UK Parliament
Lots of things that affect our lives, such as schools, hospitals and the
environment, are discussed in Parliament. But what is Parliament?
Key Words
House of Lords Member of the
House of Lords
Government
Parliament Law
Election
MP
House of Commons
Debate
Where Is the UK Parliament?
The Houses of Parliament, also known as the Palace of
Westminster, is in the centre of London.
It is one of the most iconic buildings in the world and
includes the green-coloured benches in the House of
Commons Chamber and the red-coloured benches in the
House of Lords Chamber. It also includes the famous clock
tower, popularly known as Big Ben.
Where Is the UK Parliament?
To give the people of Scotland, Wales and Northern
Ireland more say over what happens in their countries,
the UK Parliament has devolved (given away) some of
its powers to other national and regional bodies.
For example, in Scotland there is a
Scottish Parliament, which has elected
members who make some decisions for
Scotland. There is also the National
Assembly for Wales and the Northern
Ireland Assembly.
What Is the UK Parliament?
Parliament is made up of three parts: the House of Commons, the House of
Lords and the king or queen – known as the Monarch.
The House of Commons is made up of Members of Parliament (MPs). MPs are
elected to represent our views in the House of Commons.
In the House of Lords, members are appointed from inside and outside of
Parliament, based on their special experience and knowledge, to check and
challenge the work of the Government.
The role of the Monarch is mainly ceremonial these days. The Monarch meets
the Prime Minister once a week to hear what’s going on in Parliament, signs
new laws (gives Royal Assent) and attends the State Opening of Parliament.
What Does Parliament Do?
The main work of Parliament is to:
• check and challenge the work of the Government;
• make and change laws;
• debate the important issues of the day.
The issues discussed in Parliament affect us all
and include health, the environment, transport,
jobs, schools and crime.
Is Parliament Different to
the Government?
Yes! The Government’s job is to run the country.
Parliament’s job is to check and challenge what the Government does.
The UK usually holds a general election every five years. After the election, the party with
the most MPs can then form the Government.
The leader of the winning party becomes the Prime Minister and chooses a team of MPs
and members of the House of Lords to form the Government.
MPs and Lords who are not part of the winning party become the Opposition. They
check and challenge the ideas of the Government through debates
and questions.
There are also many Lords who are not members of either the Government or the
Opposition. They don’t belong to any political party. They are called ‘crossbenchers’ as
they sit across the middle of the House of Lords Chamber.
How Can I Get Involved?
The UK Parliament is your Parliament and your thoughts and ideas matter!
If you feel seriously about an issue, something in the news or an idea for a law that
Parliament is talking about, then you can get involved.
Let’s see how some young people are getting involved…
How Can I Get Involved?
Debating Speaking Up
If you are between 11 and 18 years old, you can Alex Rukin was just nine years
become a member of the UK Youth Parliament, which old when he became the
comes to the House of Commons every year to hold a youngest person to give his
debate about issues that are important to them. opinion to a House of Commons
Every year, young people from around the UK also Select Committee in Parliament.
take part in a House of Lords Chamber event where He gave his opinion about plans
they debate big issues, such as freedom of speech or for a new rail link near his home.
climate change.
Gaining Support
Lucy Gavaghan started a petition when she was 14 to
ban supermarkets selling eggs laid by hens in cages.
Her petition got so much support that supermarkets
made a promise to stop selling eggs from caged hens We’ll be learning more about how
by 2015. you can get involved with
Parliament throughout the week!
What Is Parliament Week?
UK Parliament It engages people Organisations from Events from last
Week is a festival from across the across the country year’s UK
which takes place country with the run events and Parliament Week
every year. work of the UK activities all about included lunches
Parliament, Parliament. with politicians,
explores what special film
Parliament means screenings in
to them and cinemas,
empowers them to community
get involved. debates and
quizzes.
What Issues Are Important to
You?
Parliament discusses issues which affect us all.
Here are some issues that may be important to you:
•Animal Welfare
•Health
•Education
•Homelessness
•Fairness
•Defence
•Environment
Plenary
On a whiteboard, write the three most important things that the UK
Parliament is responsible for.
Then think, pair and share with the children that are nearest to you.
