this correct?

Confirm date and continue

You will find more dates and availability in Multimedia tours.

Return to Start

We and selected third parties use cookies in order to run this website. We also use analytical cookies to improve the website and marketing cookies to provide you with personalised content. By clicking "Accept", you consent to this and to the sharing of your data with our partners. If you choose to decline, we will only use the necessary, functional cookies. Please read our cookies policy for more information.

Accept Reject

• Skip to main content
• Skip to primary sidebar
• Skip to footer

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

Our Best Day Trips from London

Top-Rated Tour

The Magic of Harry Potter: Warner Bros Studios & Walking Tour of London

On this full-day Harry Potter experience, immerse yourself in the world of witchcraft and wizardry. With your expert, Harry Potter loving guide, explore the filming sights in London before heading to Warner Bros Studios by Private Coach. See the real Hogwarts, Sorting Hat and more on this memorable experience.

Starting at €149

Windsor Castle, Stonehenge and Bath Day Trip from London

Join this full-day trip from London for the ultimate day through British history and culture with an expert guide. At Windsor Castle, skip the lines and see how the English Royals live. At Stonehenge, immerse yourself in the mystery of the 4000-year-old Neolithic structures. Lastly in Bath, take in the Roman Baths from the first century AD, the best symbol of Roman Britain.

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!

Find the best places to stay

Where To Stay in London

Deciding where to stay at a great hotel in London can take some effort since it’s a massive city. Make your decision easier with our list of the best neighborhoods and hotels in London.

Reader Interactions

Leave a comment cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

• Travel Blog
• In The Press

POLICY & TERMS

• Cancellation Policy
• Terms & Conditions
• Privacy Policy

• Houses of Parliament

Houses of Parliament tours and tickets

• Lowest price
• Highest price

Westminster Abbey tickets with audio guide

Buy these Westminster Abbey tickets now to explore the gothic architecture for yourself and walk through the halls where monarchs have been crowned.

en,  it,  fr,  es,  de,  +4  pt, ru, ja, zh

London top sights guided walking tour

Book this 5-hour walking tour of London! Discover the history, culture, and legends of London and see more than 30 top sights!

Ticket and audio-guided tour to the Houses of Parliament

Book your Ticket and audio-guided tour to the Houses of Parliament and enjoy Parliament's magnificent art and architecture with audio commentary

en,  it,  fr,  es,  de,  +3  pt, ru, zh

Guided tour inside Westminster Abbey and outside the Houses of Parliament

Experience the pillar of Central London with this tour of Westminster Abbey. Here you'll learn the story behind Big Ben and understand how the Parliament works.

London's Westminster Abbey and the Houses of Parliament day tour

Experience the pillars of Central London with these tours of Westminster Abbey and the Palace of Westminster. Here you'll learn the story behind Big Ben.

Westminster famous sites self-guided audio walking tour

On this self-guided audio walking tour, you'll listen to historian Harvey and local journalist Claudia to discover Westminster and the history behind Britain's monarch and the seat of power.

Top attractions in London

You might also like

Hard Rock Cafe Piccadilly Circus: priority seating with meal

Film and TV Locations walking tour at the Old Royal Naval College

Book your Film and TV Locations walking tour at the Old Royal Naval College. Enjoy a behind-the-scenes tour of the Old Royal Naval College and be guided through over 60 years of filming!

Hard Rock Cafe London priority seating with meal

Enjoy a delicious lunch or dinner, try the authentic American cuisine and explore the Rock 'n' Roll memorabilia collection.

en,  it,  fr,  es,  de,  +3  pt, nl, da

The View From The Shard entrance tickets

Get your tickets to The View from the Shard for admission to the best panorama in London.

Thames Rockets Break the Barrier speedboat ride

Blast your way along the River Thames and see the iconic London sights such as the O2 arena and Tower Bridge on an adrenaline-packed speedboat ride.

Up at The O2 twilight climb

Come along on an exhilarating 90-minute climb over the roof of the world's most popular entertainment venue The O2 at twilight!

Thames Rockets Ultimate London Speedboat Experience

Blast your way from the iconic London Eye Pier for 50 minutes that will stay with you forever. Instant booking now with Musement!

