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UK Parliament

What is the role of Parliament?

The main functions of the UK Parliament are to:

  • Check and challenge the work of the Government (scrutiny)
  • Make and change laws (legislation)
  • Debate the important issues of the day (debating) 
  • Check and approve Government spending (budget/taxes)

Parliament is made up of three central elements: the House of Commons, the House of Lords and the monarchy. The main business of Parliament takes place in the two Houses. Generally the decisions made in one House have to be approved by the other.

Checking the work of Government

One of Parliament's main roles is to examine and challenge the work of the government

Making laws

A central role of Parliament is to make new laws as well as making changes to existing legislation

Debating

Both Houses of Parliament hold debates in which Members discuss government policy, proposed new laws and topical issues of the day

Check and approve Government spending and taxation

The Budget is presented to the House of Commons by the Chancellor of the Exchequer each year. MPs debate the proposals and scrutinise the Finance Bill which brings them into law

Parliament's authority

Parliamentary sovereignty is a principle of the UK constitution. It makes Parliament the supreme legal authority in the UK, which can create or end any law

Relations with other institutions

Parliament is an essential part of UK politics and interacts on a daily basis with a number of important institutions

House of Commons Enquiry Service

Contact us if you have a question about the work, history or membership of the House of Commons.

Email: hcenquiries@parliament.uk
Telephone: 0800 112 4272 (Freephone) or 020 7219 4272
Text phone: Dial 18001 followed by our full number

Telephone enquiry service is usually open between 10am-12 midday and 2pm-4pm (Monday to Friday).

Find out more

Lords enquiry service

Contact the House of Lords enquiry service with questions about the Lords:

  • Telephone: 0800 223 0855 (Freephone) or 020 7219 3107
  • Email: hlinfo@parliament.uk
  • Text Relay: 18001 7219 3107

Living heritage

An insight into the political, social and cultural roles Parliament has played in the development of British society. Explore Parliament's history and its continuing significance in our lives today.

VIsit Living Heritage