The UK Parliament is the highest legislative authority in the United Kingdom. Based at the Palace of Westminster in London, it is one of the oldest and most influential democratic institutions in the world.
Structure of Parliament
Parliament has three parts:
The House of Commons - 650 elected Members of Parliament (MPs) - Each MP represents a constituency - The Commons creates and passes laws - Holds the government to account - Controls taxation and spending
The House of Lords - Around 800 members (Lords) - Includes life peers, hereditary peers, and bishops - Reviews and revises legislation - Can delay (but not permanently block) bills - Provides expertise and scrutiny
The Monarch - Formally opens Parliament - Gives Royal Assent to laws - Role is largely ceremonial
How Laws Are Made
- A **Bill** is introduced (usually by the government)
- **First Reading** - formal introduction
- **Second Reading** - debate on principles
- **Committee Stage** - detailed examination
- **Report Stage** - amendments considered
- **Third Reading** - final debate
- Process repeated in the other House
- **Royal Assent** - becomes law (an Act)
Key Facts
- **Mother of Parliaments** - Westminster's model influenced democracies worldwide
- **Parliamentary sovereignty** - Parliament is the supreme legal authority
- **General elections** - held at least every five years
- **Prime Minister** - leader of the party with Commons majority
The Speaker
The Speaker of the House of Commons chairs debates and maintains order. They are elected by MPs and must be politically neutral.