The Stadium Tour and Museum

Tower of London, Thames River Ride and Changing of the Guards Tour

Visit the Tower of London and cruise the Thames River. See the Changing of the Guards or take a tour through the vibrant city of Westminster.

Tower of London and private audience with Beefeater guard

Book your Tower of London private tour with a Beefeater to get early access to the Jewel House and discover one of the country's most iconic landmarks.

Official National Gallery highlights 1-hour guided tour

Book your tickets for a National Gallery guided tour and National Gallery entrance tickets

Tower of London and Private Audience with Beefeater

Tower of London, Thames River Ride & Changing of the Guards

Book this Royal London tour now and skip the general access lines to the Tower of London. Enjoy a cruise up the Thames and a Westminster walking tour.

London Eye Tickets

Enjoy your London Eye and marvel at the best panoramic views of this iconic city.

National Gallery must-sees guided tour and traditional afternoon tea

Discover the incredible collection of the National Gallery with an expert guide. Head to the stylish Ochre restaurant to tuck into a selection of sandwiches, seasonal pastries, cakes and fresh scones with Cornish clotted cream and strawberry jam served with either barista-made coffee or your choice of Good & Proper Tea.

The inside story

On the banks of the River Thames, mesmerising gothic architecture reflects in the water of London’s most iconic landmarks – the Houses of Parliament. Also known as the Palace of Westminster, a former royal palace used last by Henry VIII, the building is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its most striking features are the Victoria Tower, the largest of the building, and Big Ben. This four-faced clock was renamed the Elizabeth Tower in 2012 to mark Elizabeth II’s diamond jubilee.

More than just a tourist hotspot, The Houses of Parliament is now the meeting place for the House of Commons and House of Lords – the heart of British politics that shapes the lives of British citizens. Guided tours take visitors around the opulent rooms, catching MPs in their daily lives. Look out for opulent red seats, carpets and the mesmerisingly golden Monarch’s Throne in the House of Lords. Some tours will also show you the Division Lobbies – content or not-content – and Westminster Hall. It’s also possible to book to watch live debates, special talks and even Prime Minister’s Questions.

Across the river from the London Eye, a short walk away from Downing Street, the Houses of Parliament is a worthwhile stop to add to any London trip.

How to get there

'Like the first day at school': How parliament has prepared 300 rookie MPs for the job

More than 300 MPs entering parliament on Tuesday will be new to the job. Here's how the House of Commons has prepared for the influx.

Political reporter @fayebrownSky

Tuesday 9 July 2024 00:13, UK

The UK's newest MPs might have spent the last six weeks fighting for a place in parliament - but it can still be a shock to the system once they enter it, according to those familiar with the process.

That's why House of Commons staff have spent months preparing for their arrival, working on everything from buddy schemes to starter packs and photobooks to help them get to grips with the job.

Follow latest politics updates here

This secret team of helpers are not messing about. In fact, the first contact parliament has with newly elected representatives is at the election count itself.

Starter pack

Returning Officers - who oversee elections - are sent a key document in advance in a brown envelope that they hand over to the winner the moment the result is declared.

This contains all the important information a new member may need, from security information to what to expect on becoming an MP.

More from Politics

Politics latest: Major prisons announcement expected; PM defends Biden

Fears of 'unchecked criminality' if space in jails not freed up - as government to set out plans

Starmer had a successful NATO summit but it will only get harder when he arrives home

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

The pack is to help with the incredibly quick turnover of parliament resuming in the UK after an election compared to other countries.

The first sitting of the house is today, four days after the election, which does not give new MPs much time to get to grips with complex and often arcane procedures of parliament - not to mention navigating themselves around the vast estate.

The 900-year-old building spans eight acres, containing around 1100 rooms, 100 staircases, 4.8km of passageway... and several restaurants and bars.

Buddy scheme

This is shown to new MPs by "buddies" (House of Common staff) they are paired up with when they first enter the building, which members are allowed to do from the moment they are elected.

There's no further vetting required, given the assumption political parties have done this in their selection process.

