Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Official History Programme

Thursday 5 March 2026 · 3 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Laurence Turner welcomed the continuation of the Official History Programme which began in 1908.
  • The programme was initially focused on naval and military matters but was expanded in 1966 to include peacetime issues.
  • Jim Shannon inquired about teaching the women's suffrage movement as a compulsory part of the Official History Programme.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Laurence Turner Lab Birmingham Northfield
Culture, Media & Sport Parliamentary Procedure
Context

Laurence Turner is vice-chair of the all-party parliamentary group for archives and history and highlights the long-standing importance of the Official History Programme in providing valuable insight on matters like war, peace, and social policy.

Question

I draw the House's attention to my vice-chairship of the all-party parliamentary group for archives and history. I strongly welcome the statement that my right hon. Friend has just made to the House. For more than 100 years, the Official History Programme provided valuable insight on matters such as war, peace and social policy. The Pilling review concluded that it should continue, so it is a welcome update that new works will be commissioned. Will the House be further updated on progress on the commissioning of those new works?

Answer from Nick Thomas-Symonds

Yes, absolutely. Historical perspective improves the work of Government—100%. The programme began in 1908. It was concentrated then on naval and military matters. It was expanded by Harold Wilson in 1966 to look at peacetime matters as well. I certainly will update the House on the commissioning of new works.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The questioner specifically asked if the House would be updated on progress on the commissioning of new works, but the answer provided general historical context and did not commit to specific updates or timelines.

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Q2 Laurence Turner Lab Birmingham Northfield
Defence Parliamentary Procedure
Context

Laurence Turner, who is vice-chair of the all-party parliamentary group for archives and history, brings up the importance of the Official History Programme, which has been in place for over 100 years and provides insights on war, peace, and social policy. He mentions the Pilling review that concluded the programme should continue.

Question

For more than 100 years, the Official History Programme provided valuable insight on matters such as war, peace and social policy. The Pilling review concluded that it should continue, so it is a welcome update that new works will be commissioned. Will the House be further updated on progress on the commissioning of those new works?

Answer from Nick Thomas-Symonds

Yes, absolutely. Historical perspective improves the work of Government—100%. The programme began in 1908. It was concentrated then on naval and military matters. It was expanded by Harold Wilson in 1966 to look at peacetime matters as well. I certainly will update the House on the commissioning of new works.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The questioner specifically asked if the House would be updated on progress on the commissioning of new works, but the answer provided general historical context and did not commit to specific updates or timelines.

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Q3 Jim Shannon DUP Strangford
Education Women & Equalities
Context

Jim Shannon asks about the importance of teaching the women's suffrage movement as a compulsory component of the Official History Programme, highlighting its role in advancing democratic participation and understanding civic rights and responsibilities.

Question

When we go to get tickets on a Wednesday for PMQs, we see the story of the suffragette movement on the walls. What assessment has the Minister made of the importance of teaching the women's suffrage movement as a compulsory component of the Official History Programme, particularly given its role in advancing democratic participation and strengthening pupils' understanding of civic rights and responsibilities, such as voting?

Answer from Nick Thomas-Symonds

I absolutely agree with the hon. Gentleman on the importance of teaching the campaign for women's suffrage. I should also update him, seeing as he has asked the question, that the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland is overseeing a significant history project akin to the Official History Programme covering the period of the troubles.

Not addressed: The question specifically asked about the importance of teaching women's suffrage in the Official History Programme, but the answer shifted to a different history project related to Northern Ireland.

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