MPs break up for conferences - how much more holiday they get than you
MPs have deserted Parliament for the annual conference recess - just over two weeks after they returned from the summer break.
In total, the House of Commons does not sit for around 17 weeks this year. MPs are expected to do constituency work during the long recesses but they're also able to go on holiday. If their annual salary of £86,000 isn't enough, they can also take on a second - or third - job.
So how much time do they really get away from Westminster? And how do most MPs use it?
So how much time away from Parliament do MPs get?
MPs returned from after the New Year on January 9 following the Christmas recess. Parliament then sat for a month until its first break until February 20.
MPs then broke up for the Easter recess on March 30 and returned on April 17. This was followed by a short break - from May 3-9 - for the King's Coronation, and then the Whitsun recess from May 26 to June 5.
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Parliament then sat until July 20 before breaking up for the summer recess. MPs returned to Westminster on September 4 - but only for two weeks.
This is because Parliament went into recess again on September 19 for the political party conferences when MPs gather with members across the country. The annual jamborees begin at the weekend with the Liberal Democrat conference in Bournemouth, before the Tories head to Manchester and then Labour rounds things off in Liverpool.
MPs will return to Parliament on October 16. There is typically another half-term break in the autumn before MPs break up for the Christmas recess on December 19 and return on January 8 2024. Parliament is also due to be dissolved ahead of the King's Speech on November 7. The process, known as prorogation, signals the end of a parliamentary session.
Why do they get so much time off?
Parliamentary sessions normally last for 12 months and MPs get a number of "recesses", as laid out above, throughout the year. Recesses aren't the same as holidays. They are supposed to be an opportunity for MPs to dedicate time to their constituency away from Westminster.
MPs last had a recess for the King's Coronation (PA)MPs might use recesses to respond to letters and run advice surgeries for constituents, or they might take part in local events, speeches or visits. Parliamentary recesses tend to mirror the school holidays, making it easier for MPs with families whose constituencies are miles away from London.
Is it fair?
Well, MPs get an £86,000-a-year salary, plus they can take up a second job if they want to. Some MPs have been criticised for focusing on raking in extra cash in their spare time or during recesses instead of spending time with their constituents.
When someone gets elected to Parliament, in legal terms they become an "office holder" - which differs from being self-employed or an employee. It means MPs get their salary once they have pledged their oath of allegiance to the Queen or King, regardless of how much they contribute to parliamentary matters.
But the catch is - they're not actually entitled to any official holidays. It also previously meant MPs did not get any formal maternity leave. In 2021, MPs voted to give ministers formal paid maternity leave for the first time. However, the move drew some criticism as it failed to reference paternity leave, nor did it extend similar benefits to backbenchers, who have to take "informal" maternity leave.
MPs who have had a baby often choose to take a few weeks off, but might still continue with their constituency work even if they don't come to the Commons.
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