Buddies will start by giving new members a tour of parliament, taking them to a New Members Reception Area (NMRA) where new MPs will meet their colleagues, receive HR advice, set up their IT and support setting up their offices.

Offices are allocated by party whips, but in the meantime lockers and hot desks are provided so MPs can start contacting their constituents immediately.

Setting up all 650 Members in their offices takes time. pic.twitter.com/XFM8TC5Dtx — UK House of Commons (@HouseofCommons) July 7, 2024

The buddy scheme has been in place since 2015 and its success has seen it transported to the parliaments of the Netherlands, Canada and New Zealand.

While this scheme has been adopted elsewhere, the UK has poached some ideas from overseas too.

That includes a call centre to start contacting new MPs the day after they are elected to offer them support with things such as transport and accommodation (a feature of New Zealand's parliament for the last 15 years).

335 new MPs

This year the logistical challenge of inducting MPs is a huge task after Labour's landslide victory resulted in the most dramatic transformation of the political landscape in a decade.

Of the 650 seats in the lower chamber more than half - 335 - will be taken up by rookies. 300 MPs have been re-elected, while a further 15 are becoming MPs after a gap in service.

Over the weekend excited MPs have been tweeting about their journeys to Westminster, with one describing induction day as like "the first day at school".

There was very much a “first day at school” atmosphere in Parliament today for the beginning of my induction. Huge credit to @HouseofCommons staff for their professionalism & dedication in supporting new members. I look forward to serving the residents of Bromsgrove. pic.twitter.com/y96eLK7Qbm — Bradley Thomas MP 🇬🇧 (@BradleyThomasUK) July 7, 2024

Arriving in Westminster Hall for the first time as the Member of Parliament for Aldershot & Farnborough. I will never forget the people who sent me here. Getting down to work right away. It will take some time for me to set up my office, so grateful for your patience. pic.twitter.com/J0eVFdd3jO — Alex Baker MP (@Ms_Alex_Baker) July 7, 2024

Day 4 and its Jennie and I's first train journey to London as MP for Torbay. It's all getting a bit real now. pic.twitter.com/buqm790z9F — Steve Darling MP (@cllrsdarling) July 8, 2024

Another service provided is a photobook to help all MPs learn their new colleagues' names and faces. This is also provided to the Commons security team as well as Hansard staff, who transcribe debates, and the Commons Speaker, who controls the debates.

Chamber briefing

The Speaker will be elected on Tuesday afternoon and in preparation of this, MPs are provided with a Chamber briefing so they can learn the unique rules on behaviour and courtesies of parliament - such as what not to wear, and what not to say.

For example, members are expected to wear business attire, which need not include a tie for men but should include a jacket.

There are also strict rules around "unparliamentary language" - defined as anything that "breaks the rules of politeness of the House of Commons chamber".

MPs are disciplined for swearing during debates, while convention also bans them from calling their colleagues liars or accusing them of being drunk, among other things.

In the past MPs have been thrown out of the chamber for breaking these rules, so it's important newbies get to grips with these ahead of the first Commons sitting.

• Santa Barbara County
• San Luis Obispo County
• Ventura County
• News Channel 3 Investigates
• U.S. / World
• What’s Right
• Local Forecast
• Interactive Radar
• SkyCam Network
• Full Election Results
• Election Coverage
• High School Sports
• College Sports
• More Sports
• Friday Football Focus
• News Channel 3-12 Livestream
• Livestream Special Coverage
• Morning News Guest Segments
• Events Calendar
• Entertainment
• Health Connections
• 805 Professionals
• Work For Us
• 805 Careers
• Advertise with Us
• Closed Captioning
• Download Our Apps
• EEO Public File Report
• FCC Public File
• How to find News Channel 12
• Public File Help
• Jobs and Internships
• Meet the Team
• Newsletters/Alerts
• TV Listings

Houses of Parliament (Great Britain) Fast Facts

CNN Editorial Research

(CNN) — Here’s a look at Great Britain’s Houses of Parliament , located on the Thames River in London.

The meeting place of Great Britain’s bicameral legislature – composed of the House of Commons and the House of Lords – is also known as Westminster Palace.

Visitors are subject to airport style security checks.

Security technology, such as CCTV cameras and alarms, are used throughout the estate.

