How does the UK Parliament work?

The UK Parliament is the supreme legislative body of the UK, the Crown Dependencies and the British Overseas Territories. It is made up of the House of Commons, the House of Lords and the monarch. The House of Commons is the elected chamber and the most powerful body in Parliament. The House of Lords is the non-elected chamber and plays a largely advisory role. The monarch gives royal assent to bills that have been passed by both Houses.

The UK Parliament has three main functions: to make laws, to hold the government to account, and to represent the interests of the people of the UK.

To make laws

The UK Parliament makes laws by passing bills. A bill is a proposed law that has been introduced into one of the Houses of Parliament. If a bill is passed by both Houses, it receives royal assent and becomes an Act of Parliament.

To hold the government to account

The UK Parliament holds the government to account by scrutinising its policies and actions. This is done through a number of mechanisms, including Prime Minister's Questions, select committees and debates.

To represent the interests of the people of the UK

The UK Parliament represents the interests of the people of the UK by making laws that reflect their needs and concerns. This is done through a number of mechanisms, including constituency work, debates and petitions.

The UK Parliament is a complex and fascinating institution that plays a vital role in the governance of the UK.