Parliament

The UK Parliament dates back to the mid-13th Century and is the highest legislative authority in the United Kingdom - the institution responsible for making and repealing UK law. It is made up of three constituent parts: The House of Commons, the House of Lords, and the Crown. It is also known as the Legislature.

What does Parliament do?

Parliament is responsible for

  • making laws;
  • controlling finance (the House of Commons approves proposals for government taxes and how they are spent);
  • protecting the interests of the public by checking the Governments work (for example, making them defend their policies and explain them to the public). They do this through parliamentary debates, parliamentary questions and committees of inquiry known as Select Committees;
  • debating current affairs. Both Houses of Parliament debate on significant national and international issues; and
  • reviewing European proposals before they become law.


Further information about Parliament, including details of Bills currently before Parliament, how Parliament works, visiting arrangements and 'what's on' can be found using the links on the right hand side of this page.

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