In addition to unarmed security officers, armed police officers are also on the premises.

Characteristics

There are four floors: – Ground floor – Offices, river front houses, meeting rooms and dining halls. – First floor – More dining rooms, Chambers of the House of Commons and House of Lords, and libraries. – Second floor and Third floor – Committee rooms.

Designers/Architects – Sir Charles Barry along with Augustus Welby Pugin. Barry won a competition to be the architect.

One end of the palace holds a private area for the speaker and on the other end, an area for the lord chancellor.

Made of limestone with an iron roof.

Three large towers, the Elizabeth Tower (316 ft. tall, holds the bell Big Ben ), Victoria Tower (323 ft.), and Central tower (300 ft.)

The main entrance is called St. Stephen’s Hall, which leads immediately to the Central Lobby, or Octagon Hall. This area is open to the public.

Parliament has taken over nearby buildings as the need arose, including the Parliament Street Buildings and the Norman Shaw North and South buildings.

Timeline (Selected)

11th century – The original palace is built.

1604-1605 – A group of English Catholics, including Guy Fawkes, plots to blow up Parliament to protest their treatment by the Protestants. However, the plot is uncovered and the conspirators hanged. November 5 is still celebrated in England as “Guy Fawkes Day,” when people celebrate with bonfires and fireworks and burn effigies of Fawkes.

October 16, 1834 – A fire destroys most of the building.

1840 – Construction begins on the current Houses of Parliament.

1852 – The House of Commons is first used.

1870 – Construction is completed.

May 11, 1941 – The House of Commons chamber is destroyed in bombings during World War II . It is rebuilt by architect Sir Giles Gilbert Scott.

1950 – The reconstruction of House of Commons is complete.

1987 – The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) designates the building as a World Heritage site.

2000 – Portcullis House, a new Parliamentary building, is completed. It opens in February 2001.

June 18, 2015 – An independent committee issues a report outlining the need for extensive repairs throughout the historic complex. Issues that need attention include wiring problems, loose asbestos and rats. The principal architect at the Houses of Parliament tells the BBC , “Some of the facades are actually sinking and we’re going to have to investigate that very soon.”

March 22, 2017 – Khalid Masood plows a car through crowds on Westminster Bridge in central London before attempting to storm the Houses of Parliament in what police believe was an act of Islamist-inspired terrorism . Four people, including a police officer, are killed and scores injured before Masood is shot and killed by police.

August 14, 2018 – Several people are injured after a car crashes into security barriers outside the Houses of Parliament during rush hour. The driver is arrested on suspicion of terrorist offenses. He is later identified as Salih Khater, a 29-year-old UK national who emigrated from Sudan. Khater is later found guilty of attempted murder and sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum of 15 years.

April 24, 2020 – Parliament publishes a report outlining each stage of work to be completed in the Palace of Westminster Restoration and Renewal Programme. This follows the October 8, approval of the Parliamentary Buildings (Restoration and Renewal) Act 2019.

April 21, 2020-July 22, 2021 – In response to the coronavirus pandemic, the Houses of Parliament put social distancing and other temporary measures into practice as needed.

The-CNN-Wire ™ & © 2024 Cable News Network, Inc., a Warner Bros. Discovery Company. All rights reserved.

Jump to comments ↓

CNN Newsource

News Channel 3-12 is committed to providing a forum for civil and constructive conversation.

Please keep your comments respectful and relevant. You can review our Community Guidelines by clicking here

If you would like to share a story idea, please submit it here .

'This is a jewel': Olde Towne East homes tour channels neighborhood pride

In 1999, when Olde Towne East resident David Fleisher set out to buy his current home on Franklin Avenue, everybody thought he was "absolutely insane." He said they may have been right.

"When I got here, not one bathroom fully functioned, so I had to shave in one bathroom, the toilet in another bathroom worked, the shower in a third," Fleisher said. "So my morning regimen was a lot of exercise."

The property, a single-family home that had been converted into a duplex, had been boarded up for months. There was leftover food still sitting in the oven, previous tenants had kept the water running in the upstairs kitchen and water damage would eventually bring down the ceiling in the dining room — a sight that would have any prospective homeowner running away in horror.

