If over 18 and registered to vote, UK citizens can exercise their right to vote and be represented in Parliament.
However, Parliament is sometimes criticised for its lack of representation of women, ethnic minorities and people with disabilities.
In November 2008, the House of Commons agreed to establish a new committee, to be chaired by the Speaker and known as the Speaker's conference.
Speaker's conference
The conference's job was to: 'Consider, and make recommendations for rectifying, the disparity between the representation of women, ethnic minorities and disabled people in the House of Commons and their representation in the UK population at large'.
The Speaker's Conference published its final report on 11 January 2010. To read the report, go to: Speaker's Conference on Parliamentary Representation: Final Report.