The Proclamation for the Dissolution of the 2005-2010 Parliament took place today at 3pm at the Royal Exchange in the City of London.

When the Prime Minister called the general election on 6 April, he sought a dissolution from the Queen. This is known as a royal proclamation which dissolves Parliament and announces the date of the new Parliament and State Opening.

By tradition, the Proclamation, which is signed by The Queen, is expected to be publicised as soon as it is received. It is delivered by hand by the Privy Council Office to the Serjeant-at-Arms at the Lord Mayor’s official residence, Mansion House, who forms a procession to The Royal Exchange.

Why does a Parliament end?

Under UK law, a general election must be held and a new Parliament elected, at least every five years.  The Prime Minister can call a general election at any time within this period and not all Parliaments last the full five years.

What does dissolution mean for MPs?

When Parliament is dissolved every seat in the House of Commons becomes vacant. MPs immediately revert to being members of the general public and lose all the privileges associated with being a Member of Parliament.

They are allowed access to Parliament for just a few days to remove papers and equipment from their offices. But all MPs' services and facilities are closed at 5pm on the day of dissolution.

Until a new Parliament is elected, MPs do not exist. Those who want to be re-elected must stand again as candidates in their old constituencies.

Who runs the country while there is no Parliament?

The Government does not resign when Parliament is dissolved. Essential business must carry on and government ministers remain in charge of their departments until after the election result is known.

However, the Government suspends any advertising campaigns and doesn't make major policy decisions or announcements. This used to be known as 'purdah' but is now usually called the pre-election period.

When is a new government formed?

After the election result is known, the the Queen will ask the leader of the majority party to form a new government.

What does dissolution mean for the Lords?

Members of the House of Lords are appointed - not elected - so during dissolution they remain Members. However, all business in the Lords comes to an end, and while Members can access Parliament, only limited facilities and services are available.

They are required by law to take an oath of allegiance to the Crown when they take their seats in the new Parliament. This time they will also sign an undertaking to abide by the House of Lords' Code of Conduct. 

When does Parliament return?

Parliament will return on Tuesday 18 May. The new MPs start swearing allegiance to the crown, or making an affirmation, and start the process of choosing a new Speaker.

Find out more

• About Parliament: General Election 2010 timetable
• Get involved: Register to vote, standing for Parliament
• Popvox: Quick Guide for first-time voters
• Topical Issues: general election facts and figures
• Parliament News: Parliamentary session ends Thursday 8 April
• Parliament News: End of the 2005-2010 Parliament

http://news.parliament.uk/2010/04/dissolution-of-parliament-12-april-2010/