Problem properties: Columbus' top code-violating landlords

But not Fleisher. "I thought, this is the one," he said.

Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.

Now, when guests walk into Fleisher's Queen Anne-style home, Fleisher said, a chorus of wows and round eyes greet him; an appropriate response to a functioning 1926 Wurlitzer theater pipe organ in the foyer.

This weekend, Fleisher and his partner Mike McKinley's home, along with 14 others in the neighborhood, will open their doors to the public as part of the annual Olde Towne East Sumer Tour of Homes. A neighborhood tradition going strong since 1982, the tours came about at a time when the area was beginning to see a resurgence.

In the late 1800s, the neighborhood began to take shape as a wealthy suburban enclave occupied by prominent figures in politics, architecture, business and the arts thanks to innovations in transportation.

But with the rise of the middle class and new suburbs in the 1920s , homeowners began moving to more distant suburbs, the new Interstate 71 divided the neighborhood from the city center and white flight had deeply affected the economic wellness of the area.

Homeownership was down, mansions were gutted, turned into apartments, boarding houses and nursing homes. But by the 1970s and '80s, the area began to attract a new crowd drawn by the neighborhood's unique housing stock of Victorian mansions and rich historical significance with relatively cheap prices.

The Olde Towne East Neighborhood Association (OTENA), a nonprofit organization, was founded in 1975 to promote civic pride and cultural awareness, serving a growing community of residents with a vision to bring these homes to life, along with the surrounding neighborhood.

The tours, OTENA tour committee member Alex Macke said, is a way for current homeowners to channel this history and invite the community to experience it for themselves.

"They're a steward of something that was here long before them, and that stewardship is letting the public into the private setting," Macke said.

Of these people is Gail Larned and Eric Marlow, two artists who bought their South Monroe Avenue home in 1982 for $20,000 with a $30,000 urban-development grant that helped fund rehabilitation of the then fire-damaged house.

But they aren't the first artists to reside there: Their house, designed by architect and Franklin County Commissioner George Bellows Sr., was once the home to his son and painter George Bellows. This year, their garden will be a stop on the tour.

More mansions: Eclectic 85-year-old French Bexley manse hits the market for $1.65 million

"There was (a) one-bedroom suite that wasn't damaged and that's where we settled," Larned said. "Every day, we were doing something on this place for years. It was worth it, you know? I love my neighborhood. I love my community. I can't think of any other place I’d want to live besides here."

According to Larned, who was instrumental in getting the first tours up and running, the tradition was initially a way for residents to share where their properties were in the rehabilitating and restoring process, sharing ideas, inspiration and exchanging different solutions for different issues they faced. For Fleisher, it was this spirit of sharing that helped him through renovations .

While Fleisher recognizes that his restoration project was not normal or easy, he said he hopes visitors of the tour will become inspired to pursue their own visions, just as he was by his neighbors.

"This was the place where I could do some things that I wanted to do, as far as restoring and decorating it, and of course having huge amounts of help," Fleisher said.

"I think people should feel free to, if they want to restore something, if they want to have a particular interest or passion, follow it. I think this house is kind of a testament to that for me."

Today, the tours remain a site of neighborhood community. Russell Hunter, a newer resident on South 18th Street who moved in right before the pandemic hit in March of 2020, said he hoped to meet neighbors and share the work he's done with the property.

But the legacy of the tours, he said, is not just about individual homes, but about appreciation toward the entire Olde Towne East neighborhood, all it has to offer from the Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens to the Lincoln Theatre and its historical journey, from trial to triumph.

Renovations: Franklin Park Conservatory unveils plans for new entrance, visitors center and gardens

"This is a jewel," Hunter said. "People should be proud of it."

At a glance

This year, the Olde Towne East Summer Tour of Homes will run from 12 to 5 p.m. on Sunday, July 14 and will start at the Columbus City Preparatory School for Girls, 1390 Bryden Road.

The self-guided tour will include a total of 15 stops, and though walkable, free shuttle buses will be available throughout the day at stops indicated on the map.

Tickets are $20 each and are available for purchase at oldetowneeast.org/tour. .

