The Westminister Parliament

Parliament is an essential part of UK politics. Its main roles are:

Examining and challenging the work of the government (scrutiny); Debating and passing all laws (legislation); Enabling the government to raise taxes.

The two houses system The business of Parliament takes place in two Houses: the House of Commons and the House of Lords. Their work is similar: making laws (legislation), checking the work of the government (scrutiny), and debating current issues. The House of Commons is also responsible for granting money to the government through approving Bills that raise taxes. Generally, the decisions made in one House have to be approved by the other. In this way the two-chamber system acts as a check and balance for both Houses. The Common (the upper house) The Commons is publicly elected. The party with the largest number of members in the Commons forms the government. Members of the Commons (MPs) debate the big political issues of the day and proposals for new laws. It is one of the key places where government ministers,

like the Prime Minister and the Chancellor, and the principal figures of the main political parties, work. The Commons alone is responsible for making decisions on financial Bills, such as proposed new taxes. The Lords can consider these Bills but cannot block or amend them. The Lords (the lower house) The House of Lords is the second chamber of the UK Parliament, it complements the work of the House of Commons. It makes laws, holds government to account and investigates policy issues. Its membership is mostly appointed and includes experts in many fields. The House of Lords includes three different types of members: the Lords Spiritual (the senior bishops of the Church of England), the Lords Temporal (members of the Peerage) and the Law Lords, whose members are not elected by the population at large, but are appointed by the Sovereign on advice of the Prime Minister. Legislation Parliament is responsible for approving new laws (legislation). The government introduces most plans for new laws, or changes to existing laws - but they can originate from an MP, Lord or even a member of the public or private group. Before they can become law, both the House of Commons and House of Lords must debate and vote on the proposals. Introducing legislation Bills normally introduce new laws. Bills that deal with more political or controversial issues usually begin in the Commons. Defeating and delaying legislation To become law the text of a Bill must be agreed by both Houses. Either House can vote down a Bill in which case it will normally not become law - but there are exceptions. The Commons can pass the same Bill in two successive years, in which case it can become law without the agreement of the Lords. Bills which are only

about money (raising taxes or authorising government expenditure) are not opposed in the Lords and may be only be delayed for a month. Royal Assents The reigning monarch has to approve all new laws - called the Royal Assent but this is a formality as in practice it is not withheld. Royal Assent was last withheld in 1708 when Queen Anne refused a Bill to settle the Militia in Scotland. When a Bill is given Royal Assent it becomes an Act of Parliament. It is then the responsibility of the relevant government department to implement that law (eg, the Home Office will deal with new Acts relating to immigration).

Debates Both Houses of Parliament hold debates in which Members discuss government policy, proposed new laws and current issues. Debates are designed to assist MPs and Lords to reach an informed decision on a subject. Votes are often held to conclude a debate, which may involve then passing or rejecting a proposed new law (legislation) or simply registering their opinion on a subject. All debates are recorded in a publication called 'Hansard' which is available online or in print. Debates in the Commons Commons debates are often lively, with MPs intervening on each other's speeches to support or challenge what they are saying. It is a dynamic style of discussion, in which MPs generally respond to the points made by other speakers rather than reading out formal, set-piece speeches. However, rules still govern

debates. MPs have a right to be heard without overwhelming background noise, and unparliamentary language is not allowed. Debates in the Lords The main role of the House of Lords is to debate and revise major legislation, but Lords also take part in general debates and discuss subjects of topical interest - like a new report, or a matter of public concern. The Lords regulate themselves and the order of business in the House. Therefore, there can be greater flexibility amongst its Members to examine an issue for longer than is typical in the Commons. Checking the work of government Parliament examines and challenges the work of the government. Both the House of Commons and the House of Lords use similar methods of scrutiny, although the procedures vary. The principal methods are questioning government ministers, debating and the investigative work of committees. The government can publicly respond to explain and justify policies and decisions. Rules and customs The origins of Parliament go back to the 13th century, and there are many rules and customs that affect how it runs. Some of these are written down and are called 'Standing Orders'. Other rules are set out in resolutions of the House. However, much of how Parliament does its business is not determined by rules but has become established through continued use over the centuries - this is sometimes known as 'custom and practice'.