All-Party Groups (APGs) are informal cross-party groups that have no official status within Parliament. They are essentially run by and for Members of the Commons and Lords.
The UK has many political parties, the main three being Labour, Conservative and Liberal Democrat. These three work in both Houses.
MPs and Members of the House of Lords are expected to adhere to high standards in their public life.
Nearly all MPs represent political parties. Members of the Lords are also organised on a party basis; however, Members of the Lords do not represent constituencies and many are not members of a political party.
The UK public elects Members of Parliament (MPs) to represent their interests and concerns in the House of Commons.
During an election everyone eligible to cast a vote in a constituency (constituents) selects one candidate to be their MP.
MPs can assist their constituents in a variety of ways, from making private enquiries on your behalf, to raising matters publicly in the House of Commons.
Find out the current annual salary for an MP and the additional allowances they are entitled to.
By raising an issue in the House of Commons, MPs can bring it to the attention of the press and public.
Publications
Parliament is developing a series of virtual tours. The first of these is a visit to the House of Commons Chamber and surrounding rooms. This tour uses Flash Player.