[email protected]

Russia's lower house of parliament approves sweeping tax hikes in final reading

M OSCOW (Reuters) - The lower house of Russia's parliament on Wednesday gave its final approval to tax hikes proposed by the finance ministry that will see extra progressive income tax rates, corporation tax raised to 25% from 20% and new mineral extraction taxes.

The tax hikes, mostly targeting companies and the wealthy, may add an extra $30 billion to next year's budget revenue, allowing Moscow to further ratchet up spending and finance its war in Ukraine without compromising fiscal stability.

Lawmakers in the State Duma, Russia's lower house of parliament, approved the measures in the third and final reading.

The bill's passage through the upper chamber, the Federation Council, and its signing by President Vladimir Putin are usually formalities.

(Reporting by Reuters; Writing by Alexander Marrow; Editing by Mark Trevelyan)

• You Are At:

'You have devoted your entire...': Putin's warm words for PM Modi during informal talks

Pm modi arrived in moscow for his first visit to russia in nearly five years, and the first since the russia-ukraine war. he was greeted by putin, who called him a "dear friend" and lauded his energetic leadership to deliver results beneficial to india and its people..

“I would like to congratulate you on your reelection as prime minister. I think this is not an accident, but the result of your work over many years,” Putin told PM Modi as they held an informal meeting in a residence outside Moscow. "You have your own ideas. You are a very energetic person, able to achieve results in the interests of India and the Indian people... The result is obvious."

Notably, this is the second foreign visit by PM Modi after the formation of the Modi 3.0 government and the first visit to Moscow since the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine war. Speaking further, Putin asserted that India firmly ranks as the world's third-largest economy thanks to PM Modi's efforts. The Prime Minister also recalled the elections, saying “the people of India gave him a chance to serve the Motherland.”

Putin gives PM Modi a tour of his residence

“You have devoted your entire life to serving the Indian people, and they can feel it,” Putin said. "You are right, I have only one goal: It is the people and my country," PM Modi was quoted as saying by the TASS News Agency. Later, Putin and Prime Minister Modi took a stroll around Putin’s residence in Novo-Ogaryovo.

The two leaders also watched a horse show, featuring horses kept at Novo-Ogaryovo. The performance was timed to mark the Day of Family, Love and Fidelity. The Russian president offered Modi, who is on his first visit to Russia in five years, tea, berries and sweets and took him on a tour of the grounds in a motorised cart.

In a post on X, Prime Minister Modi expressed his gratitude to President Putin for hosting him at Novo-Ogaryovo.

"Looking forward to our talks tomorrow as well, which will surely go a long way in further cementing the bonds of friendship between India and Russia," he said. This visit marks Modi's first trip to Russia since the Ukraine conflict began in February 2022 and his first in his third term as prime minister.

PM Modi and Putin to hold official talks on Tuesday

The two leaders will hold official talks on Tuesday, with the economic agenda, including issues of energy and trade, along with the peaceful settlement of the Russia-Ukraine conflict to be the main focus of the interaction, sources told TASS news agency. "The focus of the visit is on the economic agenda, including issues of energy, trade, production, and fertilisers, as well as on the settlement [of the conflict in Ukraine], which cannot be reached on the battlefield," the sources said.

According to the special briefing of the Ministry of External Affairs held on July 5, Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra said he two leaders will hold a closed-door "restricted-level talk", which will be followed by delegation-level talks led by PM Modi and Putin. PM Modi will likely express that "a solution can't be found on the battlefield" regarding the ongoing Ukraine conflict, sources indicate. This stance aligns with India's long-standing viewpoint, emphasising diplomatic resolutions over military engagements.

India also aims to address the trade imbalance with Russia, exacerbated by increased energy imports. Proposals will be presented to enhance trade in consumables, pharmaceuticals, consumer goods, and services, along with digital space opportunities. Additionally, India will strongly raise the issue of Indian nationals recruited into the Russia-Ukraine conflict, seeking their expeditious discharge.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Moscow and New Delhi have "mutual political will" to develop cooperation in various areas. Integration processes are advancing: the two countries are members of several common structures, including BRICS and the SCO. Issues of regional and global security are "always high on the agenda of summit meetings", he added.

The annual summit between the prime minister of India and the president of Russia is the highest institutional dialogue mechanism in the strategic partnership between the two countries. So far, 21 annual summits have taken place alternately in India and Russia. The last annual summit was held on December 6, 2021 in New Delhi when Putin visited India.

(with inputs from agencies)

ALSO READ |  PM Modi arrives to a warm welcome by Indian diaspora in Russia | WATCH

Read all the Breaking News Live on indiatvnews.com and Get Latest English News & Updates from World

• russia president
• vladimir putin
• pm narendra modi
• PM Modi Russia visit
• private events
• india-russia relations

Assembly bypolls on 13 seats across seven states including Bengal, Punjab, MP today

Ananya Panday's 'Now and Then' throwback pictures with Canadian singer Justin Bieber

Carlos Alcaraz beats spirited Tommy Paul to set up semifinal rematch with Daniil Medvedev

Related World News

India, Russia ink 9 agreements on trade, investment, research during PM Modi's state visit

US Doctors implant dead man's voice box to help patient speak, he chooses to call his mother first

US: Great-grandmother who just finished radiation treatments for breast cancer wins $5M lottery

Russia agrees to release Indians serving in its Army after PM Modi 'strongly' raises issue

What is Order of St Andrew the Apostle, Russia's highest civilian award? Full list of recipients

Latest News

Manish Kumar Verma, former IAS officer and close to CM Nitish Kumar joins JDU

Gonda: 18-year-old woman climbs atop water tank, alleges police inaction in her gangrape case

• Aap Ki Adalat
• Aaj Ki Baat
• Kurukshetra
• Haqiqat Kya Hai
• Entertainment

Aaj Ki Baat: Putin thanks Modi as he calls for peace in Ukraine during a bilateral meeting in Moscow

PM Modi receives Russia's highest civilian honour Order of St Andrew the Apostle

Muqabla: Hathras stampede due to overcrowding, Says SIT; No mention of Bhole Baba's fault

Coffee Par Kurukshetra : Why Muslims Dont Vote To BJP

Rajdharm : SIT says in its report to CM Yogi, no mention of Bhole Baba's fault

• Maharashtra
• Uttar Pradesh
• Madhya Pradesh
• West Bengal
• Jammu & Kashmir
• Chhattisgarh

Rajnath Singh chairs key meeting with CDS, Army Chief to review security situation in J-K

List of all international awards received by PM Narendra Modi since 2014

'Classic case of arbitrariness': SC overturns Bengal's arbitrary contract cancellation in Kolkata

Aaj Ki Baat: Full episode, July 9, 2024

Uttarakhand floods: Body of drowned girl recovered in Dehradun, CM Dhami conducts aerial survey

• Hathras Stampede

• Celebrities

'I knew it's...', Zaheer Iqbal shares an adorable throwback picture with Sonakshi Sinha

Jaanam song out: Netizens swoon over Vicky Kaushal and Triptii Dimri's sizzling chemistry

Guru Dutt Birthday Special: 6 cult classics by the Bollywood icon

Tribhuvan Mishra CA Topper trailer out: Manav Kaul, Tillotama's series to release on THIS date

• Live Scores
• Other Sports

Tulika Maan Exclusive: India's lone Judo contender in Paris Oympics hopes to win a medal at Games

Gautam Gambhir roped in as new head coach of Indian team, to join Men in Blue from Sri Lanka series

India women steamroll South Africa in 3rd T20I to avoid series loss ahead of Asia Cup

IND-W vs SA-W 3rd T20I Highlights: India women beat South Africa by 10 wickets, level series 1-1

BSNL's Bharat Fiber offers 1000GB data, high-speed internet with THESE plans

UPI transactions increasing in small towns in India but THIS age group still uses wallet, card

How to find passwords for Wi-Fi networks you've connected to your smartphone? An easy guide

Redmi 13 5G with Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 AE launched in India: Check price, specs

BSNL, Vi, Airtel, Jio minimum annual recharge plan compared: Who offers best benefits? 

Once CM Modi was captured standing behind Russian President, now standing staunchly with Putin. How?

How newly-elected British PM Keir Starmer changed Labour Party's stance on Kashmir? EXPLAINED

SCO Summit: What's in it for India to expand country's global influence? EXPLAINED

Bihar bridges collapse: 10 such incidents in 15 days, what are possible reasons behind it? EXPLAINED

Amritpal Singh, Engineer Rashid to take oath: Can jailed MPs attend Parliament? | Here are details

Horoscope Today, July 9: Aquarius to participate in religious activities; know other zodiac signs

Horoscope Today, July 8: Leo to travel religious place with parents; know about other zodiac signs

Horoscope Today, July 7: Pisces to buy a new vehicle; know about other zodiac signs

Weekly Horoscope (July 8-July 14): Good financial condition for Virgos; know about your zodiac sign

Horoscope Today, July 5: Sagittarius to go on a foreign trip; know about other zodiac signs

PM Modi to meet economists, sectoral experts ahead of Union Budget on July 11

India registers nearly double employment growth, adds 4.7 crore jobs in 2023-24: RBI

Sensex hits new peak at 80,351, Nifty reaches record 24,433

Budget 2024: Industry players suggest govt to simplify tax system, give relief to middle class

Tomato prices surge to over Rs 80 per kg | Here's why rates skyrocketing

HIV Infection in Tripura: 828 students tested positive, 47 died; know causes and symptoms

What are the symptoms of ovarian cysts? Know types and prevention tips

Consuming oats in the morning can reduce cholesterol levels, know other benefits

Monsoon Skincare: 5 effective ways to prevent fungal infections this rainy season

Regular Exercise to Avoiding Sugary Beverage: 5 habits to help reverse fatty liver condition

• 'Houses burning', 'bomb blast': Rahul Gandhi shares video of Manipur visit

'Houses burning', 'bomb blast': Rahul Gandhi shares video of Manipur visit

About the Author

The TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most." Read More

Visual Stories

“Seeing patients at the White House is something that Dr. Cannard has been doing for a dozen years,” O’Connor wrote. “Dr. Cannard was chosen for this responsibility not because he is a movement disorder specialist, but because he is a highly trained and highly regarded neurologist here at Walter Reed and across the Military Health System, with a very wide expertise which makes him flexible to see a variety of patients and problems.”

Jean-Pierre said at a news briefing Monday that Biden has a comprehensive annual physical evaluation that includes seeing a neurologist and that the results have been publicly shared. She did not release names, citing what she said were security concerns.

The White House Medical Unit has thousands of patients and normally does not share the names of physicians it works with, O’Connor wrote in the letter , addressed to Jean-Pierre.

“However, in the interests of accuracy, I have obtained permission from the President and Dr. Cannard to confirm the details I am sharing,” he wrote.

O’Connor also wrote that Biden had a physical in February and that he showed no signs of any neurological disorder, including Parkinson’s disease.

“The results of this year’s exam were detailed in my February 28th letter: ‘An extremely detailed neurologic exam was again reassuring in that there were no findings which would be consistent with any cerebellar or other central neurological disorder, such as stroke, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s or ascending lateral sclerosis, nor are there any signs of cervical myelopathy,’” O’Connor wrote.

On Tuesday, the White House clarified that Biden was seen by Cannard at the White House on Jan. 17, 2024, as part of his physical ahead of his Walter Reed visit the following month.

White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre confirmed the purpose of the January visit on Tuesday evening after inaccurately saying during the press briefing earlier in the day that the Jan. 17 meeting was not related to the president, in response to a question from The Associated Press.

“Because the date was not mentioned in the question, I want to be clear that the January 17th meeting between Dr. O’Connor and Dr. Cannard was for the President’s physical,” Jean-Pierre said in a statement first reported by The Associated Press. “It was one of the three times the President has seen Dr. Cannard, each time for his physical. The findings from each exam have been released to the public.”

The questions about Biden’s health come after a poor debate performance that left people, including some Democratic lawmakers , questioning whether he should step aside and allow someone else to run.

Biden has resisted those calls, and on Monday he repeated that he will stay in the race .

Phil Helsel is a reporter for NBC News.

Sarah Dean is a 2024 NBC News campaign embed.